This past week in math we have been investigating efficient strategies for solving multiplication problems. The goal is to move students beyond the use of repeated addition to use known facts and structure to make sense of more complex equations. We did this by using cubes to build "multiple trains." Then we made observations about what these different trains had in common and thought about ideas such as, "How can knowing 10x6 help you to solve 5x6?" Being able to develop efficient strategies and think flexibly about multiplication helps students to develop a conceptual understanding that will help them as we build fact fluency and explore factors, arrays, and multi-digit problems in the future.
After working hard to prepare and deliver our campaign speeches, the students used Google Forms to vote for the fictional character whom they thought would make the best president and vice president. J.K. Rowling would be proud that both of her characters were winners. Harry Potter was the clear victor for President and his friend Hermione Granger was elected V.P. The students also got to take a tour of the real polling station and ask questions of the volunteers who were dedicating their time on Tuesday.
We have now moved in to our next integrated unit of study where students will be studying weather. The focus will be on the causes and effects of extreme weather phenomenon like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Students will be learning about cause and effect relationships and how to use text and digital tools to research. They will also be tracking and graphing weather data on a location where their type of extreme weather occurs to observe and record patterns. The engineering challenge will combine this new knowledge and their design skills as they work in groups to design a virtual blueprint of a home that could withstand the effects of the extreme weather. Stay tuned for more exciting learning ahead!
The weather has been mild, but as we head into the winter season please be sure that your child has the necessary winter gear for heading outdoors for recess. We go out everyday unless it is below zero.
Please remember that we do not have school next week. We hope that you have a restful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
Fondly,
Jess and Liz
After working hard to prepare and deliver our campaign speeches, the students used Google Forms to vote for the fictional character whom they thought would make the best president and vice president. J.K. Rowling would be proud that both of her characters were winners. Harry Potter was the clear victor for President and his friend Hermione Granger was elected V.P. The students also got to take a tour of the real polling station and ask questions of the volunteers who were dedicating their time on Tuesday.
We have now moved in to our next integrated unit of study where students will be studying weather. The focus will be on the causes and effects of extreme weather phenomenon like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Students will be learning about cause and effect relationships and how to use text and digital tools to research. They will also be tracking and graphing weather data on a location where their type of extreme weather occurs to observe and record patterns. The engineering challenge will combine this new knowledge and their design skills as they work in groups to design a virtual blueprint of a home that could withstand the effects of the extreme weather. Stay tuned for more exciting learning ahead!The weather has been mild, but as we head into the winter season please be sure that your child has the necessary winter gear for heading outdoors for recess. We go out everyday unless it is below zero.
Please remember that we do not have school next week. We hope that you have a restful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
Fondly,
Jess and Liz
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