Newsletter: Tuesday, September 30

This week we have shifted our explorations of multiplication to solving word problems. Because much of what we had done with multiplication already was rooted in real world applications, this wasn't such a stretch. When confronted with these problems the kids first draw a picture to illustrate what is happening then show how to solve it using repeated addition and then again using multiplication.

In this problem we were figuring out how many eggs are in four dozen.

Using our reading skills to envision these problems as stories really helps. Many kids might learn to listen for "key words" or "clue words" to solve such problems. This is helpful. However, it is possible to memorize those keywords and use the corresponding math functions without really understanding what you're doing. We're addressing the understanding part first. Then we'll think about patterns regarding words and processes.

Here is a problem in which someone is buying seven
packs of cards and each pack costs $4.

While all the word problems on Monday were multiplication problems, today's problems were a mix of different sorts of problems. Some required addition, some subtraction, and some multiplication. At least one was a multi-step problem that required multiple functions. The kids did really well with these. No stress. They support one another and take on such challenges with great confidence (and an understanding that miscues are part of the process of learning).

Speaking of multiplication, I'm sure you've noticed the kids are working to memorize their first few multiplication tables. This is really important work because knowing these allows them to focus their time and energy to other parts of their problem solving. For instance, if someone has to draw and count tallies to solve 4 x 9 they are far more likely to come to the wrong answer or become fatigued by the effort of solving a few problems. Please continue to help them work on these math facts. A few minutes a day goes a long way.

In science the kids are working to carefully make detailed scientific observations. We began this work by observing a cross-cut piece of a tree trunk. At first it looked like a round piece of wood with many rings. But upon more careful inspection we noticed the inner rings were almost perfect circles while the outer ones were not. We also noticed the area around the core was dark and blotchy while the outer part of the circle was a light tan color. The kids are now observing other objects and sketching these into their science journals. They use words to elaborate on their illustrations with labels and descriptions. We'll soon begin to consider how careful observation might help scientists learn about the world and its inhabitants. This is all leading to an eventual animal research project, a component of which will be careful observation.

Finally, there's a lot going next week. We have Curriculum Night on Thursday (the kids will be sharing pieces of the memory stories they've been writing), the Zoo field trip on Friday (feel free to meet us there if you'd like to join us), and the camping trip on Saturday (at least one of the kids has already slept out in the backyard to test their tent). Speaking of camping, my wife and I had a rare weekend away this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We spent Friday evening enjoying all Asheville has to offer and then drove up to Carver's Gap for a short hike and overnight stay in an old barn that has been transformed into a backwoods shelter. It was beautiful (I've shared a  few pics below). We're enjoying the change in temps and being out in nature here at school as well. Recess has been wonderfully cool and breezy. Tomorrow we'll also begin climbing out the window again to read and write in our classroom garden. What fun!