Chets Creek Elementary Math

The Way You Learned Math is So Old School

2011-03-15T20:46:00.000-02:00

Finding Fair Shares

2011-02-22T20:48:00.000-02:00

Our class is starting a new math unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Students will solve sharing problems (How can 2 people share 3 brownies equally?), building wholes from fractional parts (1/2+ 1/4 + 1/4= 1), and find fraction equivalents (2/3 = 1/6). The kitchen is an excellent

FCAT

2011-01-12T20:54:00.000-02:00

The FCAT is approaching. The test measures the Sunshine State Standards that are covered in third grade in the areas of math and reading. We have been working hard to meet and exceed the Sunshine State Standards each day in both math and reading class. Check out the helpful links below.Helpful Links:Information for Students and ParentsFrequently Asked QuestionsSample Questions

Multiplication and Division Strategies

2010-12-15T20:57:00.000-02:00

Below is a video clip from our math closing meeting yesterday. Check out these great strategies for multiplication and division!Multiplication and Division Strategies from Melissa Ross on Vimeo.

Arrays Make Math Easy to Visualize

2010-12-05T21:01:00.000-02:00

This week in math, we are exploring the use of arrays to help us with multiplication and division. It is imperative that students develop strong visual images of multiplication as they develop strategies for solving multiplication problems. If a student can clearly visualize how the numbers they are multiplying are related, they can develop flexible, efficient, and accurate strategies for solving

Comparing Arrays

2010-11-25T21:04:00.000-02:00

Last week in Math Workshop, we spent time arranging different amounts of chairs into rows and columns (arrays). Today, we are comparing the arrangement 16 and 17 chairs. Look at the different arrangements that we can make with each number below:What do you notice about these arrays? Do any of the arrays have a special or unique shape? What do you notice about the number of arrays that can be made

How Many Groups of 10?

2010-09-05T18:45:00.014-02:00

There are 132 flyers that need to be handed out to Extended Day classes. The flyers need to be organized in stacks of ten to make them easier to hand out. How many stacks of ten will there be? How many flyers will be left over?When looking at a two digit number, it is easy for students to determine how many tens and ones are in the number. When working with a three-digit number, students have to

Closing Meeting Strategies

2010-05-19T22:36:00.007-02:00

Check out this great thinking from a second grade closing meeting!Oops! The factory put 101 paper clips in each box instead of 100! How many paper clips will you get if you buy 9 of these boxes? Closing Meeting Paper Clips from Melissa Ross on Vimeo.

Harder Balancing

2010-04-22T22:36:00.008-02:00

As we are mastering the balance/scale problems, we have moved into problems that require a little more thought and strategy rather than guess and check methods.In the problem above, students begin to see that if they remove the same amount of weight from each side of the scale, it remains balanced. By removing 12 grams from each side, the student would conclude that the apple weighs 2 grams.

Balancing Apples

2010-04-08T17:02:00.010-02:00

As part of the Florida Algebra standards for second grade, students are required to “describe and apply equality to solve problems, such as in balancing situations” to a high level of cognitive complexity. In other words, students must be able to look at a situation and determine the unknown by using what they know about the problem. What great critical thinking for our second graders! (They

Sunshine State Standards

2009-09-01T22:59:00.001-02:00

Are you new to the Sunshine State Standards? Check out the standards for each subject area by visiting the Florida Department of Education.

Math : Critical Thinking : : Analogies : Fun

2009-08-29T22:15:00.003-02:00

Math analogies in second grade? Absolutely! We have added a daily math analogy to our Calendar Math routine in the mornings to develop deeper critical thinking skills among our students and to expand their math vocabulary. An analogy is simply a way of looking at items and determining the type of comparison that is being made among them. At the beginning of the year, we start out very simple.

Math Resources

2009-06-29T12:39:00.004-02:00

Here are a few of my favorite math resources. They are well worth the time if you are interested in learning more about any of the topics we discuss in second grade.1. Mathematically Sane Website (This website gives a clear picture of why we teach math conceptually. There are many great articles and resources to check out!)2. Young Mathematicians at Work: Addition and Subtraction by Fosnot (This

Shaping Up!

2009-05-31T23:00:00.007-02:00

It is important for our students to not only be able to identify shapes, but to know age-appropriate definitions of those shapes. Students enter the second grade with many misconceptions about shapes. For example: When asked what shape "A" is, most students in second grade can tell you that it is a triangle. When asked what shape "B" is, some students get very confused. It does not look like

Measuring Up

2009-04-14T00:01:00.000-02:00

We have moved our focus in class to measurement for the next several weeks. Students are working on developing their understanding of the concept of length. We begin by using nonstandard measurement to determine the length of items in the classroom. Nonstandard units are units that are the same size, but not typically used to measure length. For example paper clips, linking cubes, toothpicks,

Games to Stretch Our Thinking!

2009-04-13T20:37:00.016-02:00

We use a variety of games in class to motivate students and get them excited about math. We also use them to refresh concepts we have learned about in class or to give students extra practice. "I Have, Who Has" is one of my favorites. We play this game often and our students love it! Check out the video below for our easiest set of cards, beginning place value. In the game, each student has his

Take a look!

2009-04-09T21:15:00.004-02:00

How do you add 258 + 392 ?Yes, this clip is of a second grade student. Thank you for sharing, Miss Russell!

Modeling a Problem

2009-02-16T19:06:00.014-02:00

We encourage students to visualize problems or create models for them if they do not understand what a problem is asking. Models are simply tools for thinking. We have problem solving strategy posters hanging in each second grade classroom to remind students of ways they can go about solving a problem if they do not understand it. Some of the posters include: make a chart or table, draw a diagram

Getting Familiar with 100

2009-01-26T21:45:00.011-02:00

As we approach the 100th day of school, (WOW! Already?) we like to do lots of fun activities in class relating to the number 100. We bring in collections of 100 things (like 100 hair clips in our hair, 100 buttons on our shirt, 100 lollipops to share with our friends) and make it our class goal to do 100 nice things before the day is out. The most important thing we do on the 100th day of school,

Using Landmark Numbers on an Open Number Line

2009-01-24T19:24:00.006-02:00

A landmark number is simply a number that is easy to work with. In second grade terms, the easiest numbers to work with are numbers we use when we "skip count by tens" (10, 20, 30). In using landmark numbers on the open number line, we want to find a landmark number that is easy to count on from. There are many variations to this strategy. The example below shows one of the most common

Our Blogging Friends

2008-11-06T08:39:00.002-02:00

We have several new friends joining our classrooms virtually this year. They are going through the teacher program in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Many of them have introduced themselves to us in comments on this blog and on some of our classroom blogs. One student, Matt, made a short clip for you to watch introducing himself to you. Students, do you have any questions or comments for any of

Sunshine Math

2008-10-15T22:26:00.009-02:00

Aren't Miss Patterson and Miss Hoffman the best!?!?What is the purpose of Sunshine Math?Sunshine Math is a program designed to help your child's journey through mathematics. This program will enable your child to become a more independent mathematics learner who is able to address many types of problems. The program is designed to be a challenge.Do I Have to Participate? Absolutely not. We would

What Time Is It?

2008-10-07T18:50:00.002-02:00

We have started telling time in our Calendar Math block. Below are some great games and activities you can use to reinforce what we are learning at home.Telling Time Quiz (by the hour)Telling Time Quiz (by the minute)Stop the Clock What Time Is It?Time Teller

Second Grade Math Night

2008-10-05T21:48:00.016-02:00

Join us for second grade Math Night this Thursday, October 9, 2008 from 7-8:15 PM. During Math Night, the second grade teachers will be going over strategies that your child will be learning this year to increase number sense and bring their problem solving skills to the next level. If you are unable to join us, or would like a refresher when you get home, check out the clips below. They have

Money Matters!

2008-10-03T21:42:00.022-02:00

In our unit Coins, Coupons, Combinations, we are moving into using coupons to equal amounts of money. This can be a tricky concept for some, as students commonly confuse nickels and dimes when first working with money.What should your child know about money this year?-to recognize the value of coins by picture and by name (example- know what a dime looks like and what is is worth as well as

Combinations Club Preview

2008-09-15T21:46:00.007-02:00

Check out some of these great strategies!

What is Combinations Club?

2008-08-31T14:07:00.003-02:00

This year, we will be focusing on becoming fluent with the addition combinations up to 10 + 10. In second grade, students learn these combinations over the course of the year. Combination sets include:Make Ten (combinations of 10 with two numbers like 8 + 2)Plus 1 (any number plus one like 1 + 8)Plus 2 (any number plus two like 3 + 2)Doubles (any number plus itself like 5 + 5)Near Doubles (any

Tens Go Fish!

2008-08-28T19:54:00.007-02:00

Tens Go Fish is a fun card game we play in class to increase fluency with our combinations of ten. The game is played similarly to the traditional game of Go Fish. However, instead of asking for a double (example: if you have a three, ask for a three), students ask for a number that would give them a combination of ten. If you had a three in your hand, you would ask for a seven to make the

Are You Ready for Third Grade?

2008-05-27T22:36:00.003-02:00

I am so proud of all of the hard work you have put into this school year. While you are enjoying your summer vacation, here are some things to make sure you know in order to be ready for third grade. (Thank you Miss Russell!)Things that your child should know before entering 3rd grade:1. Combinations of 10 (The student should fluently know the entire fact family for each combination such as… 3+7=

Beginning to Represent Data

2008-04-27T20:37:00.010-02:00

As part of the second grade curriculum, students are asked to take a set of data and represent it. There are many different ways we can use to represent data. Below are three of the most common examples student choose to begin to represent data.Survey Question: What is your favorite animal - a dog, a cat, or both? Results: dog-3, cat-2, both-41. Tally Chart: To create a tally chart, students

What's the Probability?

2008-03-09T14:38:00.006-02:00

Each morning, as part of our math routine, we begin with Every Day Counts Calendar Math. This month, one of our large focuses is probability. We are flipping one quarter and one penny five times each every day. For each flip, we record on our classroom graph how many times the coin has landed on heads and how many times the coin has landed on tails.American Heritage Dictionary defines

Fractions of Arrays

2008-03-08T18:59:00.016-02:00

What amount of the array below is red?To figure this out, we need to talk about fractions. Now that we have become experts with arrays, columns, and rows, we have moved into separating our arrays into fractional parts. Time for a quick fraction review? A fraction is a part of a whole. The bottom number of a fractions is called the denominator. It tells you the size of the units that you have. The

Rectangles 101

2008-02-27T22:15:00.009-02:00

Time to get back to the basics of rectangles. A rectangle is a quadrilateral (4 sides) with 4 right angles. Students were given 7 rectangles of various sizes in class and asked to sort them in order from least to greatest. As always, all manipulatives and materials were available for students. Once the mad rush for rulers ended, I began hearing students arguing in their small groups about the

Time for a Special Valentine Challenge!

2008-02-12T22:32:00.000-02:00

Anyone interested in a little critical thinking? In honor of Valentine's Day, I am adding a special little math activity. Who doesn't love a little critical thinking? I find myself hooked on these puzzles, as I'm sure you will too.These logic puzzles, also known as logic grid puzzles, require you to carefully read and analyze the given clues many times in order to solve them. You are trying to

Let's Read!

2008-02-12T20:37:00.000-02:00

In our classroom, we are working on a project with Scholastic to help save 100 acres of the Rainforest in northern Equador (the Choco Forest) by reading. What better time to introduce some great books you can read online! (While you are learning about math concepts, that is.)If this image is too small for you to read, click on the orange eyes at the top of the page to take you to a larger image.

What's the Point?

2008-02-06T11:02:00.000-02:00

Typically, students love to do coordinate grid problems. Perhaps it is because they do not perceive it as having much to do with math. Perhaps it is because it reminds them of the game Battleship. There is, however, a lot of terminology associated with the grids. I always stress that students try to use the correct vocabulary and talk like mathematicians. Here is a quick run down of the

What is compensation?

2008-01-23T21:29:00.000-02:00

Compensation is the latest strategy some of my students have been exploring in class. This strategy requires students to have a complete understanding of place value and the number system. It is a little different for addition and subtraction, so I will break each section apart below.Addition:This strategy is based on maintaining the value of the whole. With addition, as long the whole is

Can you get to 100?

2008-01-07T19:55:00.000-02:00

Welcome back! We are moving right along in our math curriculum. We began today with one of my favorite math games, "Get to 100." This game focuses on adding multiples of 5 and 10 and becoming familiar with the patterns and structure of the 100 chart.How do I play?Object: The object of this game is to reach exactly 100. No more, no less.Materials: multiple of 5 number cube or cards, 100 chart,

Christmas Break Suggestions

2007-12-09T20:25:00.000-02:00

Many of you have asked for suggestions of what to work on over the holiday break with your child. I have compiled a list of things to practice if you are interested. This is not a requirement, just extra practice for those requesting it. (I will be sending a hard copy of this information home as well as several practice sheets this week.) I will check my email frequently over the break if you

We're Clicking Away Thanks to EInstruction!

2007-12-01T11:12:00.000-02:00

I was fortunate enough to have some amazing new equipment donated to our classroom thanks to the wonderful people at EInstruction! We now have both a teacher chalkboard and the response pad class set. I think the children are just as excited as I am to have these new tools in our classroom. (I was even offered several “good behavior” bribes from students if I would let them take the response pad

Story Problems Galore!

2007-11-18T14:51:00.000-02:00

We are beginning our new math book, Putting Together, Taking Apart. This unit supports students in developing strategies for solving addition and subtraction problems based on an understanding of numbers, number relationships, and the operations of addition and subtraction. Students continue to work on counting with an emphasis on developing efficient addition and subtraction strategies.In order

Odd or Even

2007-11-07T22:51:00.001-02:00

Need a refresher on odd and even numbers? Technically, an odd number is any integer that cannot be divided exactly by 2. An even number is any integer that can be divided exactly by 2. This obviously doesn't make much sense to a second grader, so again we use simpler words in math class - still keeping with as much math vocabulary as possible.An odd number, when placed into pairs, will always

We're Decomposing!

2007-11-04T10:30:00.000-02:00

Our math strategies are in full swing. Math Night was a HUGE success! Thank you for coming out and spending a night of problem solving with us!We have been through using tally marks to solve problems and using an open number line. Now, on to our next strategy: decomposing.In decomposing, we are going to be solving combining and separating problems by decomposing, or breaking them down, into

Place Value

2007-09-29T21:43:00.001-02:00

As part of our Calendar Math every morning, we review place value. We review it by creating groups of tens and ones for the amount of days that we have been in school. Place value is a very in-depth concept that students began learning in kindergarten and first grade. In order to fully understand the addition and subtraction strategies we will be starting soon, students should have a complete

Using an Open Number Line in "Single Hops"

2007-09-24T23:45:00.000-02:00

An open number line is another strategy that students have learned to use. In this strategy, students are recreating only the part of the number line that is useful to them to solve the problem they are working on. We begin by taking single "hops" on the number line. Students will eventually "hop" in groups of 10 or to landmark numbers. Sample problem: 12 + 10 = ___1. First, begin the open number

Using Tally Marks to Solve Problems

2007-09-23T10:08:00.000-02:00

In second grade, we really focus on increasing number sense with our students. One of the ways that we do this is to encourage student to have a bank of strategies to help them solve problems. I am going to go through each strategy as we go over them in class. This first strategy tally marks in groups of 5 was introduced in first grade. We review it at the beginning of second grade for those

Can't get enought of those riddles!

2007-09-23T09:29:00.000-02:00

The riddles we have been solving in class are lots of fun! Here are a few more riddles to practice at home!Riddle 1:There are 14 legs in this group. There are 6 heads in this group.There are 12 ears in this group.There are 50 fingers in this group.There is 1 tail in this group.Who could be in this group?Riddle 2:There are 16 eyes in this group.There are 8 heads in this group.There are 5 hats in

What is skip counting?

2007-09-16T09:43:00.000-02:00

Skip counting is when you count forwards or backwards by a number other than 1. Skip counting helps students count many things quickly. This is also an introduction to multiplication. When students are first learning to skip count, it is helpful to use a hundreds chart or number line.This website has an excellent introduction. http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/skip-counting.html It also has

Double Trouble!

2007-09-10T22:01:00.000-02:00

In class we have been working on our doubles facts. We read a book called Double Trouble. (Amazon does not have it, but they do have a similar book called Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong if you are interested in purchasing this book. http://www.amazon.com/Two-Everything-Lily-Toy-Hong/dp/0807581577 )In the book we read in class, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez find a magic pot. Anything that falls into

I have to draw legs on a math problem?

2007-09-06T20:23:00.000-02:00

You may have heard your child say "I have to show my work! I have to put legs on my math problem!" If so, they aren't decorating their math homework. This is a strategy we talked about in class to solve number strings to make them easier.Here are some helpful steps:1. Check for doubles or combinations of ten.2. Combine them using "legs."3. Check for any missing numbers and write a new number

Greater Than, Less Than, Equal To

2007-09-04T20:31:00.000-02:00

Having trouble remembering what the funny symbols > < = mean? Here is a quick reminder. The symbol > means greater than. It tells us that whatever is to the left of the sign is greater (or larger) than whatever is on the right of the sign.The symbol < is less than. It tells us that whatever is to the right of the sign is greater (or larger) than whatever is on the left of the sign.The symbol = is