This week our mathematician's heads are filled with thoughts of mummies, princesses and bountiful bags of treats! We are going to use that brain-power this week by creating story problems from our solved equations. The Cedars will create two story problems from a solved equation and then create an equation by rolling dice and compose an unsolved story problem for their classmates.
We will spend some time in the computer lab for First in Math. Please share feedback about how this program is working at home, your child's success with it or any questions or comments.
This week we will have goal-setting conferences. Today your Cedar brought home an Initial PLP that included a check-in about where your child is in relation to grade-level math expectations. Cedars were given a baseline assessment that covered fundamentals learned in first grade. We also took a pre-assessment of basic fact fluency to 20. This is a core benchmark for second grade.
I am yet getting to know your child as a mathematician and will continue to communicate both whole group and one-on-one when necessary of any concerns. If the Initial PLP indicated that your Cedar will need additional support, you will receive further information at the conferences.
Of course, I would be happy to meet you and talk more about any concerns or questions you may have.
I feel so fortunate to work with you and your kids.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cedar News: October 18-22
We are nearing the end of our playful exploration with algebra and Zero the Hero! We have been exploring ways of comparing numbers with particular focus on quantity using the symbolic notations for "greater than", "less than" and "equal to."
Last week we began looking at equations with an unknown quantity and the concept of "equality" (both sides of the equation being equal) was introduced.
This week, we will explore solving equations with unknowns using equality up and down the number line. We will end this week creating equations and writing a story problem to go with it.
Tile Math: Last week, I introduced the first packet for tile math. This is a self-correcting Suduko-like puzzle that uses the numbers 0-9 once each in a given set of equations. Tile Math provides students with practice visualizing operations, problem-solving, and mental math. Students will move through packets at their own rate and each packet is sequentially more of a challenge. The initial packets have one unknown for each set of equations. The next packet has some problems with two unknowns. These are great "home support" because they are self-correcting. Please let me know if you and your Cedar would like a set fro home. We will be sharing more about support at home during Goal Setting Conferences.
First In Math: The Cedar's are on fire in First In Math! Congratulations Connor, Kylee and Sydney for completing Skill Set 1. I know that not all Cedars have time and/or access to a computer outside of school. We will spend at least 20 minutes a week in the computer lab for the next several weeks. Sometimes I will have a First In Math assignment (a skill-check).
Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Check out new additions to Support at Home!
Last week we began looking at equations with an unknown quantity and the concept of "equality" (both sides of the equation being equal) was introduced.
This week, we will explore solving equations with unknowns using equality up and down the number line. We will end this week creating equations and writing a story problem to go with it.
Tile Math: Last week, I introduced the first packet for tile math. This is a self-correcting Suduko-like puzzle that uses the numbers 0-9 once each in a given set of equations. Tile Math provides students with practice visualizing operations, problem-solving, and mental math. Students will move through packets at their own rate and each packet is sequentially more of a challenge. The initial packets have one unknown for each set of equations. The next packet has some problems with two unknowns. These are great "home support" because they are self-correcting. Please let me know if you and your Cedar would like a set fro home. We will be sharing more about support at home during Goal Setting Conferences.
First In Math: The Cedar's are on fire in First In Math! Congratulations Connor, Kylee and Sydney for completing Skill Set 1. I know that not all Cedars have time and/or access to a computer outside of school. We will spend at least 20 minutes a week in the computer lab for the next several weeks. Sometimes I will have a First In Math assignment (a skill-check).
Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Check out new additions to Support at Home!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Cedar News: October 4-8
We are now deeper into our algebra study. Last week we discussed two and three digit numbers. We played a dice sum game, composing the largest, then smallest numbers. We compared numbers using symbolic notation: greater than <, less than > and equal =.
We explored decomposing numbers by their place value using base-ten pieces.
This week we will explore the number line through interactive addition and subtraction stories recorded with number sentences. We will use the number lines and solve equations with a missing variable and operation to make both sides of the equation equal-- ALGEBRA!
Today I introduced an online skill practice program called First In Math.
A description from the program's site: It delivers fluency in basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, while advancing higher-order thinking skills such as mental math, problem solving, pattern sensing, reasoning and number sense.
The program employs a sequential approach to learning; students start on "easier" material and work through more challenging content. Every module includes positive feedback to boost confidence—students experience the satisfaction of knowing they are gaining speed and accuracy and are becoming ‘good in math’!
For more information: http://www.firstinmath.com/visitor/visitor-parentwelcome.asp
We will spend time in our computer lab twice this week. We will take a basic fact assessment and then begin on the first skill set of games.
I will be sending copies of student's user ID cards home in case students want to play at home too. During goal setting later this month, we will discuss using First in Math for "Work at Home" support.
We explored decomposing numbers by their place value using base-ten pieces.
This week we will explore the number line through interactive addition and subtraction stories recorded with number sentences. We will use the number lines and solve equations with a missing variable and operation to make both sides of the equation equal-- ALGEBRA!
Today I introduced an online skill practice program called First In Math.
A description from the program's site: It delivers fluency in basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, while advancing higher-order thinking skills such as mental math, problem solving, pattern sensing, reasoning and number sense.
The program employs a sequential approach to learning; students start on "easier" material and work through more challenging content. Every module includes positive feedback to boost confidence—students experience the satisfaction of knowing they are gaining speed and accuracy and are becoming ‘good in math’!
For more information: http://www.firstinmath.com/visitor/visitor-parentwelcome.asp
We will spend time in our computer lab twice this week. We will take a basic fact assessment and then begin on the first skill set of games.
I will be sending copies of student's user ID cards home in case students want to play at home too. During goal setting later this month, we will discuss using First in Math for "Work at Home" support.
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