As teachers, we strive to help our students meet their maximum potential for learning. However, the learner diversity within classrooms can provide unique challenges that are difficult to meet within a traditional lesson structure.  Math workshop is a flexible instructional format that allows teachers to meet the diverse needs of students in their classroom. Instruction using a workshop model provides a purposefully planned integration of whole group, small group and individualized learning opportunities that results in deep conceptual understanding. Lessons are focused on small group instruction that is student-centered, promotes student engagement and maximizes learning. Individualized attention towards students boosts confidence and provides an environment where students feel comfortable with risk-taking, asking questions and receiving feedback to their learning. 

Shelly Daun and Amanda Ironside have many years of experience working with teachers to successfully meet the diverse mathematical needs of their students by providing teachers with increased knowledge of how students learn math and what teachers can do to move their students along a continuum of  deeper understanding.  During this series, Amanda and Shelly will provide teachers with the how-to’s for a math workshop model, as well as an exploration into workshop structures and classroom organization in order to meet the needs of the diverse learners in their math classrooms.