News and Notes 9/12

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

Multiplication Cheats

This week the fourth graders learned how to cheat.  Actually, what we were calling "cheats" were actually tricky shortcuts we discovered to help us solve multiplication problems more easily.  The fourth grade mathematicians analyzed different times tables and observed patterns.  For example, we found that each time you multiply a number by 5, the product will always have either a 5 or a 0 in the ones place.  We found patterns for multiples of 0, 1, 2, 5, and 9.  By using these multiplication "cheats," we were able to skip over steps to determine if larger numbers are multiples of a given factor.  Of course, by labeling these patterns as top secret information, the fourth graders were highly engaged and had fun discovering the secrets.  Unlike other "confidential" information, these fourth grade mathematicians would be happy to share our multiplication cheats with anyone!

Think, Pair, Share

Answering a question requires a child to work through many different steps.  First, they have to hear the question and determine what is being asked of them.  Then they have to dig through the files of their minds and pull out the corresponding information.  After this they have to formulate the words to convey their thinking.  For some students this process is generally very quick while others may need a longer "wait" time.  As we work to establish classroom norms, finding a way of asking and answering questions that works for all types of learners has been of great importance.  One strategy we will often use is called, "Think, Pair, Share."  First the student must take some time to think of the answer.  During this time the room is silent and everyone is encouraged to reflect and process.  Next, students turn and share with a partner.  This way everyone has an opportunity to articulate their ideas and everyone gets practice in being an active listener.  Finally, we take volunteers or select a few students to share their ideas with the whole group.  This "Think, Pair, Share" strategy seems so simple but it is a hugely effective means of assisting students in being effective thinkers and responders to questions.  

It's a Cycle!

This week in science the fourth graders discovered that rocks changed.  As we explored the different types of rocks, we found that a sedimentary rock won't necessarily always be a sedimentary rock.  As we noted the different ways that rocks can change, we discovered that it is really a cycle of transformation.  We identified many different forces that cause rocks to change including: heat, pressure, weathering, erosion, compacting, and cementing.  The fourth graders were able to identify the different forces at work in forming specific types of rocks and minerals.  We thoroughly enjoyed being able to track the changes of the "rock cycle."