We happen to be at a point in the year where there is some similarity in what we are studying in two of my classes. Both 4th and 5th grade math have been constructing and analyzing graphs for the past two weeks. 4th graders have been bar graphing their head sizes and determining the average box of raisins while 5th grade has been conducting surveys to create pie graphs, line plots, and stem and leaf plots. Each grade level needs to be competent at understanding types of graphs. Both grade levels are expected to be able to determine landmarks - range, median, and mode. Fourth graders are introduced to the idea of mean (average) while 5th graders need to master the computation involved in figuring out the mean (remember 4th graders haven't tackled long division yet - we will though!) This is one of the times in the year where it is evident how math is a spiraling subject area. What we teach one year spirals back the next year in a slightly different and more challenging manner. While the fourth graders created their first line plot, 5th graders create their first pie graphs. While fourth graders master reading and interpreting the data on graphs, 5th graders look into how graphs can be skewed to persuade an audience. While fourth graders look at how graphs show up in our daily lives, 5th graders begin to evaluate the uses for knowing the landmarks such as the mode of a given set of data or the mean of a set of numbers. Take a minute to ask your student about some of the fun, engaging activities we have done to reinforce data collection and data analysis. Then go check out the pictures in the photo gallery of two of our activities.
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Last week was my first opportunity this year to begin working with the third grade gifted math students. On our second day together, we took some time to talk about what advanced math students do. We focused on communicating and problem solving. And who doesn't like to practice those skills with a little candy?! Students were paired up to try and "save Fred," the gummy worm whose "boat" has capsized in the ocean. I love using this activity to kick off third grade math because of the necessity to work learn to work with a partner in order to be successful and for students to struggle and begin to build their perseverance for challenging tasks. This year, amazingly, all four groups were successful in performing this hard task in helping Fred get his life jacket on and saving his life (just don't tell Fred we then celebrated by eating is brothers and sisters!) We spent an important AND fun day building community and a culture of learning. We are off to a great start! (PS. For more pictures, go to the photo page of the website to see more of the excitement!) Fourth and fifth graders will be participating in a math contest this year called Math Olympiad. It is a nationwide, problem solving contest. Students are given 5 problems each month that they must solve in 25 minutes. These problems are not easy! Rarely does a student get all 5 right. So why torture the kids? Learning how to perservere through solving a very challenging problem is a GREAT lesson. It is also a chance for me to reinforce different problem solving strategies throughout the year.
There is one challenge that I need parent help with: Students must be here on the day of the contest. There are no make-up tests allowed. Students will still be able to particpate in the coming months even if they miss one, but it will affect their overall standings. The student who solves the most correctly at the end of the year receives a trophy for their efforts (and by the way there can be no tie!) Please note the tentative dates for this year so your child has the best chance of being successful: Olympiad 1 : November 12 Olympiad 2 : December 10 Olympiad 3 : January 14 Olympiad 4 : February 11 Olympiad 5 : March 11 |
Tracey BeanWerner Elementary Archives
May 2018
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