Next week's spelling words are the days of the week and months of the year in spelling. These proper nouns are still commonly misspelled and I want to focus on them for the week.
I've started to introduce multi-digit multiplication. I will ONLY use the partial products method and as directed by the new Common Core Standards of Mathematics will NOT be teaching the traditional algorithm for multiplication (the way most adults solve multi digit multiplication problems). I am aware that several students use the algorithm, but research has found that starting with the partial products method greatly improves student understanding. Partial Products supports understanding that multiplication is efficient addition of same size groups, higher decade facts, place and value, checking your work and estimation. Algorithms have their place and they are very efficient, but they do not support understanding at all. Here is a link to Everyday Math's explanation of partial products. I do this a little differently in that I start in the ones place. I find that helps students when they transition to the traditional algorithm, but this will give you a good understanding of how partial products works. You will have to scroll down the page to get to multiplication.
https://www.everydaymathonline.com/free_resources_main.html?frnologin=1#
We've started our life science unit and have some wonderful hands on experiences planned for the students in the next few weeks. I'll be documenting these and posting them on our blog.
Ukulele Practice Schedule
April 30 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 1 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra.
May 7 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 7 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra.
May 14 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 15 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra.
May 21 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 22 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra.
May 24 - Ukulele Orchestra
May 25 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra
May 29 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 30 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 25 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra
May 29 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 30 - Ukulele Orchestra.
May 30 - Senior Ukulele Orchestra.
May 31 - Ukulele Orchestra Performance at 7pm in the Multipurpose Room at Windermere (more information to come). This will be our final ukulele date for 3rd and seniors.
Important Dates & Reminders
May 9 - Early Release at 1:15 for teacher math professional development
May 11 - Visit the 4th Grade Orchestra teacher, Mrs. Calvert
May 12 - Windermere Wish Run (see separate email for more information)
May 28 - No School, Memorial Day observed
June 4 - Field Days, send your student with a water bottle and sunscreen already applied.
June 5 - Field Days rain date
June 7 - Last day for students
June 8 - Summer begins for students
