Multiplication Algorithm

This week we are warming up in math class by reviewing multi-digit multiplication. Students come to sixth grade with a variety of ways to solve multiplication problems. It's great that kids can break numbers apart and put them back together in different ways. It shows good number sense and that's important. In sixth grade we build on this knowledge and show them the most efficient strategies to solve problems. This week the students are learning the traditional algorithm for multi-digit multiplication. Simply put, it's probably the way you were taught how to solve the problem. Ask you child to show you!

Today we went over how to multiply a 2-6 digit number by one digit number. Once kids were shown the different methods side-by-side and could see how and why they worked, most quickly changed over to the standard algorithm. My Block B class didn't want to stop practicing on whiteboards today. They said they were having fun. Gasp! My Block A and C classes were asking to start multiplying by two digit factors (that's tomorrow). Most said they loved the way they were shown today and will never go back to the other ways while some still love their lattice method. Students don't HAVE to make the switch as long as they are efficient and accurate with their strategy.

Students will have some multiplication problems on their weekly quiz this week.

Fractions, Mixed Numbers

The students have been working on fractions & mixed numbers for the last couple weeks. They took the assessment on how to read, order, use, represent, and simplify fractions & mixed numbers before the Thanksgiving break. Now they are learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions & mixed numbers. We've been adding and subtracting fractions this week. Next week we'll work on adding and subtracting mixed numbers. These can be tough for some students because there are multiple steps to solving some problems. I will be staying after school next Thursday to help any student who wants some extra practice or help. The following week we will learn how to multiply and divide. I was hoping to finish fractions before winter break but we may need to continue work with them when we get back. I want to make sure the students have enough practice with word problems too. Time will tell.

Shamou drummer visits MAMS

Several of my homeroom students were asked to participate in today's assembly. Ask you child if they, or a friend, were on stage today.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute Field Trip, 3

Gulf of Maine Research Institute Field Trip, 2

Gulf of Maine Research Institute Field Trip

Here are a few pictures from my homeroom's field trip experience on Tuesday. Great stuff!

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

By now parents should have received their sign up sheet for parent-student-teacher conferences. Parents-Students who have not received confirmation of the appointment need to contact the student's homeroom teacher. Students should make every attempt to be present during the conference so that they may hear, first hand, their teachers' comments on their progress so far this year.

Conferences will be held with the student's homeroom teacher in their homeroom space. The homeroom teacher will share notes and information from the other classroom teachers, not just from the subject they teach. Each conference will last between 15-20 minutes. If a family thinks they will need longer to conference they are asked to contact the homeroom teacher so that an alternative time and/or appointment can be made. Out of respect for all families we ask that everyone be on time. One late family can throw the entire evenings schedule off.

We look forward to meeting with all our families.