Overwhelemed with my math group...

This is more of a vent than anything... but if you have any advice, I will surely appreciate it :)

Our school does ability based math groups.

I have 24 of the students who struggle with math on their grade level. A majority of the students in my class are one, or a combination of the following.
Labeled with a learning disability
ESOL (including 1 student who speaks almost no english)
has attention problems
Failed the state math test last year

I have 1 IA in my room for math time.

Basically, I'm feeling totally overwhelmed with all of the needs in my class.

I've tried breaking up the students into groups after I teach the main lesson, but with all the kids who need the small group help, there ends up being 8 kids in group, where several of the kids need no more than 3-4 in a group. I also tried pulling out the 3 highest need kids in the group, and working on peer tutoring/spot checking with the other kids. But there are too many kids who need reteaching to do this effectively.

I feel like I'm just stuck. This group that i have has always been very low, and they just keep on falling behind. I'm going to offer extra help 1x a week before school, but I feel that's not going to be enough.

I feel like I'm just not enough for what they need, but I don't know how to fix that...

Re: Overwhelemed with my math group...

sorry Deb....I feel your pain

I have 1/2 my class in special ed or needing reading/math AIS services.
They cant read, write or do basic math yet I'm supposed to get them to get a 3 on NYS tests

Do your best and teach them whatever level they are on- if its counting/one digit adding for example then do it. Build their confidence first. Play games, use manipulatives....gotta make math fun!