Math Update and Dinner/Video Night

FRACTIONS UNIT: For the last week, students have been learning about what fractions are and how we can compare them to "one whole". Our ETEP intern Miss H has planned several hands-on lessons where a conceptual understanding of fractions can be gained through making fraction strips, comparing fraction games and direct instruction of new vocabulary (numerator, denominator, whole, equal parts etc). Using various candy items, students practiced "fractions of a set" with Twizzlers, Hersheys Kisses and KitKat bars. Unfortunately, students were not allowed to eat the "equal parts". But they enjoyed the smell of Math!

Here is a basic overview of fractions. Students seem to have grasped this concept quickly which will allow us to move into more challenging topics in the next couple weeks.

Students will also be recognizing and comparing fractions using a number line.

Math Facts: Each night, students should be practicing their math facts, especially Multiplication. see our class portal for math fact resources http://guest.portaportal.com/cryerkafkas.

NOTE: Some students are still struggling with Subtraction Facts as well. Subtraction (up to 18-9) is a 2nd grade skill that is not given as much emphasis in the 3rd grade curriculum. So this is why we have had subtraction facts on practiced/assessed daily on "XtraMath.org". The goal in the XtraMath program is to reach 100% of facts correctly (within 3 seconds per problem). Many students have recently improved in this area but are still below expected level. Soon, in order to emphasize multiplication accuracy/efficiency, I will be changing students' XtraMath programs to multiplication even if they haven't already received their certificate for Subtraction. When this occurs, it will be important for students to still practice subtraction even though the emphasis at school will be on Multiplication and Division facts.

Cryer-Kafkas Dinner and Video Night

Who? Rm 211/214 Cryer/Kafkas Students and Family

When? Friday, April 10th

Where? WES Cafeteria

Dinner: 6:00-6:45pm

Video/Slide Show: 6:45-7:15pm (approx) NOTE: As most of you are aware, we'll have a section of the video with "baby pictures fading into 3rd grade photos". With music playing in the background, it will be fun to guess "who's who" and how they have changed over the years. If you have not sent in a baby picture for your child, there is still time to include their picture. Sending a picture is OPTIONAL, but for those interested if you can send pictures into school or by email ASAP that will give us more time to put the video together. Contact Mr. Kafkas with any questions.