Reply To: Lesson 6-2: Question

[Erin Wahler-Cleveland]

I used Everyday Math in 5th grade as well very early in my career, now over 10 years ago. I remember loving the concept of spiraling, but also struggling with what you say some teachers mention – the spiraling felt ineffective because kids often couldn’t retrieve skills needed and because there were not multiple examples on one topic, I couldn’t figure out a way to teach them without “giving away answers” or taking on the majority of thinking. Now in reflection I think what held it back was the lack of depth and connections to make the spiraling effective.

[Erin Wahler-Cleveland]

I used Everyday Math in 5th grade as well very early in my career, now over 10 years ago. I remember loving the concept of spiraling, but also struggling with what you say some teachers mention – the spiraling felt ineffective because kids often couldn’t retrieve skills needed and because there were not multiple examples on one topic, I couldn’t figure out a way to teach them without “giving away answers” or taking on the majority of thinking. Now in reflection I think what held it back was the lack of depth and connections to make the spiraling effective.