Over the years, I have tried to use spiral math reviews for morning work. They are easy to prep, students know what to expect, and claim to cover everything my students need for the year. Sounds perfect! So why don’t I love them?
Spiral math reviews just don’t work for my students. Education is not a cookie cutter model. What some 5th grade students cover in September in Connecticut might not be covered until December in Washington. I found that the reviews were either too easy because they only reviewed the previous year’s standards or they introduced skills we hadn’t talked about yet (and that my students might not have the prerequisite skills to understand). This introduced another problem because I had to delay core instruction to discuss the problem that had everyone stumped.
I wanted to love spiral reviews for their convenience, but I just couldn’t.
What do I use instead of spiral math reviews?
I reflected on my goals for math review. I decided that I needed an in depth understanding of what my students knew about a specific topic. Spiral reviews ask just a few questions about a topic, so I didn’t feel like I had enough information to use to drive my instruction.
I tried to find reviews that targeted specific standards and included an assessment component with no luck. I felt so strongly that my students needed a targeted math review that I created them myself!
Focused Math Reviews have had a huge impact on my students’ success and my understanding of their present levels. They also made report cards and parent conferences so much easier because I had plenty of data!
What is a Focused Math Review?
Focused Math Reviews usually target one standard. They include four days of scaffolded practice and an assessment. I typically choose a standard that we just worked on to target for our weekly Focused Math Review.
I have students complete the daily practice as part of their morning work. We take a few minutes at the start of the math block to go over their solutions to clear up any misconceptions. On the last day of the week, students independently take an assessment. This assessment includes many questions targeting the standard in different ways.
The data from the assessment is so helpful because it is timely and specific. I use the feedback to pace instruction and form small groups for interventions. I am able to catch and address misconceptions quickly so students have the skills they need to move on.
The weekly assessments also provide data on a consistent basis. This makes report cards so much easier. I know what each child has mastered and what they need to work on.
Targeted reviews have had a huge impact on the progress of my students.
Do your students need a systematic intervention like this? Please consider using Focused Daily Reviews with your students. You can create your own or save time by using the reviews I have already made targeting 4th grade and 5th grade standards.
