Are
you starting to incorporate differentiation into your teaching? With a little
prompt from my district, I am starting to teach my math block completely
differentiated! :) I searched online: blogs, TpT, pinterest, research,
etc. for ideas on what framework I should use. I saw a lot about stations,
centers, Daily 3 Math, and more. What intrigued me the most and what I
ultimately decided on using was the BUILD framework.
BUILD is an acronym
standing for Buddy Games, Using Manipulatives, Independent, Learning about
Numbers, and Doing Math. These acronyms leave a lot of room for interpretation -
which is great! I’m writing today to give ideas and share how I use this
framework!
Math
Block BUILD structure:1 hour
& 20 minutes
1. Whole group math movement - 5
minutes
During this time I use youtube clips and/or simple exercises to
practice counting, skip counting, subitizing, number sense, etc. This is a
great way to get the wiggles out and transition into math without directions.2. BUILD Math Rotations: around15
minutes each station
My students rotate through ALL stations with strategy groups. I
always start with my intervention group needing the most support so they can be
successful at the other stations. I finish with my high fliers, which some days
leaves them with less attention, but in their differentiated stations they are
receiving more enrichment.
Buddy Games- At this spot students work with
a partner or group of 3 to play games focusing on skills. Many games
incorporate number sense, counting, addition and subtraction.
Using Manipulatives- I actually call this one “using
my hands” with students. This helps them to know that at this station there
will always be something for them to TOUCH (pattern blocks, ten sticks and
ones, pattern links, addition counters, geoboards, play-doh activities, etc.)
Independent- Students go here after small
group instruction. This is where they practice curriculum materials after our
daily lesson. I teach Math Expressions, and this is where they work in their
workbook independently. “I” could also stand for iPads if you have that
technology in your classroom!
Learning About Numbers- This station is perfect in a
primary classroom especially. Students begin working on understanding numbers
1-10, then teen numbers, then 100 chart numbers, and addition and subtraction.
We spend a lot of time at this station playing 100 chart games and number
ID/number writing activities. (L could also be your teacher table for LEARNING)
Doing Math- This is where I do my small
group instruction. I teach all students the SAME curriculum lesson and modify
it to meet the needs of my learners. My intervention group may be using
manipulative counters to solve 1+2 and my enrichment group may touch on simple
addition and then dive into 9+7 or adding 2 digit numbers using 10 sticks and
ones.
(D could also be the independent
part too! – use the acronyms to best fit
YOUR classroom!)
Tips
to Remember:
1. Groups must always remain
flexible!
2. Keep a planning page separate
for BUILD to help stay organized
3. Start finding resources and
filing them by the BUILD letter and math skill.
4. Ask for help! If you have a
district math coach, have them into your room when establishing routines!
5. Find a teammate! Ask them to
find B,U stations and you can find I, L stations!
6. Establish independent stations
before trying to teach small groups. We do this in Daily 5/Guided Reading, we
have to do it in math too!
7. Any differentiation is helping
your student! Start small and “BUILD” your way up. J
I have
created a REUSABLE math pack with games, manipulative work, and number sense
that perfectly aligns with BUILD! I hope you find it useful during your math
block too!
