January Update

A Note from Mrs. Steele, the math teacher

·      Students have been working hard with fractions.

·      Reminder: Many times “Problem Sets” look undone when they come home. That’s ok. You certainly can encourage your child to show you how to complete one or two of the unfinished problems, but please don’t consider this homework. You would be very surprised at how much math our students every single day in the 90 minutes they are in math class.  Problem sets are only a tiny fraction of what they do, and by bringing them home every night, you get a little glimpse of what concept we are working on.  For example, today we are working on subtracting fractions from a number that is greater than 1 and less than 2. 
                                                                        (example: 1 ¾ - 1/5)

·      It’s still very important for your child to know his/her math basic facts, especially when it comes to multiplication. I cannot stress this enough. Roughly 20% of the 5^th grade are “fluent” in their facts, which means the other 80% still could use help in recalling facts.

o   Use flash cards, quiz him/her orally, or use Moby Max (online) “Fact Master” on a daily basis.

o   I offer extra practice sheets after every “sprint” but only 2 students are consistently taking them home for further practice.

o   Students often stumble on the 7’s, 8’s, 9’s, and 12’s, so focus on those. Even those students who are fluent can practice by taking it a step farther. Quiz them with identifying equivalent fractions. For example 4/5 = 16/20, so ask, how many twentieths is equivalent to four-fifths?

·      As a former middle school teacher, I understand what the future looks like for your 5^th grader. Mrs. Curry, Mrs. Day and I are working hard at helping your student become more and more independent.

o   This involves helping them find “their voice” through self-advocacy: it is encouraging to have students advocate on their behalf instead of relying on a middleman (you).  This is such a sign of maturity!

o   In addition, students are expected to be more responsible for personal items, organizing homework folders, classroom supplies, and lockers.  We will continue to help prepare him/her for what lies ahead at West Middle School. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

·      Remember, there is no school this coming Monday. Enjoy the 3-day weekend!

--Mrs. Steele