Hello Families!
It's been a great start to the new school year here in the math classroom. I am totally enjoying having the 6th graders for a second year (yes, some students are on year 4!), and the 5th graders are off to a strong start as well. I have even had some of them before in 3rd grade. There is no substitute for knowing them as learners.
In both grade levels, we started the year with read alouds and discussions around having a positive mindset in math. All too often I see students come into math already feeling defeated. Or, they are afraid they won't have enough challenge. We made two lists of motivational hashtags that are posted in the room for us to refer to as needed. Be engaged, ask genuine questions, and be brave to ask for what you need. #BELIEVE!
In the 5th grade classes, we have been reviewing efficient addition and subtraction algorithms. Our first unit is around determining area and volume using multiplication, and we have recently started building 3-dimensional shapes to explore the ideas of surface area and volume. We have been exploring the relationships between equations and using number sense to determine equality. Here's an example:
3 x 5 x 4 = 15 x 2 x 2
Two "boxes" with the same volume have different dimensions. How are those equations related? Ask your child for their thinking!
In the 6th grade classes, we have been working with decimal place values, reading decimal numbers, and starting to add, subtract and multiply them. I have been kicking off the academic blocks with some direct instruction and exploration, then giving them projects to do where they can apply those skills. They made decimal place value posters with real-world examples last week, and this week they are totaling up a bill for a "Dinner Out" with friends. Next week we will launch into how to calculate percents eventually move into the division of decimals.
A continuing professional goal that I have for myself is to be more consistent with giving and recording Exit Tasks. These Formative Assessments are a great way for me to check in with how a student is understanding the material. It also gives them feedback, and the opportunity for reteaching, before the Summative Unit Assessments. I will be putting those scores in JumpRope, but please remember that they are NOT necessarily the final grade your child will be receiving. Please contact me if you have questions about what is happening here in the classroom!
Thanks,
Michael
