March 24th, 2017

Today we started working on 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication. We reviewed a traditional "stacking" strategy seen in the video above, but we also demonstrated how students who are more comfortable with our "break apart" strategy could use it to solve larger multiplication problems. See the example below:

In the above, we solved 54 x 19 by using both a "stacking" method and the "break apart" method. With the "stacking" method, students stack the numbers by their place value places, placing the smaller number on the bottom. Starting at this smaller number's ones place, multiply it step by step through each place value place of the larger number above, also beginning with the ones place. In the example above, that means that students start with 9, and solve 9 x 4 and then 9 x 5. Don't forget that if you regroup (carry) any numbers to the next place value place, you need to ADD it back in. When students have finished with the ones place, cross out any numbers that you carried so that you don't accidentally use them again and place a 0 in the tens place of the second answer line. This line will be directly underneath the first and will be where you place the answer to the tens place of the smaller number being multiplied step by step through each place value place of the larger number above, starting in the ones place. In the example above, students solve 1 x4 and then 1 x 5. Now that students have found an answer for each place value place of the smaller number, they need to add the answers together (bring it all together). I know the above sounds confusing, but watch the video a few times and then practice at home. Once you have the steps memorized, the rest is just knowing your multiplication tables - so keep practicing your multiplication tables!

In the above, we also solved 54 x 19 using a "break apart" strategy. In this strategy, students break each number into it's place  value places (Eg. 54 becomes 50 + 4). Then students multiply each place value place of the first number by each place value place of the second number. In the example above students break 54 into 50 + 4 and 19 into 10 + 9. Now, multiply 50 by 10 and multiply 50 by 9. Then multiply 4 by 10 and multiply 4 by 9. See? Each place value spot of the first number (50 and 4) is multiplied by each place value spot of the second (10 and 9). You should ultimately get this:

54 x 19 = 
(50+4) x (10+9) = 
(50 x 10) + (50 x 9) + (4 x 10) + (4x9) =
500 + 450 + 40 + 36 = 1026

Again, the key to understanding any strategy is to practice at home. Practice, practice, practice until you know all the steps off by heart.

In Social Studies today we continued to work on our research projects. Most of the groups have begun using Book Creator on the IPads to turn their research into informational texts on their First Nations groups. We also spent time with Ms. Grisch's Grade 1 class today helping them to use Book Creator to tell a story using first, next, then, and finally. Students were writing a story about how to catch the Easter Bunny. Our students helped them to write the text, draw pictures, and even to record themselves reading what they had written. I can't wait to put some of these skills to use with our own informational texts in Social Studies. 

We also had our Habit 3: Put First Things First Assembly today. Classrooms that submitted classroom for the Alberta Health Services Healthy Cup were presented with certificates today from Carolyn Evancio from AHS. She also presented our class with the Healthy Cup. I know we've had it in our classroom for a little while, but today we got to share our win with the entire school. Our Science Fair winners were also recognized for all their hard work. Congratulations Maya, Ravnoor, Hetvi, and Sam! I am looking forward to seeing your projects at the WBRSF in April. Great job presenting at today's assembly Aayan! 

Next week we will be hosting our Spring Spirit Week! Help us welcome spring and stock our Breakfast Program shelves for the rest of the year! Each day staff and students can choose to dress in theme and also bring in an item for our Breakfast Program. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, you can send $2 instead.

​March 27: Movie Character Monday and bring in Quaker Nutri Grain Bars (or similar)
March 28: Tired Tuesday (aka PJ Day) and bring in Apple Sauce Cups
March 29: Wacky Hair Wednesday and bring in NUT FREE Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip Bars (or similar)
March 30: Throwback Thursday (aka 70s, 80s, 90s Day) and bring in Kellogg’s Mini Wheats or Multigrain Cheerios

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Practice 12x, 5x, 10x, 7x, or 11x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Tuesday) 

Science:
- WBRSF (April 29th @ Shell Place at MacDonald Island)

Tech & Trades Academy - Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)
Snack Shack - Thursday ($2) 
Spirit Week - Monday, Movie Character Day (Nutrigrain Bars)
Yearbooks - On Sale Now (see poster below)