1. Math Boxes Math/Science Facilitator Meeting April 18, 2007 Brenda_Wray@dpsk12.org Sarah_Gan@dpsk12.org

2. Math Boxes One of the main components for reviewing and maintaining skills. Provide continuous distributed practice of concepts and skills targeted in the Grade- Level Goals. Important that the problems for each lesson are completed.

3. Features for Differentiating Linked with one or two other lessons - target the same concepts and skills – useful as extra practice tools. Using the Writing/Reasoning prompts, students communicate their mathematical thinking, understanding of concepts, and strategies for solving problems. Multiple-choice format provides students with an opportunity to answer questions in a standardized-test format. Teachers can use the distractors to identify common errors and address student’s needs.

4. Modifying Math Boxes Modify the range of the numbers or focus on a different level of difficulty of a concept or skill Make various manipulatives available to provide concrete models for practicing concepts and skills Have tools available to help children solve problems

5. Using Math Boxes in the Classroom Create a cardstock template that allows students to focus on only one problem at a time. Have students use stick-on notes to cover all but one problem. Identify problems that are essential. Encourage students to complete these problems first. Students can return to complete unfinished Math Boxes during spare time.

6. Have students complete problems independently. Then in small groups, students share answers and explanations. Divide the class into groups. Have each group solve one of the Math Box problems. “Jigsaw” to form new groups. Each student in the new group is an expert on one of the problems who explains the problem to the students in the group.

7. Create Your Own Math Boxes With Blank Masters Create a set of problems that focus on a single concept or skill in a variety of contexts. Create a Math Boxes page that links with a set of Math Boxes pages in the Journal tailoring the numbers to meet the specific needs of a group of students. Create a set of extra practice problems.

8. Adapt Minute Math + problems to review concepts or skills. Target a specific concept or skill – using the page for one week, each day replacing the numbers in the problems with new numbers. Use the routines templates to make new Math Boxes pages.