Mathematics.
Missing integer problems (Sen's method.)
Missing integer problems are when the students are given a number sentence but with one of the numbers missing (this will bring back memories of high school algebra for some!) For example:
12 - X =8
Sen's method requires us to write a number bond using the information we know to see if we can solve the question another way (i.e. What number is X?) We know that subtraction requires a whole number with one of it's parts. So that would make our number look like this:
12 - 8
\
X
When we look at it this way, we can see that we can solve 12 - 8 to find out what X is (4!)
Written maths problems.
For the last 3 days we have been looking at using our addition and subtraction strategies we learned in solving written maths problems. To solve these we have used 4 steps:
1. Write the numbers used.
2. Write a number bond.
3. Write the number sentence.
4. Write the answer as a sentence.
For example:
On Thursday Mr Ronchetti plays 9 songs on his guitar. He then plays 8 songs on the weekend. How many songs did he play all week.
1. 9 , 8
2. X - 9
\
8
3. 9 + 8 = X. Therefore X is 17
4. He played 17 songs.
This may seem a roundabout way of solving 9 + 8 but it is the first practice for the students for showing their working out at every stage.
Writing.
We are hoping to have videos of everyone's poems up on SeeSaw next week!
Reading.
On Thursday we had our first big reading group lesson where we read 'Zog' by Julia Donaldson. After we read the book, each group thought of an open ended question to ask. Then students chose 1 question each and asked their reading group the question and had to remember their answers! Students found this very difficult which shows me that more group work will need to be assigned from now on!
Social Studies.
- Someone drops their pencils on the floor.
- Someone litters.
- A new student arrives at the class.
- A group does an excellent job in a presentation.
This unit was a gentle reminder to students about working together to solve problems and being kind to each other. Next week we will start on one of my favourite units, MAPS!