For students with the “Needs Content Help” label at the top of their student card. These students may need help with math content.
What this means
Students with the "Needs Content Help" label are facing difficulties with the math material. Students may be making a lot of math errors or are struggling with the material.
What to do and say
Step 1: Greet the student and say their name.
“Hi, Josie! Am I saying your name correctly?”
Step 2: Determine what the student is struggling with by asking questions.
“Josie, tell me what you are working on.”
“I can see on my end that you are stuck. What can I help you with?”
“Explain to me what you are thinking”
“How would you begin this problem?”
Step 3: Provide the necessary support. See strategies below:
Strategies to provide math support
Ask open questions to get the student talking (avoid yes/no questions) (see Determining What Students Know)
Use math vocabulary (see Using Math Vocabulary lesson)
Encourage students to explain their thinking
Practice active listening (see slide 6 here)
How to get help in supporting students in math
Practice responding to students in the following PLUS lessons:
Watch the following videos in this presentation:
Scenario 2 on breaking down a math problem for students step-by-step.
Scenario 4 on completing a worked example with a student.
Scenario 5 on engaging with struggling students.
View these slideshows: