Math

What a lovely combination we have this year! The first few days some of the students, especially the fourth graders seemed slightly adrift from not being with their group from last year, but soon enough new relationships are being formed and the students seem really happy, thoughtful and considerate overall. During our weekly sharing circles, one hears detailed compliments exchanged between the students and teachers. And the group brings together a diversity of intelligences which enhances the environment for all.

In terms of math curriculum, we began with an investigation of ratio, using the cuisenaire rods. Students worked in partnerships or individually and then presented their findings to the class. We completed some simple activities involving problem solving and addition and students reacquainted themselves with the task cards they had been completing, or in some cases, were introduced to new task cards. More recently we have been working on column addition by playing Largest Sum Wins and Smallest Sum Wins. Many students can benefit from practice at home with addition and subtraction facts within 20, with the memorisation of these facts being a goal. We have moved on to subtraction and have been working on trade first subtraction, what most of us know as borrowing. This can be very challenging and we will be working on this strategy for a few weeks. I sent home the game Get to Zero and please play with your child so you get a sense of his or her understanding of the concept and reinforce the teaching at home.