5 Must-Have Math Routines 

Are you looking for an easy way to make your math block as smooth as a Taylor Swift song?  You know – where everything just seems to come together naturally, and all the kids know exactly what to do when transitioning from one classroom activity to math. When I first started teaching, this was not exactly how it went in my classroom. But now, it is nothing but a Fearless experience everyday! With strong routines in place, not only will your students love math, but they will not want the class to end. Let’s dive in and find out my five simple must-have routines so you can be Fearless too. 

Routines are the Key

My husband and son require strong routines. While I personally have no problem when plans change and the unexpected is thrown at me, my boys don’t handle this well.  Guess what? Most of our students don’t handle this well, either. Students thrive when they know what to expect when they walk into your classroom.  It is a confidence boost for them.  By keeping your math routines consistent, you will allow your students to feel comfortable and confident in their thinking.  As a bonus, they will participate more in class, too! With all that said, here are the five routines I can’t live without in my math classroom.

Step #1: Have a Warm-Up Math Activity

Everyday when you begin your math block, have your students complete a short warm-up activity for the first 2-5 minutes of class. Predictability is key in having solid routines, so use the same type of activity each day if possible. Whether you are in a self-contained classroom, or your students are switching between teachers, this activity will allow for a smooth transition time. When you immediately have an activity for students to work on, they will know exactly what to do when they come in so they can get focused more easily.

Need some help coming up with a simple warm-up activity? Here are a few examples:

• Fact Fluency Practice
• Daily Math Journal Questions
• Recording Homework or classwork in a planner
• Getting supplies on their desk and ready
• Turn homework in

Step #2: Whole Group Instruction

Keep your whole group instruction as consistent as possible. I’ve found that keeping my whole group instruction short and to the point is best.  The longer I stand up and talk to my kids, the less time I have for them to practice the skills they need to master. Because of this, I try to limit my whole group time to 15-20 minutes each day.  When your kids figure out that the whole group time is short every day, it forces them to engage and pay better attention so they are ready to practice those skills independently. Remember, you have the skills mastered already; that’s why you are the teacher. I’ve designed guided notes that I use along with a timer with my fifth graders to keep me on time.

Step #3: Small Groups

Small group time is where the magic happens.  By shortening your whole group time, you give your kids a ton of small group practice with YOU! My kids know that I’ll be pulling groups daily, and they beg to come to the table.  Kids love working in smaller groups which allows them to deepen their understanding and grow.  If possible, I try not to have more than eight kids in a group.  Quality is more important than quantity, so while I have four groups total, I only ever plan to meet with two groups a day. I meet with the stronger groups first since I can get through them faster.  I save the groups that need more support for last because I know they will need more time with me for guidance. I also want to be sure to give them plenty of time to practice the skill.

Step #4 Expectations

Students know that our time is precious, and therefore, they are not allowed to interrupt me during small group time.  When I begin small group instruction, I wear a crown that I purchased from Amazon to serve as a visual cue for my kids not to interrupt the group.  While I meet with a small group, the other students are working independently or with a partner at their desks.  Students may be completing independent practice activities, math centers, technology games, or programs. I allow the kids to collaborate because the goal is for learning to occur.  If a student needs help and I’m not available, they are able and welcome to lean on each other. 

Step #5 Have a Catchphrase 

Have a phrase you tell your kids every day!  I currently have three math blocks each day.  When my kids leave, the last thing they hear me say is, “I love ya, but you’ve got to go!”  It’s so cute; within a week of using the phrase, my kids begin completing it for me.  Having a catchphrase is helpful because it signals that the class is over, and they can start to pack up to go.  However, my favorite reason to use a catchphrase is that it helps build a genuine relationship with the kids.  Typically, the kids beg to stay and tell me how much time flies when they are with me! 

Fearless Math Routines

These five things have helped me establish a smooth routine for my students and me. I love that my kids always know what to expect when they come into my classroom. Because many of them lack consistency in so many other areas of their lives, solid routines are often something they crave. I’m glad I can give them that.  

Looking for a way to streamline your instruction?

Now that you understand the importance of consistency, are you interested in finding a consistent way to plan your math units?  I’d love to give you my free guide to planning your standards-based math lessons!