Math Exchanges: Guiding Young Mathematicians in Small Group Meetings

by Kassia Omohundro Wedekind

Traditionally, small-group math instruction has been used as a format for reaching children who struggle to understand. Math coach Kassia Omohundro Wedekind uses small-group instruction as the centerpiece of her math workshop approach, engaging all students in rigorous "math exchanges." The key characteristics of these mathematical conversations are that they 1) short, focused sessions that bring all mathematical minds together, 2) responsive to the needs of the specific group of mathematicians, and 3) designed for meaningful, guided reflection. As in reading and writing workshop, students in math workshop become self-directed and independent while participating in a classroom community of learners. Through the math exchanges, students focus on number sense and the big ideas of mathematics. Teachers guide the conversations with small groups of students, mediating talk and thinking as students share problem-solving strategies, discuss how math works, and move toward more effective and efficient approaches and greater mathematical understanding. Although grounded in theory and research, Math Guiding Young Mathematicians in Small Group Meetings is written for practicing teachers and answers such questions as the

Genres: Mathematics, Teaching, Education

216 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2011

About the author

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind spent many wonderful years as a classroom teacher and math coach in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and now splits her time between being an independent math coach and an editor at Stenhouse Publishers. Her favorite days are spent in classrooms learning from the many ways children talk, listen and negotiate meaning together. Kassia tweets at @kassiaowedekind and is @kassiaowedekind on Instagram.

Reviews

[Mary Alise Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much more than what I bargained for! I thought it would be a good read for me to help my teachers do more small group work in math. In reality, it was less about the organization of the classroom during small group math work, and more about the planning, understanding, and knowledge of the teacher to conduct small group lessons on number sense and problem solving! Highly recommended!

[Barb Keister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great math workshop resource for building a community of mathematicians based on similar principles used in building rich literacy workshops. In-depth discussions of different types of word problems. Especially loved the idea of using mathematician statements across the year to help students develop identities as mathematicians and make real-life connections.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Made me look at teaching math in a different way--it's just that, since I learned math one way, I have no idea how to teach it that way!! I need her to live with me for a year and be my mentor!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book-but it leaves me wanting more! Kassia keep writing! And can you come to my classroom? If you are looking for new ways to work with small groups instead of always reteaching or remediating this is the book for you.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really changed my way of thinking about mathematics instruction. The author provides meaningful resources and helpful examples about how to implement math workshop into your instruction. More than that, she also shows the reader how to instill a true love of mathematics in students.

[Joanie Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great professional read! I will definitely carry some of what I read into my teaching this fall.
I liked the ideas about creating math anchor charts as well as using a workshop routine for math.

[Franki Sibberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Made me completely rethink the way I teach math.

[Maria Caplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many ideas that I can take away for my fifth grade classroom. Read it on the iPad now going back to read all highlighted notes.

[Glenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Mrs V's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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