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Math Mends Together

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Lesson Plan

Math Menders Session 1

Introduce students to restorative circle norms and collaboratively review addition facts to build math fluency and community.

This lesson fosters a respectful classroom community and strengthens addition skills, encouraging students to communicate supportively and reinforce foundational math knowledge.

Audience

2nd–5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Combine circles with collaborative math tasks.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Restorative Circles

7 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and explain the purpose of restorative circles: building trust and respectful listening
  • Review circle norms using the Restorative Circle Guidelines
  • Demonstrate how to use the talking piece: only the holder speaks while others listen attentively

Step 2

Circle Discussion Activity

8 minutes

  • Pass the talking piece around and prompt each student to share one positive thing about math class
  • Encourage attentive listening and affirming responses (e.g., thumbs up, nod)
  • Reinforce that all contributions are valued and no one is rushed

Step 3

Addition Review Warm-Up

10 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and distribute cards from the Addition Review Card Set
  • Partners take turns solving the addition problems on their cards and checking each other’s answers
  • Instruct pairs to write any missed problems on sticky notes and place them on chart paper for later review

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

5 minutes

  • Reconvene in the circle and invite volunteers to reflect on how the circle felt and what they learned
  • Discuss one new thing they discovered about a classmate through the activity
  • Summarize the importance of respectful communication and practice addition facts daily
  • Close by passing the talking piece one final time for appreciation comments
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Slide Deck

Math Menders Session 1

Restorative Circle & Addition Review

2nd–5th Grade | 30 minutes

Welcome everyone! Introduce the Math Menders series and explain that today we’ll learn how to work together in a circle and review addition facts. Highlight that this session is 30 minutes long.

Session Objectives

• Establish circle norms for respectful listening and speaking
• Share positive math experiences in our class community
• Practice addition facts collaboratively
• Reflect on our learning and connections

Read aloud the objectives and explain how each connects to today’s activities. Emphasize community-building and math fluency.

Restorative Circle Norms

• Speak only when holding the talking piece
• Listen quietly and respectfully while others speak
• Share ideas and feelings honestly
• Keep responses positive and supportive
• Honor everyone’s turn

Display the circle guidelines and review each one. Ask students to repeat or give a thumbs-up if they understand.

Using the Talking Piece

  1. Hold the piece when it’s your turn to speak
  2. Pass it clockwise after you finish
  3. Listen while others speak
  4. Keep your remarks focused and kind

Demonstrate how to hold and pass the talking piece. Remind students that only the person with the piece speaks.

Circle Discussion Prompt

Share one positive thing you enjoy about math class.

• Something you learned recently
• A favorite math activity
• A skill you’re proud of

Explain the prompt clearly. Encourage students to speak from the heart and keep it brief (10–15 seconds). Model one example if needed.

Addition Review Warm-Up

  1. Pair up with a classmate
  2. Take turns solving cards from the Addition Review Card Set
  3. Check each other’s answers
  4. Write any missed problems on sticky notes and post on chart paper

Explain how partners will work with the addition cards. Show a sample card and sticky note. Monitor pairs and offer support.

Reflection & Closing

• How did it feel to use the circle today?
• What new thing did you learn about a classmate?
• Why is respectful listening important?

Pass the talking piece once more to share one word of appreciation.

Bring students back to the circle. Invite 2–3 volunteers to share what they learned and one new thing about a classmate. Then close with gratitude.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Math Menders Session 2

Use restorative circle check-ins to share subtraction challenges and collaboratively practice subtraction facts for improved fluency.

This lesson encourages students to express difficulties, listen respectfully, and strengthen subtraction skills through peer support and reflection in a trusting community.

Audience

2nd–5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Circle check-ins with paired subtraction practice.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Restorative Check-In

5 minutes

  • Gather students in the circle and pass the talking piece
  • Prompt each student to share one thing they find challenging about subtraction and one positive feeling about math
  • Encourage active listening and affirmations (e.g., nods, thumbs up)

Step 2

Mini Lesson: Subtraction Strategies

7 minutes

  • Model a subtraction problem on the whiteboard, demonstrating both regrouping and strategies (e.g., number line)
  • Ask students to suggest alternative methods for solving the same problem
  • Highlight key language (minuend, subtrahend, difference) and encourage questions

Step 3

Subtraction Practice Warm-Up

12 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and distribute cards from the Subtraction Practice Card Set
  • Partners take turns solving problems and checking each other’s work
  • Have students write any especially tricky problems on sticky notes and post them on chart paper for group debrief

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

6 minutes

  • Reconvene the circle and invite volunteers to discuss one strategy that helped them and one insight about a peer’s approach
  • Summarize the importance of sharing challenges and strategies to support learning
  • Close by passing the talking piece for one word of encouragement to a classmate
lenny

Slide Deck

Math Menders Session 2

Restorative Check-In & Subtraction Practice

2nd–5th Grade | 30 minutes

Welcome back, Math Menders! Introduce today’s focus on subtraction check-ins and collaborative practice. Remind students this session is 30 minutes.

Session Objectives

• Share subtraction challenges and positive feelings in our circle
• Explore strategies for solving subtraction problems
• Practice subtraction facts collaboratively
• Reflect on strategies and peer support

Read aloud the objectives and explain how each will guide our circle and math work today. Emphasize sharing, strategy, practice, and reflection.

Restorative Check-In

  1. Pass the talking piece around the circle
  2. Share one subtraction challenge you have
  3. Share one positive thing you like about math
  4. Listen respectfully and give affirmations (nods, thumbs up)

Gather students in the circle with the talking piece. Explain the check-in prompt and model one example share.

Subtraction Strategies Mini-Lesson

• Model a subtraction problem with regrouping and a number line
• Introduce key terms: minuend, subtrahend, difference
• Ask students to suggest alternative methods and explain their thinking

Move to the whiteboard for a mini-lesson. Solve a sample problem, label parts, and invite student suggestions.

Subtraction Practice Warm-Up

  1. Pair up and get a card from the Subtraction Practice Card Set
  2. Take turns solving and checking each other’s answers
  3. Write tricky problems on sticky notes and post them on chart paper

Explain the pair work and monitor partners. Show a sample card and sticky note.

Reflection & Closing

• Which strategy helped you most today?
• What did you learn from a peer’s approach?

Pass the talking piece one more time to share a word of encouragement.

Bring students back into the circle. Invite volunteers to share insights and close with encouragement.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Math Menders Session 3

Introduce students to effective multiplication strategies through restorative circle sharing and small-group exploration to build fluency and peer collaboration.

This session empowers students to articulate their multiplication understanding, learn diverse strategies (e.g., arrays, skip counting), and collaborate, reinforcing math skills in a supportive community.

Audience

2nd–5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Circle sharing and collaborative group practice.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Restorative Check-In

5 minutes

  • Gather students in the circle and pass the talking piece around
  • Prompt each student to share one multiplication success or challenge they’ve experienced
  • Encourage active listening and affirmations (e.g., nods, thumbs up)

Step 2

Multiplication Strategies Mini-Lesson

7 minutes

  • Model two strategies on the whiteboard (e.g., arrays and skip counting)
  • Demonstrate with a sample problem (e.g., 4 × 6) using both methods
  • Introduce key vocabulary (array, factor, product) and invite student questions

Step 3

Small-Group Exploration

12 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4 and distribute cards from the Multiplication Practice Card Set
  • Assign each group a different strategy to practice (array, number line, skip counting)
  • Encourage groups to solve each card, discuss their chosen strategy, and note any tricky problems on sticky notes for the class chart paper

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

6 minutes

  • Reconvene in the circle and invite each group to share one strategy they found helpful and one sticky-note problem they want to revisit
  • Summarize how sharing strategies strengthens our math community and deepens understanding
  • Close by passing the talking piece for each student to say one word describing how they feel about multiplication today
lenny

Slide Deck

Math Menders Session 3

Restorative Check-In & Multiplication Strategies

2nd–5th Grade | 30 minutes

Welcome back, Math Menders! Introduce today’s focus on multiplication check-ins and collaborative strategy exploration. Remind students this session is 30 minutes.

Session Objectives

• Share multiplication successes and challenges
• Explore strategies (arrays, skip counting)
• Practice in small groups
• Reflect on learning and insights

Read aloud today's objectives and explain how each guides our circle and math activities. Emphasize sharing, strategy exploration, practice, and reflection.

Restorative Check-In

  1. Pass the talking piece around the circle
  2. Share one multiplication success or challenge
  3. Listen respectfully and give affirmations (nods, thumbs up)

Gather students in the circle and pass the talking piece. Explain the prompt and model a share.

Multiplication Strategies Mini-Lesson

• Model arrays with a sample problem (e.g., 4 × 6)
• Demonstrate skip counting method
• Introduce key terms: array, factor, product
• Invite questions and alternative methods

Move to the whiteboard for a mini-lesson. Model two strategies and introduce vocabulary.

Small-Group Exploration

  1. Form groups of 3–4 and get a card from the Multiplication Practice Card Set
  2. Practice your assigned strategy (array, number line, skip counting)
  3. Discuss your approach and solve each problem
  4. Note tricky problems on sticky notes and add to chart paper

Explain small-group work. Assign each group a strategy and distribute practice cards.

Reflection & Closing

• Which strategy helped you most today?
• Which problem do you want to revisit as a class?

Pass the talking piece one more time to share one word about how you feel about multiplication.

Bring students back to the circle. Invite group shares and close with a final check using the talking piece.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Math Menders Session 4

Review mixed addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems collaboratively, reflect on personal progress, and set individual math goals in a restorative circle.

This lesson consolidates students’ fluency in all operations, fosters self-assessment and goal-setting skills, and reinforces a supportive classroom community.

Audience

2nd–5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Mixed practice and goal-setting circle.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Restorative Progress Check-In

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and pass the talking piece around
  • Prompt each student to share one math skill they’ve improved and one they’d like to strengthen
  • Encourage active listening and affirmations (e.g., nods, thumbs up)

Step 2

Mixed Operations Review Warm-Up

12 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and distribute the Mixed Operations Review Sheet
  • Partners take turns solving a variety of addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems and checking each other’s work
  • Write any challenging problems on sticky notes and post them on chart paper for later discussion

Step 3

Goal-Setting Activity

8 minutes

  • Provide each student with a sticky note and guide them to write one SMART math goal (specific skill, action, timeline)
  • Instruct students to post their goals on chart paper under “Math Goals”
  • Invite partners to offer positive feedback or suggestions for refining each goal

Step 4

Reflection & Closing

5 minutes

  • Reconvene in the circle and invite 2–3 volunteers to share their goal and how they feel about it
  • Summarize the importance of setting clear goals and supporting one another’s growth
  • Close by passing the talking piece one final time for students to share a word of encouragement
lenny

Slide Deck

Math Menders Session 4

Restorative Progress Check-In & Mixed Operations Review

2nd–5th Grade | 30 minutes

Welcome back, Math Menders! Introduce today’s focus: checking our progress, reviewing mixed operations, setting future goals, and reflecting as a community. Remind students this session is 30 minutes.

Session Objectives

• Share our math progress and areas to strengthen
• Practice mixed addition, subtraction, and multiplication
• Write and refine individual SMART math goals
• Reflect on learning and support each other

Read aloud the objectives and explain how each will guide our time together. Emphasize progress sharing, collaborative review, goal-setting, and community reflection.

Restorative Progress Check-In

  1. Pass the talking piece around the circle
  2. Share one skill you’ve improved in math
  3. Share one skill you’d like to work on next
  4. Listen respectfully and give affirmations (nods, thumbs up)

Gather students in the circle with the talking piece. Explain the check-in prompt and model an example share.

Mixed Operations Review Warm-Up

  1. Pair up and get a copy of the Mixed Operations Review Sheet
  2. Take turns solving addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems
  3. Check each other’s answers
  4. Post any challenging problems on sticky notes to chart paper

Explain the mixed operations review activity. Show a sample problem on the Mixed Operations Review Sheet.

Goal-Setting Activity

  1. Write one SMART math goal on a sticky note (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound)
  2. Post your sticky note under “Math Goals” on chart paper
  3. Offer positive feedback or suggestions to a partner’s goal

Guide students through setting SMART goals. Show an example SMART goal (e.g., “I will practice multiplication facts for 10 minutes daily, four times this week”).

Reflection & Closing

• What makes your goal meaningful to you?
• How can classmates support you in reaching it?

Pass the talking piece one final time to share one word of encouragement.

Bring students back into the circle. Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their goal and how they feel about it. Close with encouragement.

lenny