Hi all,
What a busy week!!!
Math:
This week we explored 2 methods to solve division problems using partial products. The first is using the distributive property, the second (very closely related) is the "Big 7". I hope you had a chance to view the instructional video on the method yourself that I sent out for the flipped classroom homework. It can be a lot less tedious than the standard algorithm of long division that many of us suffered through in grade school.
Next week: Bring on the tedious standard algorithm! I actually really like this method, but I am an organized, procedure loving mathematician. For many of my math students, this will be one of the most challenging tasks they attack all year. Once they have attempted the method, children get to choose which method works best for them and can switch back and forth between them as needed. I hope to wrap up division this week in preparation for a test Week 13.
Science:
This week was all about electrical energy. Kids built simple circuits with switches, complex series circuits and parallel circuits,as well as electromagnets. Everything was hands on and I can tell it was a favorite of the kids.
Next week: We are going to wrap up our energy unit. I will do some investigations on light, sound and thermal energy and then review mechanical and electrical energy for a test I plan to give Friday.
Other news:
Veteran's Day is Wednesday, and while I will be here at professional development, your child has the day off. I hope you can entice them to get on to TTM and earn some points towards our class pizza party by completing math lessons!
Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Sunday! I gotta get out of this classroom and enjoy it myself.
What a busy week!!!
Math:
This week we explored 2 methods to solve division problems using partial products. The first is using the distributive property, the second (very closely related) is the "Big 7". I hope you had a chance to view the instructional video on the method yourself that I sent out for the flipped classroom homework. It can be a lot less tedious than the standard algorithm of long division that many of us suffered through in grade school.
Next week: Bring on the tedious standard algorithm! I actually really like this method, but I am an organized, procedure loving mathematician. For many of my math students, this will be one of the most challenging tasks they attack all year. Once they have attempted the method, children get to choose which method works best for them and can switch back and forth between them as needed. I hope to wrap up division this week in preparation for a test Week 13.
Science:
This week was all about electrical energy. Kids built simple circuits with switches, complex series circuits and parallel circuits,as well as electromagnets. Everything was hands on and I can tell it was a favorite of the kids.
Next week: We are going to wrap up our energy unit. I will do some investigations on light, sound and thermal energy and then review mechanical and electrical energy for a test I plan to give Friday.
Other news:
Veteran's Day is Wednesday, and while I will be here at professional development, your child has the day off. I hope you can entice them to get on to TTM and earn some points towards our class pizza party by completing math lessons!
Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Sunday! I gotta get out of this classroom and enjoy it myself.