How to Simplify Teaching Math in a Split or Multigrade Classroom
My Experience
After teaching in a multigrade classroom for most of my 33-year career, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle two curriculums at once. The constant balancing act of making sure both grade levels receive the instruction they need—without doubling your workload—can feel overwhelming. I remember spending hours every evening trying to plan lessons that met both sets of outcomes, only to find myself completely exhausted by the end of the week.
But over time, I developed strategies that made multigrade math more manageable, engaging, and effective—for both me and my students. One of the best approaches I found was using a structured math framework that provided consistency while allowing for differentiation. If you’re currently teaching a Grade 3/4 split or any multigrade class, I want to share what worked for me in the hopes that it saves you time, energy, and stress.
Why Teaching Math in a Split Grade Can Feel Overwhelming
Even the most experienced teachers find split-grade instruction challenging. Some of the biggest struggles I faced (and I’m sure you can relate) included:
📌 Two different curriculums – How do you cover different grade-level expectations while keeping all students engaged?
📌 Varied student needs – Some students grasp concepts quickly, while others need more reinforcement and practice.
📌 Time constraints – There’s simply not enough time in the day to teach two completely separate math lessons.
📌 Keeping students on task – How do you ensure one group stays focused while you’re working with the other?
I spent years tweaking my approach until I found a structured system that worked consistently: The MATH Framework.
The MATH Framework
A Simple, Effective Approach for Multigrade Classrooms
The MATH Framework became a game-changer for me because it provided a predictable structure that kept students engaged and learning, while allowing me to differentiate instruction seamlessly. Here’s how it works:
🔹 M – Meet with the Teacher: This is the small-group or whole-class lesson where you introduce new concepts and provide targeted instruction.
🔹 A – At Your Desk: Students work on independent practice using worksheets designed for their grade level.
🔹 T – Technology Time: Students use online math games or digital tools to reinforce learning at their own pace.
🔹 H – Hands-on Learning: Math centers, games, and manipulatives allow students to explore concepts in a meaningful way.
This approach keeps one group working independently while you focus on direct instruction with the other—eliminating the need to juggle two lessons at the same time. It also gives students a variety of ways to engage with math concepts, helping them build confidence and understanding.
What Worked for Me:
Applying the Framework to Math Units
After refining my approach over the years, I developed my first structured Whole Numbers Unit specifically for Grade 3 and 4 split classrooms. The goal? Make math instruction easier, more engaging, and more effective—without spending hours planning! I used the same framework for all my units after that, and now I am sharing the first unit with you!
Here’s What’s Inside:
✅ 15 Ready-to-Use Lessons – Fully planned lessons aligned with Saskatchewan curriculum outcomes.
✅ Differentiated Grade 3 & 4 Worksheets – No need to modify activities; everything is already adapted for both grades.
✅ Hands-On Activities & Math Centers – Low-prep, interactive activities that help reinforce key concepts.
✅ Unit Review & Assessments – Printable quizzes, tests, and review sheets to check for understanding.
✅ Printable Anchor Charts & Visuals – Tools to support place value, rounding, estimating, and more.
✅ Technology Resource List – A list of recommended free & subscription-based math platforms for online practice.
Whether you prefer whole-group lessons, small-group instruction, or math centers, this unit is flexible enough to fit your teaching style!
Save Time, Reduce Stress & Help Your Students Succeed
If you’re tired of spending hours planning math lessons for two different grade levels, I encourage you to try a structured approach like this one. I wish I had found something like this earlier in my career—it would have saved me so much time and energy!
✅ Imagine walking into your math block knowing exactly what you’re teaching.
✅ Imagine students working at their level while you provide direct instruction without interruptions.
✅ Imagine having everything prepped and ready to go!
If this sounds like something that would help you, you can grab the full resource here:
You'll also find it under Saskatchewan Curriculum in the Resources section of this website.
Want More Multigrade Teaching Strategies? Grab My FREE Guide!
Teaching in a split-grade or multigrade classroom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’ve put together a FREE guide that outlines 5 key strategies I used to manage my classroom effectively.
📩 Download my FREE 5-Step Guide to Navigating a Multigrade Classroom, and you’ll also receive exclusive teaching tips, time-saving strategies, and early access to new resources!
🔗 Click on the button below and grab your free guide:
I hope this helps make your math instruction more manageable and less stressful—because I know firsthand how much work you put in every single day.
❤️ Trish's Teaching Trunk
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