How to Use Spiral Review to Support Students This Year
This year especially, it will be important that we make the most of our instructional time with kids using spiral review!
Hopefully, more time will be spent supporting kid’s social and emotional needs. The time we do have to teach content will be even more limited with a new “normal” in place for so many schools.
Let’s chat about how spiral review activities can be a fun way to strengthen relationships and support academic needs!
What is spiral review?
You’re probably tired of seeing this term if you don’t have a clue what it means! Let’s start with defining what a spiral review actually is.
A spiral review is the idea that after introducing and teaching a foundational concept or skill, students continue to practice it regularly throughout the school year in order to maintain what they have learned.
For example, if your students learn identifying coins in their math class at the beginning of the school year then you could implement the same skill into “Math Bingo” later in the year. Reintroducing coin recognition in a different context will help students retain information better. It can also look as simple as asking one question per day about money.
It doesn’t have to be a deep-dive and it doesn’t take much time at all. The trick is consistency over structure. If your kids are at recess then feel free to ask a few fun questions while playing “red light, green light”. Those that answer correctly can move forward a step. The winner gets a prize!
Students can play digital review games like these in the spiral review process to keep them engaged and learning.
How I use spiral review:
A lot of teachers utilize spiral review to go over information that has already been taught. This is certainly an effective way to move forward, but I like to use them a bit differently.
My method is to use spiral review to cover all of the standards for the year. I start on day one, but only starting with the basics (i.e. coin identification). Later, students are able to build on the basics by learning the value of each coin. Recognition is a great foundation to build throughout the first semester. Before you know it, kids will be able to use addition and subtraction with the standards they have already met.
Working on a weekly basis with each standard is incredibly helpful. I try to prepare a mini lesson at the beginning of the year so I can dive deeper later on.
Why teachers love spiral review activities:
Take it from me–they are an incredibly helpful tool. They are worth your time!
Consider setting time aside each day–you name the timeframe–5 minutes or 10 minutes each day.
I know I’m not the only teacher that wonders if what I am teaching is actually sinking in! (right?!)
Spiral review activities allow you to gauge if students are retaining important information and it gives them the opportunity to learn in an engaging way.
1. It is quick, helps kids practice a skill daily so that it sticks with them.
2. If you haven’t taught it fully, they will know the basics.
3. Activities start simple and then build on those concepts over the course of the year. This helps students to learn at a pace that may work better for them instead of being flooded with information.
A tool for success: 180 Days of Math Warm Ups
I’m here to help!
The Spiral Review Digital Math Warm Up Bundle will help you implement spiral review in the classroom this year. Plus, if you’re worried about reinforcing concepts then this tool will help you move forward with intentional plans and fun activities for your students.
Virtual teachers can use the bundle by using screen share or by sending kids the link! If teachers are anything–it’s resourceful!
Here’s what you can look forward to in the Spiral Review Math Bundles:
- 180 days of spiral review activities!
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade-friendly
- No prep on your part, just project onto the board!
- Digital math warm-ups can be used in-person or for virtual teaching!
- Works on any platform- Google Slides, Seesaw, Canvas, etc!
Fun Facts + Tips
- Use the ‘Joke of the Day’ for some extra fun! Kids answer 10 spiral review questions to get the answer to the joke.
- Answer correctly = get a prize.
- Answer incorrectly = “donut worry, try again”
- Easy to do at home, quick feedback, and not for a grade.
- Integrate into Google Slides, Seesaw, Canvas, you name it!
- Complete as a “morning meeting” or after recess while kids are “fresh”!
Here’s what other teachers are saying about the Digital Math Warm ups:
Wrapping Up
Spiral reviews are your friend!
Help students retain more information and take pride in what they are learning. Spiral reviews don’t have to take forever–5 to 10 minutes will be golden. If the thought of creating spiral review material overwhelms you then grab the bundle of 180 days of Digital Math Warm Ups here:
I’m happy you’re here and I want to hear how spiral reviews have helped your students!