Math

The month of October passed swiftly as the fourth/fifth graders conducted investigations, interpreted data, thought critically while doing logic, geometry, and number problems, and cooperated in the planning of the Haunted Willows.

Throughout most of October, counting and recording the Drive for Schools’ money became a daily ritual.  The students became experts at counting by 5s into the hundreds.  It was fun to watch as we drew closer to our goals and the level of excitement increased.

The Haunted Willows took over a number of our math classes as our annual Halloween party approached.  From inception to completion, the process provided numerous opportunities for learning as the students navigated their vision into a reality.  It took creativity, cooperation, team work, and perseverance. 

Towards the end of October, the fourth/fifth graders practiced their measurement skills with the Pumpkin Caper.  A pair of students investigated a pumpkin by making predictions and figuring the weight, circumference, number of lines and seeds, and whether or not their pumpkin would sink or float.  Measurements were taken to the nearest quarter inch and recorded in decimal form. The data collected was recorded in their math activity books and on a class chart.  The class then figured the mean or average for each category. The students studied the data looking for correlations such as the greater the circumference, the greater the weight.   In addition, the students cooperated on carving the shared pumpkin, creating the jack-o-lanterns for our Halloween party!  

Continued work in all the strands during our quiet time and mental math activities allowed the kids to explore logic, geometry, algebra, place value, and more.

This week, the students will begin the weekly facts quiz starting with the addition and subtraction facts and moving into the multiplication facts on an individual basis. You can reinforce your child’s facility with the basic facts through games and repetition. Check in with your child to see what method they might enjoy or prefer to master the basic facts.