During our first week of math class, we worked on the following skills and activities:
  • Problem solving: We played a “Leap Frog” game that required the students to use logical thinking, as well as guess, check, and revise strategies to solve the frog’s dilemma.  You can play a similar (slightly more challenging) version here.
  • Place Value: We learned whole number place value positions to the hundred billions, and decimal place value positions to the thousandths.
  • Standard form: We practiced writing numbers in their normal, number form (234).
  • Word form: We practiced writing numbers using words (two hundred thirty-four).
  • Expanded form: We practiced writing numbers using the digit’s value (200 + 30 + 4).
  • Number lines: We’ve begun to place positive and negative numbers on a number line—including decimals!
  • Multiplication facts:  We’ve been assessing our multiplication knowledge and reviewing math facts.  More specific math fact practice will come home in the coming days, but students can find practice games here and here.  A math newsletter explaining the importance of having a solid foundation of all math facts is also attached to the right.

Our first check-up is Tuesday, September 22nd.  It will cover place value, standard form, word form, and expanded form.

Our second check-up is Thursday, September 24th.  It will cover rounding, ordering, and comparing whole numbers and decimals.

We will take the place value post-test some time during the week of October 1st.  Check back for more updates!

 
During our first week in math:

·      We took surveys to learn more about our classmates.  We then took our data and represented it in bar graph form.  I was impressed at how many students remember graphing vocabulary from 4th grade!

·      We began switching for math classes on Friday, September 11th.  Check with your 5th grader about his/her first day of class.

·      All 5th grade math classes will begin their year by studying place value and number systems.