Math Giraffe
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Doodle Notes
  • Shop
  • Classroom Management & Ideas
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Middle School
  • Inquiry Learning
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Pre Algebra Doodle NoteBook
  • Finance Doodle NoteBook
  • Distance Math Activities
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Doodle Notes
  • Shop
  • Classroom Management & Ideas
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Middle School
  • Inquiry Learning
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Pre Algebra Doodle NoteBook
  • Finance Doodle NoteBook
  • Distance Math Activities
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Picture

10/26/2015 19 Comments

Teaching on a Block Schedule

Teaching on a Block Schedule -
Whether you love or hate block scheduling, there are certain features that must be kept in mind when planning a block lesson.

I decided to write this to share some of my favorite ways to structure a block period to take full advantage of the benefits while accounting for the disadvantages of a block as well.

I have found that blocks are absolutely amazing for inquiry learning.  There is plenty of time to make discoveries and then come together to share them and clear up misconceptions.  You can even follow it up with practice, all within the same period.

Blocks are also great for incorporating more differentiation in your classroom.  Note the "split end" strategy that I use to make differentiating flow seamlessly (more about this below...).
Pin it

Things to Keep in Mind

There are a few inevitable side effects of operating on a block schedule.  I always try to keep these in mind when planning a lesson:

  --  You will always need more review on a block schedule.  It may have been more than a year since a student last had math (for example if he took Algebra 1 the first semester of Freshman year, then does not have Geometry until second semester of Sophomore year)  I like to meet this need by tossing extra review into my warm-ups.  Include a few Algebra review questions each morning before starting Geometry class.  They will have forgotten a lot!

--  You will always need more variety to keep students engaged for 80 or 90 minutes.  I love the way Leah Cleary describes this:
How to Teach on a Block Schedule - Full Article at mathgiraffe.com
This quote from Leah gave me some great non-math perspective on a block!  I like the idea of using a graphic organizer or playing Kahoot.  Also, an ongoing project is a perfect way to optimize those last few minutes of a block period.  Check out Leah's blog here for more great ideas on teaching History, Psychology, and more.
--  You will have to keep in mind that the overall course map for a student may look different than a typical high school course of study.  A block can allow for more math classes throughout the four years.  Since a student can take two classes in one year (one per semester) while still maintaining the correct sequence, you may have a student take 5 or 6 math classes total.  (example: Algebra 1 as a Freshman, Geometry as a Sophomore, Algebra 2 during the fall of Junior year, Pre-Calc during the spring of Junior year, and Calculus Senior year).  This can be a big advantage, but may result in more mixed classes.  Be prepared for a discrete math class that has Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors all together.

An Inquiry Approach

Block Advantage #1 - Ideal for Inquiry:
Try a discovery-based lesson with the following format.  Your students will have plenty of time to explore, internalize the properties they learned, record notes, and then even do a practice activity or application. 

This particular example focuses on a High School Geometry lesson for introducing Circle Theorems.

During the "Split End," students divide themselves into two groups based on their own needs.  Read more about this at the end of the post.
Sample Lesson Plan for Block Schedule - Trying a
Pin it
Materials featured (check these out if you are interested in trying this particular lesson):
Circle Theorems: Inquiry-Based Discovery
Circle Theorems: Always, Sometimes, Never
Circle Thoerems: Angle Puzzles

Fitting it All In

Block Disadvantage: not as many class days
You will sometimes have to fit two lessons into one day in order to get through all the content.  Here is how you can make it happen.

This sample lesson is for middle school math - an introduction to the coordinate plane.

Planning on a Block Schedule - Use a
Pin it
Featured Resources:
Coordinate Plane Mini-Unit (coming soon! - Be sure you are following my TPT store.)
Coordinate "Planes" Paper Airplane Activity

What About Assessment?

Block Advantage #2 - Time Before & After a Test
I love being able to take those few extra minutes of review before a test.  The kids like this too.  You can either format it as a last minute Q&A or you can use a review game if there are no specific questions. 

An even bigger advantage can sometimes be the time after the test.  You can cut down on wasted time heading into the next unit.  Try a "hook" activity or a quick lead-in to the upcoming content.

In this Algebra sample block, the ending "treasure hunt" partner activity seems like just a fun review of graphing lines, but it actually is leading the students smoothly into the next concept: systems of linear equations.
Sample Block Schedule Lesson Plan
Pin it
Materials Featured:
Exponent Rules "War Game"
Treasure Hunt: Graphing Linear Equations

A Different Twist

Block Advantage #3: Formative Assessment
This particular sample packs in a ton of variety, which is so crucial in a block schedule.  But what I love most about it is that the quiz is right in the middle of the lesson.  This was contributed by Leah Cleary, who teaches history on a block. 

Her lesson features the Age of Exploration.  I love how she uses quiz responders to get immediate feedback.  She also does a "split" for easy differentiation, but places this a little before the end of the block to allow for everyone to come back together for the video clip and culmination of the lesson. 

I love how many different activities she is able to fit into this block plan! 
Picture
Pin it
Featured Resources:
European Explorers & Exploration Lesson
Triangular Trade Foldable
Vocabulary Task Cards
Foldable Organizers for Interactive Notebooks

The "Split End"

Ok, so let me tell you a little more about the split end.  This is a strategy I discovered by accident, and am still trying to perfect in my mind.  But it REALLY works!

It seems to always be the case that a few students need only 5 minutes to go over just the one tough question on last night's homework, and another group of kids needs an intensive review of all of it.

There were a few times where I would finally just say, "Ok, only those who need it, we will go over the rest of this homework at the end, while the others start tonight's work."  I did not love this, because some kids would choose to start tonight's homework even if they were not ready.  I really prefer to optimize class time for everyone. 

So.... I tweaked this over time to become a great way to differentiate instead!

A group of kids who need MY help for the last few minutes of class would come up to the board and work together with me.  Sometimes it might be last night's homework, sometimes it is a guided version of the same activity that people are doing at their seats.

The great thing about this is that the kids started learning to self-differentiate.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that for the most part, they grouped themselves based on what they needed.  It does not really bother them that some need extra time, and some are ready for a challenge. 

The kids who need help consider it a privilege to get a little more guided instruction, while the ones who are ready to move on consider it a privilege to be allowed to move on independently.  Everyone wins!

Check out the video I put together about this differentiation strategy.  
Link to Differentiation Video
Pin it
If you want to try the "split end" approach at the end of your class period, here are a few options you can use (Pick TWO or THREE for each lesson).  Mix & Match!
  • Spend more time (with the teacher-led group) on last night's homework
  • Work together (in a teacher-led group) on today's activity
  • Work alone (or quietly with a partner) on today's activity
  • Try the "basic" version of today's practice
  • Try the "challenge" version of today's practice
  • Work on an extension activity that goes beyond the scope of this class
  • Stick with the teacher-led group for an additional Q&A about today's lesson
  • Try practice problems at the board with the teacher-led group
  • Work silently in the back of the room on the practice problems
Also, be sure that your students do not get into set groups.  These groups should be flexible and fluid (see video link above).  A student should get to decide each day whether that particular topic is something that she still has questions about or if this is a day that she's ready to move on.

Remember:

No portion of any of the above sample lessons is longer that 20 minutes (aside from the Test).  Be sure that you are spicing it up.  Get the kids up and moving around.  Try a different location or a different format for each transition.  If notes are done with students in rows, facing the front of the room and sitting quietly, then the next activity should be done spread throughout the room with partners. 

Variety is the key to making a block work well. 

If you have not yet joined my email list as a subscriber, enter your email below.  I'll send you some great ideas and resources for middle and high school math teachers. 
You might also like these other blog posts -- stick around and browse, or bookmark for later!
Pin it
19 Comments
Stacie
4/27/2017 08:59:51 am

I love this post! I am transitioning back to the math classroom after being out of it for 5 years teaching STEM (44 minute class periods.) I hated the idea of book work for 90 minutes and I KNEW there had to be other teachers out there mixing up their block. Thanks for the AMAZING ideas. I can't wait to start planning my lessons for the 2017-2018 school year.

Reply
Math Giraffe link
4/27/2017 02:55:26 pm

Hi Stacie,
Thanks so much! I am really glad it was helpful. Good luck with keeping the variety in your block - hope these ideas work well for you :) Have a great spring!
-Brigid

Reply
Andriana Scherrer
10/31/2017 12:19:05 pm

Thank you for ALL the super helpful tips and resources. I am and instructional coach who works with new teachers. I am particularly interested in your wondering graphic from your blog on the topic of block scheduling. I was wondering if I may have a PDF version of the example/sample block plans to use as a reference for my new teachers.

I really appreciate your consideration in this matter.
Thank you,
Andriana Scherrer

Reply
Math Giraffe link
10/31/2017 02:08:37 pm

Hi, Andriana!
You're welcome! Thanks so much for your comments. I can put these onto a page and make a PDF of the images so they can be printed. Just email me at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com so I can put that together and send it your way with those samples. Thanks!
-Brigid

Reply
Rena Anthony
2/19/2018 08:59:31 pm

I know this is and old post, but i really like the examples of block scheduling provided here. My campus is transitioning and teachers are concerned about how to fill the space. When I suggested varying the activities several times I was met with blank stares. Is there any chance that you were able to create PDFs of the samples as requested in an earlier comment?

Reply
Math Giraffe link
2/20/2018 09:57:59 am

Hi Rena,
Yes! I can send it to you. Just email me at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com :) It can be a challenge to shift over if the teachers are not used to it! Hopefully this will help. Thanks!
-Brigid

Reply
Katie Fender
6/22/2018 10:46:22 am

Hi Brigid,
I teach 8th grade math, and my school is going to a type of block schedule next year. Each class will meet daily but every other day will be a double period (Day 1: 45 minutes, Day 2: 90 minutes, Day 3: 45 minutes, and so on). This summer, we are looking for ways to organize our time on the block days so we make the most of it. After all, we fought really, really, really hard to get the extra time. To be sure, there will be stakeholders interested in what we did with the time. Your examples will be an awesome resource for us. Is it possible to get a PDF version to share with my fellow math teachers?

Thanks for all you do,
Katie

Reply
Math Giraffe link
6/24/2018 08:14:37 am

Hi Katie,
Sure, just email me at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com and I can send it over :) Thanks so much! I hope it helps. That sounds like a great schedule! Have a wonderful weekend,
-Brigid

Reply
Tim Anderson
7/19/2018 12:26:48 pm

I really appreciated the different ways you presented to attack the block schedule. Last year, teachers were hesitant about making the change. I think sample #4 would be perfect for us!! Please continue to share your ideas!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
7/20/2018 07:20:17 am

Thanks so much, Tim! I really appreciate your comment :) I hope it goes more smoothly this year! It's such a tricky transition. Have a wonderful weekend,
-Brigid

Reply
Stacey link
7/8/2019 12:06:06 pm

Do you have a block schedule planned for guided 3rd Math that’s 45 minutes?

Reply
Math Giraffe link
7/9/2019 01:24:03 pm

Hi Stacey,
Thanks for asking, but no, I have not taught students that young. Sorry! A "block" is generally a class that is double that length as far as scheduling. 45 minutes is considered a single period, while a block is a double period. But that is possibly different for elementary grades - -I am not sure! :) Thanks for commenting! Have a great day,
-Brigid

Reply
Jun Wang
7/22/2019 05:07:44 pm

Hi, Stacie,
Awesome ideas! I found them very helpful as I am preparing my lesson plans for the new semester. Our school is transitioning to 4 x 4 block schedule this coming semester and the ideas and samples you presented here come just in time. Thank you so much for sharing! Have an amazing new school year!

Reply
Ms. Cardenas
8/4/2020 05:49:57 pm

Thank you for this resource! I haven't taught block schedule in 2 years so it's nice of you to refresh my memory and use visuals!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/5/2020 01:00:29 pm

I am so glad it helps! :) Thank you and have a great school year!
-Brigid

Reply
Wanda
8/9/2022 12:09:33 am

I was wondering if I may have a PDF version of the example/sample block plans to use as a reference.

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/11/2022 10:18:44 am

Hi Wanda,
Absolutely! :)
Just email me at brigid@mathgiraffe.com so I have your email address and can send it back your way as an attachment.
Have a great day!
-Brigid

Reply
V. San
2/7/2023 05:38:36 pm

Is it possible to have a PDF version of the example/sample block plans to use as a reference.

Reply
Math Giraffe link
2/8/2023 11:02:33 am

Hi,
Absolutely, just email me at brigid@mathgiraffe.com and I can send it your way.
Thanks and have a great day,
Brigid

Reply



Leave a Reply.


    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014


    RSS Feed

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
    Click to set custom HTML
Proudly powered by Weebly
Photos used under Creative Commons from kellywritershouse, Robert-Herschede, University of the Fraser Valley, mrhayata, Iwan Gabovitch, nateOne, Franklin Park Library, rhymeswithsausage, US Department of Education, Edsel L, Larry1732, philwarren, peteselfchoose, Dean Hochman, BryonLippincott, AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, Nilsze, philosophygeek, VividImageInc, cantanima, dcysurfer / Dave Young