On to multiplication

After an awesome job on their subtraction tests (including a few short answer and a math "essay" question) I quickly assessed the class on their multiplication. Most children have a firm grasp of their facts so my focus will be on problem solving and vocabulary. We will quickly move to multiplication of 2 and 3 digit numbers by 1 digit numbers and then on to division!

Subtraction week...

We finished chapter 4 on subtraction, but it won't go away for long! We always review in daily math and we will continue to see subtraction problems in problem solving. Students are becoming better "estimators" with rounding to the same and different digits.
We worked through a number of choice assignments to apply our operations skills, including 24 Game, math crosswords and puzzles, and problem solving activites.
Please encourage your child to check for errors in their work so they are doing their best.

Grocery Store flyers needed

If you get the Sunday paper, please send in the grocery store flyers. We will use them for an activity on Friday.

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L'Shanah Tova!

Subtraction

We had a very interesting discussion in class today about when to trade (borrow) in subtraction, why we do it, how we write it. The class conversations really get everyone analyzing math routines. I LOVE IT!

End of the Week

We are moving right along in math from addition to subtraction and soon multiplication and division. Our next unit of study on subtraction will involve review of estimation strategies, building a clear foundation of subtraction steps and small group work.

All students took a pre-test on this unit. I'll be working in groups over the next 5-8 lessons teaching the groups at their levels.

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Shabbat Shalom and enjoy the weekend!

Great Job!

I'm really proud of your hard work on your tests today! You will be so excited to see your awesome scores! Enjoy the night off from homework.
Smiles!

Mental Math Strategies

One of my goals for this year is to help the students take apart numbers and put them back together. We will practice mental math strategies throughout the year including two they already use but may not have had a name for: partial sums or products and compensation.

Partial sums and partial products gives a process to adding and multiplying mentally. With partial sums, students add digits together in the same place value spot then add those values together. No need to carry, borrow, etc.

For example: Students can think of 639 + 478 as

600 + 400= 1,000;
30+70 = 100
9+8 = 17
Then easily add to find the sum of 1,117

Partial products works much the same way:
73 x 4 =
70 x 4 = 280 + 3 x 4 = 12

Then add 280 +12 = 292

With compensation students can take from one number and give to another to make a problem easier to solve.
For example: 592 + 416 =

Students think, "I only need 8 to make 600. I'll take it from the 416."
592 + 416 =
+ 8 -8

600 + 408 = 1008

Incredible Equations

Welcome! This blog is designed to keep you informed of upcoming dates, assignments and other important information from out math class. I hope you find this useful!

From the beginning of school we develop number sense through number sentences connected to the number of days we've been in school. 20 days in school - make sentences that equal 20.

It's called Incredible Equations and it's a great way to take apart numbers.
Kids play with strings of numbers -
1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+10

Kids expand their understanding of order of operations -
5+ (3x5) - 5

Kids learn to factor numbers -
1x20
2x10
4x5

...and develop a deeper knowledge about prime and composite numbers, square numbers, square roots and exponents.

Most importantly, they love it. If I don't have time to call on everyone I get heavy sighs from the class.
Sometimes I just have to teach a lesson.