Third and fourth graders had a fun week of pumpkin exploration and decoration. They were lucky to have their principal, Manila, lead for two days of the pumpkin caper. She brought pumpkins for pairs of students to investigate. Students learned about the metric measurement of centimeters and a meter in comparison to an inch and a foot in standard measurement. They estimated the circumference of their chosen pumpkin after observing centimeters in 10 cm increments. Next, they learned about weight in pounds versus ounces on the ol’ kitchen scale. They weighed and felt the weight of different books, then compared them to their individual pumpkins to guess how many pounds their pumpkin would weigh to the half pound. Finally, they guessed how many lines and seeds their pumpkin would have and if it would sink or float! After all predictions were made, they did their actual measuring, weighing, counting and observation of their pumpkin in a tub of water. Students were able to measure in centimeters, weigh in pounds using the scale, count the lines around their pumpkin and cut, gut and pull seeds from their pumpkin. They grouped the seeds into groups of ten and tallied the 100s, then added 10s and 1s to find the amount of seeds. Most were surprised to find even the little pumpkin had so many! All students then calculated the difference between their predictions and actual numbers. On our 3rd day of the caper, students worked together in cooperation to agree upon a design, then carve their pumpkin for the Friday night festivities. I was very pleased to hear their conversations and negotiations on compromises, and impressed with their fun design choices.

Next week we will dive deeper into mathematical concepts from lessons taught on rounding numbers to the 10ths place and the 100ths place. They will be using arrays to create and calculate multiplication problems and the commutative property of multiplication, along with using a variety of drawing strategies to figure out division problems, and practice remembering fact families.

As we enter our 8th week of the school year, I would encourage families to play games and practice multiplication and division skills at home.

Have a fun Halloween Night!

Jenni

Here is a site with some fun activities:

https://www.weareteachers.com/22-fun-hands-on-ways-to-teach-multiplication/