For the past month we have been amping up our work on thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. Each of our math warm ups has had students justifying their thinking along with demonstrating their numeric abilities. In addition, we have continued to explore legal moves in our Hands-On Equations curriculum, with most 4th and 5th grade students now on Lesson 5 or 6. In practical terms this means they can solve algebraic equations such as 5x + 3 = 3x + 9 by simplifying: removing a blue pawn (x) from each side of the equation, allowing them to maintain balance (to keep the values equal). To further simplify, they are learning how to remove numerals of equal value from each side of the equation, allowing the equation to remain in balance. These are sophisticated concepts for young learners. We used the free program educreations to capture our thinking and reasoning, in our own words:
Remington's Equation (4th grade):Emma's Equation (3rd grade):Eric's Equation (4th Grade)Jose's Equation (4th Grade)Ella's Equation (5th Grade)
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Winter Break has arrived and we are hoping to keep kids thinking and practicing and learning over the holiday. There are four ways we are doing this. 1) Schoology: This is our main learning portal and it is kid-safe and teacher-moderated. I post learning experiences, educational games, and reading activities for the kids to allow me to continue to work with them even when we are not in class--even when we are on vacation! Schoology is an important part of our GT learning program at Holm, and students are encouraged to go to the site often to see new activities and discussions. 2) Holm Coding Club: Students are encouraged to continue learning to code with FREE games and activities at this site (free game downloads as prizes while supplies last!): To join the class: http://learn.code.org/join Class entrance code: FQJLIR; To sign in: http://learn.code.org/ All Holm GT kids are invited to participate and are encouraged to advance to higher levels of challenge. Contact me if you have another child who would like to get invovled! 3) Winter Math Challenge: Greg Tang is offering a free math challenge to keep kids thinking and learning over the winter break. Your child is coming home with a game board to complete over the break for a chance to win prizes if they bring it back, completed. Check out http://winterchallenge.gregtangmath.com for details and resources.
Greg Tang is offering a free math challenge to keep kids thinking and learning over the winter break. Check out http://winterchallenge.gregtangmath.com/ for details and resources. All Holm GT kids are invited to participate and are encouraged to advance to higher levels of challenge. 4) ScootPad: Have your child continue the math and reading activities on ScootPad over the Break! They can earn lots of MPES! |