It is so good to be back in classrooms again! All summer I worked around the U.S. with teachers, but the kids were off for the summer. Last week our schools were open, so I got to go to a few of my favorite rooms to work with the students (and their teachers). I visited a few math classes and introduced our first math station in one classroom. We taught a game to the whole class (very throroughly), had two students show the rest of the class how to play, and then had all kids play with partners as their first math station. More to follow in the next few weeks.
The secret is to introduce each station well, one at a time, to be sure students understand the routine and can work independently. Take something you’ve taught well, and then have students do it with a partner. The teacher isn’t working with small groups. She is walking around the room, checking in and observing students at work.
Two students model how to play the game, Close to 100, for the rest of the class
Directions written with the class on how to play this game
All students play in pairs around the room
Jamila checks in with partners as they work at their first math station
Debbie Diller 
Will you be writing a math book next?
Yes, in fact I am writing a book on math stations right now! The book should be released in Summer/Fall 2010. It is a very exciting project and I’m looking forward to sharing how to teach with math work stations in much the same way we teach with literacy work stations.
Math stations are something I desperately need to start. What are some helpful resources to use in planning until your book comes out? I have the literacy station book, but I having difficulty coming up with meaningful math stations that stick with routines.
Hi Liz,
You might check out anything by Kathy Richardson. I love her books and ideas. Hope this will help you. Also, look at your math curriculum and talk with others on your team. Grow stations from what you’re already teaching.
All the best to you,
Debbie