Kindles for Math Practice

This morning the kids began REALLY using the kindles for other subjects than reading.  Here are two practicing math facts during morning work time.

Long Division Tutorial

Today we began to divide using the Long Division algorithm-- or what I fondly call the "Old School" method.  In case you forget, here is the video tutorial.

Reading Workshop

I am so proud of the class this week during reading workshop. They were able to do many things at once without becoming distracted or getting off-task.  Today I was even able to go around the room and photograph what was going on!

Here's a group reading "How to Survive Middle School" on the iPad.

A student reading on his Kindle (and the student told me his mom just loaded him back up with books so he should be
all set for a week or so).

Some independent reading from a book he couldn't wait to finish (apparently it was getting good).

A pair doing some word work from The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg.

A student finishing up The Winter Room. 

Independent Word Work (I think it was math, but hey, there are words...)

Another student finishing up The Winter Room.

A student using the comfy chair and a quiet spot to read.  He said to me, "It's a pretty good book when you concentrate on it."   

Another quiet spot!  If I sat like this for an extended period of time, I am not sure I would be able to walk later.

Be An Active Listener

New Fun Stuff to Try

Hi Kids by vielleuxn, made at DoInk.com

What do you think?  Mrs. Paquette, the Technology Integration Specialist for the elementary and middle schools shared this site with me and it looks like a lot of fun.  I am wondering about how to use it in the classroom.

This week begins hot off the heels of a "snow" day-- you know, just once I would like to have a snow day with some actual snow.  Not rain and ice... snow.  This week, be on the lookout for a new homework menu.  This menu has some practice sheets and some creative outlets for kids to try out.

New Homework Format

Vielleux Crew kids are going to be more independent with their homework and learning beginning this month, and choices are a huge part of this.  Below is the January Homework Menu.  Click on it to access the document.  

The basics are outlined in the document.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

Review of Division so far-- Partial Quotient Arrays

Here is a video of a division problem just like the ones you're going to work on in class tomorrow.  If you listen really closely you can even hear my son ask, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"  Use this model to help you with math while I am F&P reading testing with students.

More Complex Multiplication Menu

Once students get rolling with multiplication menus, they start to work with more complicated menus.  A good example of a more complicated menu is the menu for 17 described below.  Be sure to read the thinking process as well.

1x17=17

2x17=34 (Double 17 is 34)

10x17= 170 (17 with a 0 on the end)

20x17= 340 (2x17 answer with a 0 on the end)

5x17=85 (half of the answer for 10x17-- half of 100 is 50 and half of 70 is 35, 50+35=85)

3x17=51 (17+34)

30x17=510 (3x17 with a zero on the end)

Using this menu kids could mathematically figure out how to divide 578 by 17.  For example, I could start by dividing 30 groups of 17 (which uses 510).  578-510 is 68.  I need to use up 68 more.  68 is double 34 so I could divide out four more groups of 17 using 68.

Step One of division instruction...learning to make a multiplication menu. In order to work well with the divisor in a division problem, kids need to be able to manipulate the divisor. They do this by creating a multiplication menu ahead of time. Here's Gabe telling us how to make a simple menu.

Light!

Play with light.  Check out this website and use the interactive games to learn about color, reflection and refraction.