Mrs. Portrey uses the "Concrete - Representational - Abstract" instructional model in her classroom to support students with gaps in their learning.  Students need more time working with manipulatives so that they can conceptualize what they are learning.  Once they understand a concept, they can move on to representing it with visuals on a paper or whiteboard and finally move to the abstract or algorithm method that is expected in their Core Math classes.

      Students are working with manipulatives from Hands on Equations to gain a better understanding of solving multistep equations.  The lessons they work through reinforce having a balanced equation in order to find the value of x.  Students work through "legal moves" and the concept of what you do to one side you have to do to the other to simplify the equation.  They also gain more exposure with specific vocabulary like variable, constant, and term.  Students who have been able to make the connection have become excellent teachers to their peers and have deepened their own learning in our positive classroom community.