In Math last week, we started Multiplication! The kids are so motivated by this because they finally feel like "big kids." Last week in Math students practiced representing multiplication using pictures and the traditional multiplication sentence. We learned that the answer to a multiplication problem is called a “product” and the two numbers we multiply together are called “factors”. We started applying what we learned about multiplication to problems in the real world. Example: If there are 5 students in a group and each student holds 3 pencils, how many pencils in all? Students will have to practice choosing the correct operation to solve a problem now. Now we will have to choose if it is appropriate to add, subtract, and/or multiply when problem solving. On Thursday, we learned about multiplication arrays. We learned equal rows of things such as 4 rows with 3 cookies in EACH row ( 4 x 3 = 12). Please look out for any opportunities at home to point out “arrays” or “groups of” things. Example: If your family is making cookies, use multiplication to find out how many cookies are on the pan. If the football team scored 3 touchdowns, use multiplication to find out how many points in all.
Using paired tables is a strategy (making a T-Chart)students can use to figure out problem solving problems that contain patterns. That's what we will talk about at the beginning of this week. For example, Confetti eggs come in cartons of 8, How many eggs will there be in 3, 6, and 8 cartons. The students would create a T chart. On one side would be the # of cartons, and on the other would be the # of eggs. This is a simple strategy to figure out larger patterns in numbers. Towards the end of the week we will teach the students a strategy to solve two digit by one digit multiplication problems that they will face in word problems and on the STAAR. We don't feel at this time they are quite ready to learn the regular algorithm, and therefore won't teach it until May.
The Energy Test was a success! It was clear to me that most kids took their learning more seriously on this 2nd test and we had outstanding scores! In Science this week, we will be learning about weathering (the breaking apart of rock into small pieces) and watching a video called “Weathering and Erosion.” The students will look at all different pictures and examples of weathering and erosion on a flip chart and discover some of the most amazing landscapes that erosion and weathering create. In their journal, students will define weathering and erosion (the carrying away of weathered rock) and list the many agents of weathering: wind, water, temperature, plants, animals, chemicals, man. The student bring in a rock no bigger than a quarter for Science HW this week.
Ms. S
No comments:
Post a Comment