Multiplication Mania!

As many of you (students and parents) have heard me say- Students need to master their multiplication basic facts (through 10 X 10 at least) by the end of the year.  I keep repeating it because it is a key to success in 4th grade math- students cannot move on to multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers and fractions and decimals unless they have mastered these facts.

In marking period 4, we will dedicate more class time to this goal- students will take timed quizzes multiple times per week, quiz each other with flashcards, play multiplication games, do additional worksheets and use websites to practice their facts.

Some students are close to demonstrating mastery already, while others continue to be "stuck" on their 3's or 4's facts and not moving forward.  Here are some ideas to try at home to get "over the hump":

Multiplication websites that have timed quizzes and games!  There are a few listed here on the left side of your screen. Multiplication.com (my personal favorite) has multiplication videos, self correcting quizzes and engaging games for the kids to independently practice their facts for 10-15 minutes per night.

The Joy of Music! Tune into some multiplication songs to help your musically inclined child remember their facts.  This has really helped some of my students in the past who have struggled. You can find tons of options on youtube: Here is an example of a funny 8's times table song. You can also look up CD's on Amazon and purchase one for when you are cruising around town. I have a CD in the classroom for down time and transitions and some kids really enjoy it.

Speaking of Amazon, you could also consider buying a good old fashioned multiplication workbook, flashcards or a game to help them learn and practice.  Many of these things can also be found at Target, Staples and dollar stores!

Have other ideas for ways to help the students master their multiplication facts?  Please comment and share them!!!

The children who are having the most success have shared with the class that they practice at home! Thank you for the support!!!

Photo Extravanganza

I think I was able to fix my browser/blog troubles and add some photos to the blog, so here is a little show of photos I've been holding on to upload.

The kids are currently familiarizing themselves with their very own chromebooks in the classroom- such an amazing addition to bring into the classroom- they are currently trying out some fractions games- the link can be found at the right. This morning, we were able to log into the PARCC system and begin a practice English/Language Arts test on the chromebooks as well.

Learning to Type: A Crucial 21st Century Skill

This winter break, when your child (or you!) needs a bit of quiet time, have them jump onto the computer and practice their typing skills!  This year, we are focused on trying to improve students' typing capabilities and the only way to improve these skills is through practice and familiarity.  A great first step is having your child type up their Holiday Project, spelling sentences or other small assignments weekly.  Additionally, Mrs. Bradley has collected a bunch of great sties on her blog that help students learn to type! Check some of them out!

Scholastic Writing Contest

Here is the link to tonight's fun little extra credit writing assignment!!!

All I want for...a Happy Holidays!

This holiday season, I am putting together a little wish list for parents.  As you do your holiday shopping, please consider giving to our classroom community!  Here are some things we could really use:
-Headphones that plug into laptops.  Soon we'll be getting a class set of chrome books (Yipee!).  I want to be able to have student use them during center time to listen to books and answer questions and also to play math games that reinforce skills from lessons.  Many of these require sound.  I'd like headphones that go outside of the ears so they can be shared, rather than earbuds,
-Hardcover Books. As you can imagine, the books in our class library get a lot of use and wear and tear, especially the ever popular "Diary of Wimpy Kid" or "Big Nate" books.  I'd like to start re-stocking and replenishing.  Also, any high-interest non-fiction books about science and nature would be wonderful.
-Addition, Subtraction or Division BINGO. I have a very popular Multiplication BINGO.  I'd like to add to the collection for review and challenge.
-Your Time. If you have any time to make copies, feel comfortable laminating and cutting our items, helping me to organize my class games and center, this would be a holiday gift the whole class (especially me!) can benefit from! Also, classroom visitors are always fun and exciting for the students- can you donate an afternoon to share with us about your career or to help do a hands-on experiment or project? I would love to have some help at our "Holiday Party" at the culmination of our December project- please e-mail me if you can make it!
-Cleaning Products. I use small pump bottle of hand sanitizer as my bathroom passes and go through it pretty fast.  Also, cleaning wipes- both baby wipes and Lysol wipes, as always very useful to have in stock.
-2 new fish and vacation fish feeders. Our bottom feeder has passed away (RIP Stompy) and our tank is starting to look a lil green.  We could use a new fish or 2 to brighten the place up.  3 and 7 day feeders are always good have for winter, spring break and long weekends.
-Fun Classroom Supplies: Handy things that all teachers can use: Colored Sharpie Markers of different sizes, regular Crayola markers, post-its in fun shapes and colors, neat stickers, stamps and stamp pads...


Thank-you for all of your contributions to our classroom!!!

Homework Assignment!!!

I spoke to many parents about the new math curriculum this week at conferences. I stumbled upon this video tonight and I think this teacher does a great job of putting many of my thoughts on Common Core math into words.

I know it can be frustrating, but I truly see students who are better equipped to think deeply about math and give quality explanations for their strategies.  It is certainly going to take some time for everyone to adjust- students to have received the curriculum in each grade level, teachers who are experts on all of these strategies and at building this conceptual understanding, and parents who feel capable and empowered to continue to work with their children at home, but we are on the way!

Please watch it and share your thoughts!

Here is the link to the video.

Fresh New Start!!!

Oh no!!! I've been having some blog troubles and can't seem to upload any of my awesome pictures of my students working super hard!  I'll report the problem to google and add some pics soon- but since I wrote this post LAST WEEK it is time to finally give up for now and just post it.


It is hard to believe it is the beginning of marking period 2.  Last week and this week, we will spend talking about setting an important academic goal for marking period 2 and monitoring progress across the next ten weeks.

I'm very excited to meet with all parents on November 10th and 11th and discuss your child's progress. These meetings are so important in ensuring we work together to help move your child towards excellence in all areas and ensure their school experience is the best. If you haven't already sent me back your form letting me know if you can make your conference time, please do so this week.  I am making my best effort to find a time that works for every parent. Now that I've had this blog for a few years, check out some of my tips to help your child at home based on past conferences here and here.

We've done some interesting things to wrap up marking period 1- including learning some new math games and centers during our multiplication unit and building simple vehicles in science. See photos coming soon!