Monday, 2-14-11

MATH: p.473 #1-13 EC #18-22 Taught how to add & subtract mixed numbers (whole numbers and fractions, like 4 and 5/8) having fractions with like denominators. Then, students had to reduce sums to lowest terms. For example, when adding 1 and 3/11 + 2 and 8/11 the sum 3 11/11. Students then ask themselves, "Can this sum be reduced to lowest terms?" In this case, the answer is, "Yes!" They would convert 11/11 to 1, then add it to the 3 and come up with the final answer 4.

Okay, subtracting can be confusing. Here's a problem:

4 and 2/7
- 2 and 5/7

You can't subtract 5/7 from 2/7. You have to borrow from the ones, changing the 4 to a 3. The borrowed 1 then becomes 7/7 to be added to the 2/7, resulting in 9/7. The problem is then rewritten as follows:

3 and 9/7
- 2 and 5/7

This is doable. The resulting answer is 1 and 4/7, which cannot be reduced. Fun, huh? (Try doing this with 3o students...) Actually, I think students did fairly well today.

Tomorrow we venture into adding and subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators, finding the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD), converting unlike fractions to common denominator fractions, then add/subtract (borrowing if necessary). I think we'll spend 2-3 days on this lesson.

LANGUAGE ARTS: There are several things going on the next two weeks. First, Patriot Challenge Activities #1 & 2 should have been turned in by now. Today marks the beginning of Activity #3. I'm giving students about 40 minutes/day for the next two weeks to work in class on this. This is plenty of time for most to complete this project in class. In fact, probably 1/3 of class members are already done with Activity #3. Hence, other assignments...

TFK: Students have also been asked to work on a Time For Kids assignments, consisting of 3 papers (double-sided), a total of 6 worksheets related to comprehension. TFK worksheets are due Feb. 11th.

INVENTION: Students have also been challenged to become inventors or researchers. Another assignment has been given for them to create a new invention (demand - supply) or research four American inventions. This is due Feb. 25th.

WRITING: Finally, students should be working on completing "Great Weekend" writing assignment online www.utahwrite.com. This is due Feb. 25th.

VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY: The party was fun! Thanks Room Mothers for your time and effort!!!