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!