Saturday, December 3, 2016

Math Week of 11/29 to 12/2

I have some very exciting news about math!  Ever since the kids and I talked about having math all in the morning, which means about 2.5 hours of math time, we have been accomplishing our lesson for the day, and then some more for the following lesson the next day! We are really flying now in math, which makes us all so happy.  I refer to your students as mathematicians, which they are.  

Fractions: 

In fractions this week, we really focused on learned how to multiply a fraction by a whole number by using the equation, the associative property, and a number line.  I like to give students multiple strategies to use, and they can choose (unless directed) which one to use! 

We then moved onto learning how to multiply a mixed number by a whole number, using tape diagrams and the distributive property.  Students are starting to work on comparison word problems, and these problems also require them to use the skills learned previously, such as changing improper fractions into mixed numbers.  Students are also learning how to use algebra skills while solving these problems, as pictured in the pictures below. 

An Observation: 

There is only one issue that is holding students back.  Their concept knowledge is amazing, but their ability to multiply and divide is causing students to not get the problem right.  With that being said, we are starting to bring back multiplication facts.  Students made multiplication fact cards on Wednesday, so we are going to start studying their facts for 0s, 1s, 5s, and 10s first.  So be prepared for that next week! It is very important to their success in the rest of 5th grade and future grades, as well as life, to know these facts.  I will be posting ideas to help your student master their facts on this blog, and if you find any games or have any ideas, please let me know! 

Next Week: 

We are going to finish this module, take our final assessment, and take our Common Formative Assessment for the District.  Then, we are moving on!  Stay tuned for our upcoming direction! 




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