Math Work Stations - Chapters 1 and 2

I'm excited to be learning more about Debbie Diller's book, "Math Work Stations."  I read it a few months ago, but now I want to see how others are actually putting her ideas into action. 

I'll admit I'm more of a "center" gal than a "work station" gal.  I have always loved teaching with a theme.  My biggest fear with using work stations is the children will get bored with the same activities for several weeks at a time.  I can't wait to see how others are implementing Debbie's ideas.  I'm really hoping to learn a lot this summer-- thanks to all of you.


On a different note, this year I made a lot of changes to the way I do math, and I LOVE it!  I've devoted much more time in my day to student hands-on practice and my kids LOVED it!  My team decided to use our "assigned" curriculum, Everyday Math more as a tool than the Math Bible.  It's been more work for me to supplement (a whole bunch) but it really paid off. 


I'm linking up with with Mrs. Wills for Chapters 1 and 2.

Chapter 1: The Checklist
1. Materials used by the teacher first, then placed in the station: half of the time
2. Materials do not change weekly, but rather to reflect the students' learning objectives: No- my materials change each week. They are created to reflect their needs, and often they are the same activity with a new look.
3. All students go to stations daily: Yes!!
4. Materials are differentiated: No- I need more pointers on this one
5. The teacher observes work or meets with groups- Yes!!


Chapter 2: Organization
I wish I had some pictures to share, but my room is packed up for the summer.  I love to keep things organized.  Unfortunately, my room is very tiny, and it doesn't offer a lot of space for anything extra.

I use the white plastic three-drawer systems to store materials for each month.  Each drawer is labeled with a month.  I have 4 sets stacked together in a tall cabinet.

I use binders to store all of my teacher masters (for all subjects).  I put the originals in plastic sleeves and it makes things so easy to see.  Binders work SO MUCH BETTER than files in a filing cabinet.

I have one shelf for manipulatives.  I really had to purge and get down to what was really needed/used because of the lack of space. 


I use the Sterilite tubs (that hold 8.5 X 11" paper) for the materials that my kids are using each week.  They are labeled "Tub 1", "Tub 2", etc.