How to Set the Stage for Eureka Math - Understanding the Lesson Structure

 Where to Start?

We as teachers want to read everything in detail and be sure we are getting it all in. 

This can be overwhelming and time consuming when you are looking to get started using the Eureka Math program. It is so detailed that it can be overwhelming. However, it doesn't have to be. There is a structure and a flow that every lesson follows, and once you know what it is and YOUR STUDENTS know, lessons will run more smoothly.

​Here is the meat of what you need to know to successfully plan out your Eureka Math lesson- the routine!

 Lesson Structure

Eureka Math resources provide a lesson template.  This is a great way to keep yourself organized and to be sure you are getting it all in.  I find sticking to a set schedule helps me plan and find balance.  Everything at once does look like so much to take in!

Each day provide your students with approximately:

• 15 minutes of fluency practice
• 30 minutes for concept development
•  5 minutes for application problems
• 10 minutes for student debrief

 Fluency

The fluency portion of your lesson should be fun for the students! 

Draw students in and get them motivated, warmed up, and ready for more! ​There are a variety of activities to use during this time.  

Sprints: You will find sprint pages in the Student Practice book also called Fluency.  These quick facts have an A section and a B section.  Give the students a direct time to work and stop them when time is up.  Have students count up how many examples they could complete.  Then set the time again for section B.  Students will try to beat their score this round!
 
Fluency examples can also be found at the beginning of each lesson.  Many times you will review a previously learned concept using base ten frame cards, place value, or facts!  Any time you can incorporate real world concepts will really motivate and draw-in the students too.

Concept Development

Move seamlessly into your concept development. 
This is your new skill to introduce. 

​Keep the direct instruction clear and brief.  Guide your students by providing them with new strategies and a clear systematic process to problem solve.  Allow time for them to independently practice with your guidance.
Use concrete models and anchor charts to support your teaching.  Keep your charts to refer back to when extending lessons into pictorial and abstract strategies.

Management Tip: Have student whiteboards and any manipulatives that will be needed in the lesson already in place to use for quick access after you complete the fluency portion.  The less movement students have to do between the lesson segments the better!

Application Problem

This is a quick continuation of problem-solving strategies to keep reviewing them each day. 

​Each lesson has one application problem.  The problems follow a process called RDW- read, draw, and write. This system helps provide a checklist for students to be sure they have thoroughly answered the questions.

I created workbooks for students in K-5th grade that follow the process and offer handwriting and sentence creating scaffolding.

Students are taught to read the problem to pick out all of the important information, draw a picture (tape diagram, number bond, or array), write the equation and solve, then write a statement to conclude the problem in words.  Students restate the final question by filling the answer.
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Students are also presented with multi-step problems to solve as well at times!  Keep the types of problems fresh for them to stay challenged.

Student Debrief

1st Grade Student Debrief

This is reflection time! It gives students the opportunity to discuss and share what they have learned during that lesson.  Many teachers skip this part, but that is not recommended. 

The class discussion allows students to ask questions and seek clarification on concepts. Additionally, it helps the teacher to  determine if the concept was generally understood.

Exit Ticket

These are problems based on the concept development that students complete at the end of the lesson. 

​It provides the teacher with an immediate assessment and also provides students the accountability of their learning.  They will be able to reflect on their own learning to know if they are confident or feel there is something they still want to practice more.

Fifth Grade Eureka Math Exit Ticket

Keep it Consistent

Remember the absolute importance of consistency.  Setting this routine will provide you and your students with stability, management, and a way to be set for learning.  Practice the routines and provide praise for your students as they transition.  Using this structure will provide good classroom management as well as consistent teaching.

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My name is Stephanie Achord and I am from New Hampton, NY. I have been a classroom teacher for sixteen years.  I am currently a second-grade virtual teacher.  I enjoy spending time with my husband, two snuggly pugs, and two small boys bike riding and taking camping trips.