So, I realized I could start guided math the same way that I start guided reading. You can read all about the first five minutes of guided reading here. This game, Pop The Balloon!, reinforces what is taught in the classroom. Students are practicing skills they learned with each bubble on the card.
1. I don’t want to make that many copies of the same card (that is a lot of paper and ink)
2. I don’t really want them to overhear the person next to them saying it out loud.
Start at the bottom and read each bubble on the way to the top. My kids like to clap their hands and go, “POP!” when they reach the top of their card. If they got them all right, I give them another card. I usually have 5-6 kids in a guided group, so can I listen to them all at once? Obviously not. I listen to one kid, while the rest in the group practice and play at their own pace.
If you want to hear more about using Pop The Balloon! in guided math, watch the video below:

Thanks for the ideas!!!