I Changed!
This is my first year teaching grade 3. I attempted to put in my MATH-WIN program that I used in upper elementary with limited success. The third graders couldn't remember their responsibilities at seven station... and so I brought it down to six. While BUILD has five letters, it doesn't include working with the teacher like MATH-WIN does.
What is BUILD? Where does it come from?
To be honest, I am not sure where BUILD comes from... I have heard that it was developed by the 2 Sisters as a Math response to Daily Five, but I am not sure if that is true.
BUILD is a lot like Daily Five. Students choose which center to go to (although my kids have to go to each center at least once a week). Each center has a different task.
BUILD is a lot like Daily Five. Students choose which center to go to (although my kids have to go to each center at least once a week). Each center has a different task.
As you can see above, the different centers are Buddy Math, Using Manipulatives, Independent Work, Learning About Numbers, Doing Math. I personally adapted Using Manipulatives to Using Manipulatives and Technology so I could have more flexibility.
Buddy Games
Buddy Games are just like they sound, games that are does with a buddy (or two, or three!). These days there are so many great games you can make and buy for math and kids always learn more when they are having fun! My favourites are usually from Box Cars and One Eyed Jacks. Their games require usually only a paper template, and either dice, dominoes or cards.
Using Manipulatives and Technology
One thing I love about primary math is that the concrete is still so directly applicable to the math they are doing. Why not bring in manipulatives whenever you can? It helps kids understand so much better! On my students math reflections they always refer back to the manipulatives center, even if it wasn't the most fun. I added in the technology component just in case I can't think of anything for the kiddos to do with manipulatives that is relevant. So far, it hasn't happened yet!
Independent Work
This is like the homework section (although sometimes I use technology here too!). Students work on something at their desks independently in order to continue building their skills. It would be a worksheet, a page from the textbook, an iPad app, or some kind of individual game.
Learning About Numbers
Anyone else feel like the could study number all year long, and the students would still need more? Our math curriculum is quite diverse and "Number" is just one component. I am excited to be able to study it all year long using BUILD without necessarily focusing on it all year. Here are a few ideas of what we do in Number:
Doing Math
I once went to a Guided Math workshop where the consultant stated that the number one most important center in Guided Math programs is a math investigation. It brings math back to the real world and allows students to use their problem-solving skills in real life situations. I hope to show you a couple of my math investigations in the next couple of weeks!
Scheduling
I use BUILD 3-4 days a week depending on attendance of the children. We always start with a mini-lesson that lasts between 8-15 minutes at our front carpet. Then the children head off to their centers for 15 minutes. Sometimes I just hang out at the centers with them, guiding and challenging them to do more. Other times I pull small groups to work on intervention or advancement. After the 15 minutes are up we do another (usually shorter) mini-lesson, and then back to another round.