Classroom Organisation: Numeracy

Whole Group Focus: Introducing the Concept (10-15 minutes)

This is the time when the whole class joins together to focus on the concepts being taught in the unit. 

During this session the teacher sets the scene and motivates the students.  There is interaction between the teacher and the whole class as they share their skills and understandings further.

During this session the teacher uses a ‘shared’ teaching approach.

Small Group Focus: Applying the Concept (30 to 35 minutes)

The aim of this session is for the teacher to assist students at their point of need and then move them on.

Teacher Directed

During this part of the session, the teacher works with a small number of ‘like needs’ students to teach level appropriate concepts. The teacher uses a modelled, shared or guided teaching approach depending on the level of support the students need. The teacher directed part of this session should run for 10 to 20 minutes — after this time the children need to work on related independent tasks, while the teacher roves among the class.

During this roving time the teacher monitors and assesses students, and notes those individuals to be included in future Focus Teaching Groups.

Independent (individual, pair, small group)

During the independent maths activities, students work in small groups, with a partner or individually on more open-ended tasks specifically designed so students can work at their individual level of understanding.

It is an expectation that at least one of the activities each week integrates the use of technology such as calculators and computers.

Whole Group Focus: Whole Class Share Time (10 to 15 minutes)

This is the time for the class to regroup, reflect upon and celebrate learning.  This session promotes the students use of mathematical language, and enables the teacher to gain valuable insights into the student’s mathematical thinking and the strategies they are using.