I love flowers! They are so pretty, smell so sweet, and each one is very special. I just love looking at them - they make me happy!
This morning, one student had a special surprise! A gorgeous bloom! Thank you, oh thank you! I love it!
Today we read Sir Cumference and the First Round Table - a Math Adventure by Cindy Newschwander, illustrated by Wayne Geehan. In the story, the king had a problem because he was tired of shouting across the table for meetings and he had developed a sore throat. So, his friend Sir Cumference, his wife Di from Ameter, and their son Radius worked on a problem of redesigning his table. As the story progressed, they try different shapes and decide on making a round table. This way, the knights and the king can all fit around the table comfortably. This book introduced the terms: diameter (a line that passes through the center of a circle and has endpoints on the edge of the circle), radius (a line segment that begins at the center and extends to the edge of the circle), and circumference (all the way around the circle). We practiced making circles with a paper clip as our tool, labeling the diameter, radius, and circumference. From this we wondered…what would have the greatest dimension, the height or the circumference of various cans? So, we looked at several, made predictions, and then actually measured the cans. Boy, were we surprised! Most cans have a greater circumference than height! Who knew!
Today we read a short story about a clever princess who asked the king for land. She asked for only enough that an ox hide could cover. Thinking that the area would be small, the king agreed. The princess went to work and cut the hide into strips, sewed the ends together, and then was able to make a new shape…a circle! See our “hides” and compare the area of the beginning rectangle to the completed circle! Wow! What a huge difference!
Then…we had a great time seeing what all could be made from our strips.
Computer games are fun!
We used a spinning game to practice math with our friends. To begin the game, we all wrote 8 math problems on a large piece of paper. The spinner was spun and while in groups, one person asked their members that number question. If they got it correct, they received a point. As the game advanced, each person got to ask their teammates a question from their game board. What a fun way to review our favorite math concepts!
I love this title…because…our fifth graders are SO smart! I’m thrilled to see all the wheels turning and the light bulbs burning brightly…Everyone is working so hard and getting ready for next year - 6th grade!
We are taking all that we’ve learned so far this year and adding more detailed skills. For example, we have already learned to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator - that was easy. Now, we are learning to add and subtract fractions that don’t have the same denominator! They are called unlike fractions. Using the Least Common Multiplies (LCM), we can find a the least common number and use it for the new denominator. We then use multiplication to find the equivalent fraction. The next step is to follow the operations - to add or subtract. Finally, some students like to take the answer a step farther to simplify the fraction. Wow!
Today we relaxed after our test with a new game: Forehead
Use small sticky notes and each player secretly writes a three-digit number on the slip of paper and sticks it to another player’s forehead in the group. The numbers are facing out so that every player sees all the opponents’ numbers, but not his/her own. During each turn, a player must guess the number on his/her forehead. If a player guesses correctly, he/she wins. If a player guesses incorrectly, opponents must tell him/her how many digits in the number are correct and the player must give a clue. The game ends when a player guesses the number on his/her forehead. See how many guesses it takes to guess the correct number!
This weekend you have math plans…that’s right…math! Take a bit of time and review your three math benchmarks - rework the problems and see if you can get them correct. Remember to use all your strategies!
Secondly, please review those math vocabulary words. Play a game with a friend or review them yourself.
*Reminder: Math TAKS - Tuesday, April 8!
Today we reviewed measurement in a new way….
We took different size boxes and found a lot of ways to measure them.
First, we located the base of the box. (The base is what it sits on.) Next, we measured the length, the width, and the height. (If it was a fraction, we rounded up.) Then we were able to find the volume (l x w x h). After that, we found the perimeter of the base (s + s + s + s) s= side. Finally we found the area of the base (l x w). After we completed one box, we all switched and measured our second box. The boxes were all different sizes - some with lids, some with out. We discussed that having a lid didn’t affect the measurements. After working with 5 boxes, we all had a chance to use our customary rulers and practice finding different measurements.
Words to remember:
* area - length x width (l x w ) - it’s like putting down carpet or tile on the floor, covering the base
* volume - length x width x height (l x w x h) - it’s like filling up the shape with water or blocks all the way to the top (that’s why you need the height measurement)
* perimeter - side + side + side + side (s + s + s + s) - all the way around the sides
That’s right, you already have a great study tool, vocabulary cards! Just look over them each day and your brain will have a super boost. This is a great way to learn any information. You can use these cards alone or with a friend. Try playing a game with them:
* place them “word” up and see if you can say the definition
* place them “definition” up and see if you know the word
* time yourself and see how long it takes you to complete 10 cards - see if you can go through them faster
* place cards you know really well in one stack - place the other cards you don’t as well in another stack (try to get the stack of words you don’t know as well to be less and less)
