Our class will be using a math program called Stepping Stones this year! It is my third year with the program and I am very excited to use it again! The growth I have seen in general use of number sense and strategies when solving math problems was impressive. I will send home more information as the year continues.
multiplication strategies
As 3rd graders make the transition to 4th grade, the most important concept for them to have mastered in 3rd grade is their basic multiplication facts. We will start the year focusing on this skill as well as our beginning modules. Here are some websites with helpful tips and practice for mastering the basic multiplication facts.
Tips for Teaching the Times Tables: Multiplication.com
Strategies for Basic Multiplication Facts
Multiplication.com - Quick Flash Cards
XtraMath below is also a free resource for practicing multiplication facts!
Tips for Teaching the Times Tables: Multiplication.com
Strategies for Basic Multiplication Facts
Multiplication.com - Quick Flash Cards
XtraMath below is also a free resource for practicing multiplication facts!
Math Links
Division Strategies
We have begun working on division of larger numbers. The fourth grade standard reads that students will be able to find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
I have had several parents asking me to explain the area model or place value strategies that we will use. I have added a couple of videos to help explain this method. The goal is that students understand number sense and how to use basic multiplication in order to divide. The goal is that they understand how to break apart numbers in different ways to make it easier for them. They will be doing standard algorithm of division in 5th grade and the consensus among the 4th & 5th grade teachers is that students have a better understanding of what they are doing and where the numbers come from in 5th grade with standard algorithm once we have spent time in 4th grade focusing on number sense and breaking numbers apart.
I have had several parents asking me to explain the area model or place value strategies that we will use. I have added a couple of videos to help explain this method. The goal is that students understand number sense and how to use basic multiplication in order to divide. The goal is that they understand how to break apart numbers in different ways to make it easier for them. They will be doing standard algorithm of division in 5th grade and the consensus among the 4th & 5th grade teachers is that students have a better understanding of what they are doing and where the numbers come from in 5th grade with standard algorithm once we have spent time in 4th grade focusing on number sense and breaking numbers apart.