Mathematical Practices

Mathematicians in 5th grade are learning both math content and math practices.  There are 8 main mathematical practices that we make an effort to nurture and grow:

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.  
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.  

As we are nearing the end of the second chapter, we have been working on solving real-world problems using multiplication and division and bar models for the past four days in class.  This way of processing thinking offers us a great opportunity to work on our mathematical practices.  Knowing that we are not going to focus on all eight at once, I've asked the students to prioritize three for now:

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them - solve problems and explain thinking using multiple methods and proving the solution is correct.
• Model with mathematics - use a variety of models and symbols to demonstrate a solution to a problem and prove it is correct.
• Attend to precision - use math vocabulary, symbols, and labels to effectively communicate the solution and exchange ideas with other mathematicians.

When we use these in class, it can look like this on paper:

It might be beneficial for your child to practice these types of problems at home to increase their comfort level with making models and explaining their thinking.  Ways they can practice include:

• practice problem packets sent home today
• reviewing the textbook (lesson 2.7) either in paper or online
• viewing videos through Khan Academy or ones similar to this:

We will be reviewing in class on Monday and I will offer some time outside of class to help the students, as well.  These same skills will be used again in our upcoming chapters on fractions and algebra, so students will have an opportunity to continue to grow their math practices as the year continues.    

It's Okay to be Different

Mrs. Taylor, our school counselor, has been working with the fifth graders on learning and really deeply understanding our school touchstone.  One of the parts of the touchstone is, "We value each others' differences."  To really show how Captain students value each others' differences, Mrs. Taylor asked the class to reflect on differences we value in our school and to show it like a page out of Todd Parr's book, It's Okay to be Different.  I loved the results and I thought you would, too!

A Very Special Visitor

Today we embarked on our journalism writing unit, and who better to get the students excited about being journalists than an actual journalist?

That's right, we had a very special visitor today: News Channel 5 Journalist, Kay Quinn!

She taught us about what she does in her role at KSDK as an anchorwoman and reporter.  She even showed a video of what her set is like on a commercial break.  Then she taught us about the "Making a Difference" segment.  This is a good news segment, and fits perfectly with our theme of "Choose Kind."  The example story she shared even featured one of our Captain teachers, Sarah Gottemoeller!  In addition to showing a story that actually aired, she took the time to interview Mike Bush on our behalf and recorded him answering her questions.  In the interview, Kay and Mike talked about tips for our budding journalists.  She wrapped up by taking some very thoughtful questions from the students.

Here are some things our class reported learning from Kay Quinn:

• A journalist needs to find a lot of stories.
• They spend their time finding out the truth to make sure it's a real story, investigating thoroughly to make sure it's not made up.
• Journalists can have non-traditional schedules when it comes to work hours.
• A journalist works with deadlines.
• Journalists ask for permission to use someone's name or set up an interview or take a picture.
• Journalists have to be nice and be able to work with a lot of different people.
• Journalists must be mindful of other people's space and their feelings.  It's important for them to understand how others are feeling in different situations, and their own emotions might be impacted as well, and that's okay.
• Journalists need to stay positive and flexible because things might not always go as planned.
• Collaboration and patience is important in journalism.
• Follow your dreams.

What a great way to start the day and kick off our unit!  I can't wait to hear the stories the students find as they work to uncover kindness all around them!  

New Year, New Moon

What a memorable day we had at school today!  I am so grateful that the weather cooperated for us to view the the total solar eclipse!  For those of you that were viewing it from elsewhere, we missed you and hope you had an equally spectacular experience.

The students shared some beautiful observations about the eclipse:

• The cicadas started droning when it became dark.
• During full totality, you could see a white glimpse of something at the top.
• I liked it when it went totally dark because it relaxed you, like a breath out.
• It went back to normal quicker than when it started to get dark, which made it feel like a dream.
• It felt like a neighborhood when it gets quiet at night.
• The sky looked kind of purple.
• It was kind of like sunset.

Here are some pictures I snapped of the event:

Promotion - Everything is Everything

Thank you again for a school year full of learning and growing!  Thursday's promotion ceremony was beautiful and the students impressed everyone so much with their thoughtful speeches.  Their poise and composure on stage speaks to all of the love and support you have provided them.  It has given them the confidence to have their voice heard.  I know that they are fully prepared to succeed in middle school with their positive mindsets and thirst for knowledge.  I tried to snap some pictures on Thursday morning so here are some that I was able to get.  I hope everyone enjoys a memorable summer and I can't wait to hear about all of your child's new adventures beyond fifth grade!