BUILD

Hi there!

Well, these past few days we have implemented BUILD Math centers and what a blast the kids are having!  I first learned about BUILD Math reading one of the many blogs I have become a bit addicted to - Adventures in Teaching.  I have always LOVED using math centers and really struggled with our new enVisions math curriculum last year.  It is simply way too much paper pencil and not enough discovery for my little 1st graders!  

So, here is my understanding and implementation of BUILD...

B - Buddy Games
U - Using Manipulatives
I - Independent Work (usually math books)
L - Learn about numbers
D - Do math

I have chosen to implement these work stations like I used to implement Kindergarten Workplaces from Bridges in Mathematics.  I have a bucket for each letter which has a designated area within the classroom.  In each tub, I have placed only what the students will need - no extras!  At this point, I am assigning and moving students through their BUILD work stations, but I imagine within another week or two, they will be ready to do this independently!  Here is how I organize it...

Students wrote their names on the notecards.  Gave them ownership!

In this past week, I have witnessed a new energy in my students during math time.  We are still working through our core curriculum, but spending about half our time daily working through BUILD work stations.  Since it is my job to teach to the Common Core Math Standards, I have chosen for this to be my guide when developing and implementing BUILD.  I am using the standards we are addressing in enVisions and finding engaging hands on activities for the students to participate in. 

At this point, here is what I have in my buckets...

B = Bugs in the Garden Addition from Bridges in Mathematics
U = Polydron exploration
I = Counting and number books
L = Spin and write from Bridges in Mathematics
D = Haunted Fact Families (self created)

The students are loving it!  Here is some proof!

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am I found this inspiration!!  Math is back to the fun it used to be!!

Thanks for reading!!