2. Warm Up In your math folder, copy and complete the following: I could probably help someone with… I would probably need help with…

3. Objective Students will be able to… explain the “hows” and “whys” of using the strategy of flexible groups in math class this year.

4. Today you will be: thinking about your thinking! Tips for Success: For this activity, you should focus on the: questions you are asking yourself decisions you are making thinking skills are you using

5. Math is like the Earth… it has many layers.

6. Which challenge is appropriate for students who… are currently learning how to divide whole numbers have already learned how to divide whole numbers and can demonstrate mastery? Consider these two fraction multiplication challenges. Challenge A: Use your understanding of division to solve these five whole number division problems. Challenge B: Use your understanding of division to create and solve five word problems that demonstrate real-life application of whole number division.

7. The skills we learn in math are layered from basic, or introductory, to the more complex. When we look at a skill and break it apart into levels we are analyzing the skill. Analysis involves examining in detail, comparing, and contrasting. Breaking something apart and studying the parts helps us to better understand the complexities of the “whole”.

8. Have you ever…  Understood a new math skill in class and then been totally confused when you tried to do your homework?  Caught on to a new skill quickly and then been bored when the teacher re-taught it?  Been confused during class and left for the day without really understanding how to do your homework?  Been made fun of for something you need help with?  Put others down because they couldn’t do something that you could?

9. Doing something you already know how to do can be repetitive and even boring. Attempting something you have no idea how to do can be overwhelming and frustrating. Our goal for this class is for everyone to have meaningful, challenging work. Therefore, to be fair, not everyone will have the same work at the same time. But, everyone will be challenged!

10. In math this year we will be working in “flexible groups” based on the skills being assessed. If your assessment indicates that the skills being taught are new to you, then you will have traditional teacher led instruction with skill development and practice. If, on the other hand, your assessment indicates previous mastery of the skills being taught, then you will work independently on alternative learning activities that provide challenging opportunities to apply your creative and critical thinking skills in the context of the skills being taught.

11. Ground Rules for Successful Flexible Grouping This class must be a “safe” place where we all feel comfortable to take risks. (No putdowns or making fun of someone who doesn’t understand. In this class, we will work together so everyone will be successful and challenged.) Everyone does challenging work. For some of us, the “new skill” being taught will be challenging. For others, who have demonstrated mastery of the new skill, alternative assignments will provide the challenge.

12. Structurally, as a class, we will move into and out of groups based on individual needs. One group will work with the teacher to practice/ reinforce the new skill. The other group will investigate an extension assignment. Students who are working on an alternative assignment will need to practice their higher level thinking skills (analysis, decision making, inferring, interpreting, etc.) They will need to learn to work independently (without the teacher’s input) while the teacher is working with the other group. All students in both groups should work quietly and stay focused.

14. Try this challenge- analyze a skill you already know: Create five decimal subtraction problems of increasing difficulty. Rank your problems from: 1- easiest to… 5- most challenging Think about your choice of problems and their ranking. Be prepared to explain your thinking/ reasoning.

15. Closure- Assessment 1.Explain the purpose and benefits of using flexible groups in math class. 2.What questions or concerns do you have about the use of flexible groups in your math class?