Multiplication Facts

We are starting our multiplication and division unit this week.  By the end of the unit, students will be expected to multiply 2 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers (e.g., 46x82) and divide 3 digit numbers by 1 digit (355/5) using a variety of strategies, and use the concepts to solve problems. 

By now, students should be able to recall multiplication facts up to 9x9.  Knowing the facts will allow students to focus on the application of multiplication and solving problems (vs. doing the multiplying).  It is also essential that students know the basic facts before trying to do 2 digit multiplication. 

In class, we have discussed various strategies/tricks/tips to help us remember our multiplication facts.  Here is a link to the “finger method” that we discussed to help us with 6-9’s.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Tables-of-6-7-8-and-9-in-your-hands/

Students can also use skip counting/repeated addition to help them multiply.  Ideally, students should have them memorized so that they can recall the facts automatically.  Knowing multiplication facts will also help students divide when we get to that part of the unit.

Here are a few online practice games/websites that will provide some extra practice:

http://www.multiplication.com/games/all-games

February 10-14, 2013

Reading: Historical Fiction - Making Inferences
Writing: Narrative Writing - Generating Ideas
Math: Multiplication & Division - Launch, learning facts, problem solving
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Launch, Roles & Responsibilities
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: Still life - hatching/cross-hatching with ink
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Olympic Games

January 30 - February 7, 2013

Reading: Non-Fiction articles (cause & effect, current issues), Introduction to Historical Fiction

Writing: Narrative Writing

Math: Geometry - constructing triangles, sorting polygons, unit review, test on Friday (Feb. 7)

Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature

Social Studies: Aboriginal Art/Culture - Dream catchers

French (Ms. Bordonaro): Presentations

Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA

Visual Art: Still Life - hatching/cross hatching, 3D solids

Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Yoga

Protractors

We'll be starting our Geometry unit on Monday, and will begin by exploring angles.  I'd meant to ask students to bring in a protractor for Monday in class today, but I forgot.  If you're checking this blog and have one, or can get one, please send it with your child on Monday.  I have several of them in the class and students can share.  However, the more protractors we get means, the more hands-on practice students can get.

Protractor

I also wanted to apologize for not updating the blog the last 2 weeks.  I've been busy marking and starting to write report cards.  I will provide an update for next week, and try to be more consistent with keeping you inform!

Social Studies Presentations

On Wednesday, students will be sharing what they have researched and learned about their European Explorer. Each presentation will be 1 minute in length (or 2 minutes for students working with a partner). Here is the rubric that I will be using to grade their presentation:

https://www.dropbox.com/l/dqBDhunUj879O9j2BNwzBb

I've been encouraging students to practice their presentations at home, to ensure they are around the 1 minute mark. Due to the high number of presentations we will have, I will be enforcing the 1 minute time limit.  I've told students that they will get a “signal” at the 1 minute mark, and will have 15 extra seconds to wrap up their presentation. 

Students in all 3 classes have done an excellent job recording their research with their jot notes, and several students have shared their Information Maps with me. I look forward to hearing all about the different explorers on Wednesday!

December 16-19, 2013

Media Literacy: Features of an (online) poster, creating glogs
Math: Measurement Unit - launch, linear measurements (lengths, heights, widths), units of measure (mm, cm, dm, m, km) and conversions
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Wind Power Design Project
Social Studies: First Nations & European Explorers in New France & Early Canada - research project (First Nation), Glogster
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Sports
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: Famous Portraits Artists & their styles - final project (artist and style of student’s choosing)
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Target Games

December 9-13, 2013

Reading: Non-Fiction - main idea and supporting details

Writing: Descriptive Writing

Math: Review of multiplying and dividing by 10 and multiples of 10 (e.g., 100, 1000, 10,000) in preparation for our Measurement unit

Science (Ms. Halliwell): Wind Power Design Project

Social Studies: First Nations & European Explorers in New France & Early Canada - research project (First Nation), Glogster

French (Ms. Bordonaro): Sports

Music/Drama (Ms. Sheppard): TBA

Visual Art: Famous Portraits Artists & their styles - final project (artist and style of student’s choosing)

Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA