Multiplication

In addition to the really cool game Timez Attack, multiplication.com provides another wonderful resource from which to learn multiplication facts. 

On Multiplication.com students can choose to play various games that will enhance their multiplication skills. Games are both single and multi-player games.

Multiplication

We have recently begun working with multiplication in math class. Thus far, we have spent our time exploring what multiplication is, how and when it is used, and learning how to make multiplication easier. Throughout this time we have been using array cards to better understand multiplication. Today, the children used these cards and played a modified version of the card game, "War."

It's now time to start memorizing the multiplication facts. This memorization will be done exclusively at home. I will  be sending home a stack of multiplication flash cards that you should work with your child on for at least 15 minutes each day until all of them are memorized. Cards are memorized when the child can give you the answer without taking anytime to figure it out.

There are also websites linked off of our classroom site that will drill children on facts. Also, don't forget about the wonderful game, Timez Attack I blogged about several weeks ago as well as numerous apps that can be downloaded to your tablet or phone.

Week in Review

Well, we made it through the first full week (at least the first full week of me in the classroom) since break. After the cold weather that forced us inside for recess, it was a welcome relief to be able to allow the children the chance to run outside and burn off some energy.

This week we began our unit on multiplication. We start slowly and introduce the children to the concept by having them develop their own groupings and then work with them to to figure out how many total items. For example, some students wrote:

There are three black labs.
Each black lab has four legs.
There are 12 legs in all.

Working this way ensures that the children know when and why they multiply. We have begun solving these problems by counting by the number in each group (in the above example we'd count by 4) or through repeated addition (4+4+4=12). Several of the children already have some multiplication facts memorized and I look forward to seeing more children master this skill.

In writing, we continue to focus on word choice. this week we analyzed student writing and graded it using the rubric that I grade the students on. The children were asked to analyze various pieces of writing and then describe the positive and negative aspects of each piece of writing. The goal is to help the children better understand what constitutes good word choice. Ultimately, I'd like the children to grade their own work as harshly as they graded these samples.

This week we began our next science chapter. This one focuses on force, work, and simple machines. We didn't get too far on this, because we needed to allot time for our winter MAP tests. Like the fall, these tests were lengthy and focused on the skills of reading and math. I will be discussing the results of this test with your child next week.

Next week we start the second week of the quarter and many students are already behind on their AR reading. Please remind your child to read nightly. I expect each child to read at least 20 minutes each evening.

Multiplication

Shortly we will begin our math unit on multiplication and it would be helpful for students to start practicing now. There are many websites and apps that students can use, but one that is exceptionally engaging is called "Timez Attack." Unlike most of what I use with the students, this is an actual comptuer program that must be downloaded to use.  Within the next week or two, I will be setting up a class account for this program. With this account, students will be able to play both at home and at school and I will be able to monitor their progress. However, feel free to download the program now and get a jump start on it. Please note, there is a free version as well as a paid version.

Multiplication

This week we've begun learning multiplication.  So far, the children have focused on the meaning of multiplication, the reasons we use it, and the patterns that various multiplication facts form when skip counting. To compliment the activities that the students do in class, it is important that the students also learn to memorize their multiplication facts.

To help the children accomplish this, I am sending home each child with a set of multiplication flash cards.  Initially, each child is going to receive the 2, 3, & 5 facts.  I will send home the next set on Monday, and will continue to send home additional facts as the days go on. 

Students are expected to practice these facts with an adult for a minimum of ten minutes each evening. Adults should quiz the children on the facts.  Facts they know, should be placed in one pile, ones they do not should be placed in another pile.  Further practice should focus on the unknown facts while occasionally revisiting the known facts.

My goal for all students is to have each fact memorized.  This means that a child can give you the answer without first thinking about it.  As they learn these facts, especially the difficult ones, they should think about how facts relate to one another. For example, a child might know that 2x9=18, but have difficulty with 3x9.  The child should recognize that 3x9 is just one more nine than 2x9.  Consequently, they could take 2x9=18 and then add 9 to get 27.

Please work with your child on these facts, it will make math in future grades much easier for them.

Student Paragraphs on the Multiplication Tournament

Did you hear that I beat Cameron but not Madison in the math tournament? When it was my turn, I was nervous. Then we started. My heart was pounding and then next thing I knew Cameron was winning and I was falling behind. When the buzzer went off we counted all of our cards, Cameron had 23 or 26. I had 29 cards! I was full of excitement! After all of that, I was against Madison. I was afraid that Madison would win. We competed and then counted our cards. Madison had ten flash cards, I had only nine flash cards. I was sad, but at least I went against her. In the end, Brianna had first place, Jose had second place, Madison had third, and Dylan had fourth place. Soon, the entire math tournament was finished and we ate ice cream. I chose a kind of swirled vanilla and chocolate ice cream with sprinkles and regular white whipped cream with some chocolate syrup.

-By Amirah

I earned third place in multiplication tournament! In my first round I dueled Banner. My math skills crushed him. Once Zoe, who was holding the green flashcards, didn't even hold up a card and I answered it. Banner said, "Hey! I wasn't ready!"  Then I got a "Sweet Sixteen" certificate. Next, I went

Multiplication Tournament

After months of multiplication practice, the third graders finally competed in the annual third grade multiplication tournament. 

Mr. McKnight, Mrs. Lew, and I are all very proud of each of the third graders.  As we think back to December when we started practice it is amazing to see how far they have come and how well they have learned their facts.  Each third grade child should be very proud.

The tournament was huge success with Brianna taking first place, Jose in second, Madison in third, and Dylan in fourth place. 

Click here to see all of the pictures.

Multiplication Tournament--Date Change

Because of a conflict with Stuck for a Buck, we need to reschedule our tournament.  The new date is March 23, at 1:50.

Multiplication Whizzes

Congratulations Tori and Amirah for tying for first place in Mrs. Lew's room for third grade's weekly multiplication challenge.