In Math we have been working on estimating. Estimating is a valuable life skill that is used in the 'real world' all the time. It is important that students learn to estimate. In class we have learned two ways to create estimates. When a question asks...."ABOUT how much?", it is an estimation question. When a questions asks "Estimate for the SUM", it is an estimation question.
1. Front End Estimation
2. Estimate by Rounding
Examples and explanations of both strategies can be found on page 39/40 of the text. We worked on some questions today but many have a very difficult time using either of the strategies to estimate. When working on tonight's homework. I need to see 'evidence' of rounding. Below is an example of what that might look like.
Question: 456 + 723 = ?
Front End Estimating
400 + 700 = 1100
My estimate is 1100.
or
Estimate by Rounding
500 + 700 = 1200
My estimate is 1200.
*both methods (front end and rounding) of estimating are acceptable.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Story Maps
We are learning about the 'characterisitics' (features) of Narratives. On Thursday we spent time realizing that a Narrative always has the following 3 characterisitcs:
Setting:
Characters:
Plot: (the problem and solution)
This weekend students are asked to read any Narrative (fictional story book) and list the following:
This is an example:
Title: The Very Cranky Bear
Setting: Bear's Cave
Characters: Bear, Lion, Sheep, Moose and Zebra.
Plot:
The problem is that bear wants to sleep and the other animals wake him up with their game.
The solution is that sheep uses his wool to make bear a comfy pillow so that he can fall back asleep.
*Students can even record the information they gather in the their agenda's. It's not intended to be overly detailed. We will be working on story maps this week.
Setting:
Characters:
Plot: (the problem and solution)
This weekend students are asked to read any Narrative (fictional story book) and list the following:
This is an example:
Title: The Very Cranky Bear
Setting: Bear's Cave
Characters: Bear, Lion, Sheep, Moose and Zebra.
Plot:
The problem is that bear wants to sleep and the other animals wake him up with their game.
The solution is that sheep uses his wool to make bear a comfy pillow so that he can fall back asleep.
*Students can even record the information they gather in the their agenda's. It's not intended to be overly detailed. We will be working on story maps this week.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
September Scholastic Order
Helpful Links
Nelson Math Link
The newly added 'Nelson' Math Link provides you with a small but resourceful bank of quizzes for each of the topics we've covered so far in math. The quizzes are quick and useful if you'd like to check-in on how your child performs independently with specific key concepts.
When you visit the site click the "Try it Out" icon. There you will find a list of different Math Strands. Currently we are working with Numeration. Each lesson has a small quiz. The quizzes are not overly in depth but do address key basics for the Grade 4 Curriculum. Proficiency in 'the basics' leads to more success when solving more challenging application related problems.
Also, the Nelson Math Link can be found on the Student Portal 'doors' for grades 2,3 and 4 which is a nice feature if your child needs additional exposure and practice.
The newly added 'Nelson' Math Link provides you with a small but resourceful bank of quizzes for each of the topics we've covered so far in math. The quizzes are quick and useful if you'd like to check-in on how your child performs independently with specific key concepts.
When you visit the site click the "Try it Out" icon. There you will find a list of different Math Strands. Currently we are working with Numeration. Each lesson has a small quiz. The quizzes are not overly in depth but do address key basics for the Grade 4 Curriculum. Proficiency in 'the basics' leads to more success when solving more challenging application related problems.
Also, the Nelson Math Link can be found on the Student Portal 'doors' for grades 2,3 and 4 which is a nice feature if your child needs additional exposure and practice.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
St. Gabriel School Blog
Here's a link for our St. Gabriel School Blog. Take a few minutes to check it out. This latest post offers some helpful reading tips.
http://stgabeschool.blogspot.ca/
http://stgabeschool.blogspot.ca/
Email Subscription Fix!
My apologies if you've tried to subscribe to the Blog via email and it hasn't worked. I was just made aware of this issue this afternoon (thank you Mrs. M). I believe I have fixed the problem and I was able to successfully register. I hope you have the same luck. Thank you very much for your patience. When you enter your preferred email address and click on 'submit' a smaller window should appear (Feedburner). It will ask you to verify your email address and enter a security code. When you have completed this, you should be set to receive all blog updates. Please send me a message via your child's agenda if you experience any problems.
I will have our classroom computers set to the Blog on Meet the Teacher night. Please pop-in and register. I would be greatly appreciated.
I will have our classroom computers set to the Blog on Meet the Teacher night. Please pop-in and register. I would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Subscribe to our Classroom Blog
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