1st Edition
Math Work Stations Independent Learning You Can Count On, K-2
If you' ve ever questioned how to make math stations work, you' ll find this photo-filled, idea-packed resource invaluable. This book extends Debbie Diller' s best-selling work on literacy work stations and classroom design to the field of mathematics. In Math Work Stations you' ll find ideas to help children develop conceptual understanding and skills, use math vocabulary as they talk about their mathematical thinking, and connect big ideas to meaningful independent exploration and practice. This book details how to set up, manage, and keep math stations going throughout the year. There' s even a chapter devoted solely to organizing and using math manipulatives. Each chapter includes:
- key concepts based on NCTM and state math standards; math vocabulary resources and literature links; suggested materials to include at each station for the corresponding math content strand; ideas for modeling, troubleshooting, differentiating, and assessment; and reflection questions for professional development.Throughout the book, Debbie has included hundreds of color photos showing math work stations in action from a variety of classrooms in which she has worked. Charts, reproducible forms, and math work stations icons are included to provide everything you' ll need to get started with stations in your classroom right away.
Biography
Debbie has been a national consultant since 2000, but still has those back to school dreams in the fall. After playing school in the basement of her childhood home in Lititz, Pennsylvania, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Millersville University and Temple University and spent the next four decades as an educator. She's worked as a classroom teacher, migrant education teacher, Title I reading teacher, and literacy coach in Pre-K through grade 10 in diverse public school settings. Her love of teaching stems from her love of learning. I have always loved learning. Becoming a teacher was a way I could share that love of learning with children and eventually, with adults. A big part of her learning is listening to teachers and their professional development needs. When I work with teachers, I try to understand their needs by finding out what they know and listening to their questions. Then I begin where they are and work with them to help them take the next steps toward where they (and/or their school systems) want (them) to be. I believe in professional reading and professional learning communities, and support teachers in their quest to best meet the needs of all students in their classrooms. Debbie's ideas for her books also come from her work with teachers. She listens for frequently asked questions, patterns, teachers' needs, and keeps a writer's notebook to collect ideas, thoughts, and notes. Often, the old joke comes to mind: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. That's how I write: Bit by bit, on planes, in hotel rooms, in my office on a rare day. Teachers' questions and comments spur me on through my daily, ongoing work in classrooms, which sustains my craft. Debbie's family has changed and grown in recent years. Her son, Jon, and daughter, Jessica, are both married, and she now has a granddaughter, Chloe, with another on the way. Debbie's husband, Tom, passed away in 2012.
"There is so much to learn from Diller’s visually stunning book — the many photos of students using the math workstations are really helpful. All this information is invaluable to help visualize how your classroom can look and how the math workstations can function. It is an indispensable shortcut to many hours of organizing and preparation. I cannot ask for anything more than what is available in this resource!" - Professionally Speaking
