What is a Balanced Math Framework???

ZONES Math - A Balanced Math Framework
But what does this mean????
I am going to break it down for you (because we really did put a lot of time and discussion into this one!!!)

ZONES Math - This sounds pretty self-explanatory.  This is an acronym for each of our rotations.  However, this is not just a cute little name we made up.  In creating this, we did not start with the name ZONES.  We started with the math skills, concepts, and practices that we felt were essential (and often lacking) in math instruction.  We then used these to create the rotations, and THEN gave each one a name that we made into the ZONES acronym.  This was not an easy task, but 5 creative minds at a summer lake house meeting, can develop great ideas.

Balanced Math - This is a direct relation to a Balanced Literacy Model.  I will show their side by side comparisons.

Although this is not an all-encompassing description of this similarities of these models.  I think the graphics to show the direct comparisons of the two models and how the Balanced Math Model (similar to the Balanced Literacy Model) incorporates all of the essential components of mathematics instruction. 

Framework - a framework is defined as   "the basic structure of something : a set of ideas or facts that provide support for something" and that is exactly was ZONES Math is.  We give you the basic structure and all the ideas and facts that support this structure.  You are responsible for pushing in your math standards and curriculum.  Any curriculum will "fit" into this framework.  And as many people have noticed, the framework includes many of the best practices of today's math instruction such as Guided Math, Math Talks, and Math Workshop Models.  

It is a beautiful thing, isn't it???
Olivia