In my role as interventionist I’m writing the middle school math curriculum for our Title 1 after school program. Circumstances outside of my control have prevented us from rolling out the program sooner, but invitations will be going out next week and we anticipate a start date within the next two weeks.
I know students will need review and reteaching of concepts, but I also want them to develop a repertoire of problem solving strategies so I will be including James Tanton’s Curriculum Inspirations. which is supported by the Mathematical Association of America. It’s a fabulous resource that includes a series of 10 strategies with examples.
Since the first lesson will focus on multiples and factors students will be introduced to Tanton’s think aloud on the Divisible by 13 task using the problem solving strategy Engage in Successful Flailing. They’ll solve the problem using the attached.
Of course students will have opportunities to practice LCM. Then they will have a chance to explore multiples and 3 consecutive numbers problems from Don Steward’s site.
Several teachers will be implementing the after school program, so it makes sense for the curriculum to be delivered using Canvas. Each lesson begins with a content page that identifies the learning objectives and mathematical practices. The page also includes a resource link so teachers have access to answer keys stored in google drive.
As the title of this post suggests I want to balance review, reteaching, and problem solving. Students need to be exposed to challenging problems but they need to have access to them as well.
Curiouser and Curiouser 