Numeracy Programme

Beginning to find a working 'skeleton' for maths at last (I think). Here's the core set of my planning/programme.

1. Numeracy Online Planning Sheets
2. New Zealand Curriculum Mathematics text books from Caxton Educational
3. Figure it Out series

I use the planning sheets for unit overview.

I use Figure It Out most often for group teaching rather than independent work.  And will use them in mostly in place of the equivalent sections from the 'pink numeracy books' as many of the math contexts in Figure It Out are more engaging for the students but allow for the use of materials to introduce new math concepts and thinking.

I use the NZCM text books for nearly all of my practice follow-up.  On the bottom of each page there is a reference to where each section of work relates directly to the numeracy online planning.  I have added page notes to my copy of the planning.

This has worked well for me this term.  In addition, I still need to make up some math game/activities or problem-solving to supplement the programme.  Again, many of these can be found in the figure it out books. 

Goal for release time usage

Last year I had 1 day per week release from my class as part of my beginning teacher programme. This year that time is reduced to 1/2 day per week (then none once I am fully registered). A lot of my release time last year I used for various planning and preparation. This year my goal is to spend more time observing other teachers' practice.

A particular area of focus I want to concentrate on is that of small group teaching in maths, reading, and writing. I don't feel this was a strong point for me last year, so hope to gain some helpful insight and ideas for improving this.