In a recent conversation, dynamic math instructional coach, Chrystena Talamantez, shared the overwhelmingly positive response her teachers had to additional support in guided, small-group work with students at the Teacher Time Station. Since having this station was the primary reason why I created the Tabor Rotation Framework, I asked Chrystena to share her personal testimony to the extreme value of Teacher-Guided Math Instruction/Teacher Time.…
What makes a powerful, rigorous, and relevant math station activity?
1. Identify the content standard.
One of the activities that uses building blocks to concretely explore a concept is the Math Common Core State Standard from fourth grade, MCC4.OA.1a: Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems.…
“Teaching is a calling, too. And, I’ve always thought that teachers, in their way, are holy- angels leading their flocks out of the darkness.” -Jeannette Walls, Half Broken Horses
In September of 2013, I began to work with a team of teachers who were looking for a way to provide better math instruction to their students.…
“The world is full of people who have dreams of playing at Carnegie Hall, of running a marathon, and of owning their own business. The difference between the people who make it across the finish line and everyone else is one simple thing: an action plan.” …
What is expanded form and how do we make the practice of expanded form hands on and engaging?
Let’s start with the first question.
Expanded Form is…
…the writing of a number to show the value of each digit.
…the sum of each digit multiplied by its place value.…
I have the distinct honor of working with some of the most dedicated educators on the planet. Some of these incredible educators have been trained in Project-Based Learning before learning more about the Tabor Rotation Framework. Those who believe in the power of PBL and small-group, differentiated instruction may have ask themselves this question,
“Can a classroom use Project-Based Learning and Tabor Rotation?…
“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist or to accept the responsibility for changing them.” -Denis Waitley
The first challenge of differentiated Readiness Groups, based on your students’ level of understanding of skills and concepts, is realizing that all students deserve the opportunity to move further ahead in their depth of understanding.…
Does Tabor Rotation work with…
…CCSS-Common Core State Standards?
…TEKS-Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills?
…CCGPS-Common Core Georgia Performance Standards?
…my district’s mandated curriculum?
…the new program my district just adopted?
The list could go on and on, but the answer to every one of the questions above is YES!…
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” -Michael Jordan
That’s why teams working together at math stations are a vital component of the Tabor Rotation Framework. Effectively equipping teams for their work is imperative—especially in a math classroom at a math station!
When teachers begin to sophisticate their use of students working in math stations in a classroom, many questions arise.…
