It’s THAT Time of Year

As our spring breaks come and go over the next few weeks, I know that this time of year brings some added stresses. This final stretch between now and summer means preparing students for end-of-year testing if you are in a testing grade. I’ve been there. It’s not fun. Yet, we know it is our reality.

So, I want to share some ways that you can review some of those previous units with students, help build their confidence in their ability to crush any assessment that is thrown at them, and not suck the joy out of the next few weeks.

Use Learning Stations Versus Worksheets

Learning stations, or centers, provide students with opportunities for meaningful engagement in mathematics through purposeful activities and choices. These stations foster collaborative learning environments where students work together in pairs or small groups, actively participating in discussions and math activities.

Learning stations offer students a chance to interact with various mathematical concepts throughout the week or even within a single day. They make learning mathematics enjoyable and exciting, incorporating activities that spark student interest and promote a love for the subject. Games and puzzles, in particular, encourage students to take ownership of their learning and persevere through challenges.

Additionally, learning stations facilitate differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to meet the diverse needs of students within one classroom. For example, teachers can provide additional support to students who require further instruction while others work collaboratively at stations.
So, while we may be in our “test prep era,” we can still allow for some fun in our math classroom. We don’t need to stand at the copy machine for an hour copying a test prep packet. Instead, bring out the learning stations that you used throughout the year and allow students to play those games again. This review of the prior content can help them remember the skills they learned throughout the year and make connections among the mathematical ideas they have explored.

Check in with an Exit Ticket

Ultimately, learning stations support student learning and foster a dynamic classroom environment where students actively participate in their mathematical education. You may be thinking that those games aren’t what they will see on the test. And, you are right! And, thank goodness! After all, we wouldn’t want a classroom experience for kids in which they are preparing for a certain type of test all year. YUCK! So, once students have re-engaged with the previous math topics through stations, you can check in on their understanding using an exit ticket that may have a couple of test-like questions on it. With those exit tickets, you determine what students know and who may need a little extra support. Then, while students are in learning stations tomorrow, you can work with small groups using the data from the exit tickets.

You’ve Got This!

While this time of year can feel heavy, we can do something to ensure that our classroom stays focused on the student and on the beauty of problem-solving. So, bring out those stations and step away from the copy machine. You’ve got this, and so do your students!

Want more information on learning stations?  Check out the learning station chapters in my books.