Tuesday, May 17, 2011

11-5-17_blog_math first post.doc

Morning Math Class Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Usually I allow students to choose whether to work independently or to join me. Occasionally I ask them all to join the group lesson for part of a class. Today I asked all the students to join one big group lesson. We sat at the carpet and nearby tables. I drew diagrams and equations on the whiteboard. I gave oral instructions, asked questions, and encouraged proper responses : )

The students were engaged and helpful to each other! Great job, children! As always, Ms. Jamie Kreisberg, our assistant, was a great help!

The lesson involved AREA and PERIMETER. The main ideas emphasized included:

"Area is how many square units we can count inside a figure."

"Perimeter is how many linear units we can count around the edge of a figure."

We used a single "hundred square" for each student, and two "cover sheets", to outline the dimensions of various rectangles.

The students had to say the dimensions as "how far over" and "how far up", to find the AREA. "Length times width equals area."

Then the students had to count the sides ("how far around the edge"), to find the PERIMETER. We talked about "little Johnny walking around the carpet - how far did he walk?"

Often some of the students answered questions impulsively, giving an incorrect response. I encouraged the students to repeat the question out loud FIRST, LOOK at the question and diagrams, and then THINK before responding.

I reminded them that when they take standardized tests, they should think and check their answer, to make it worth their time, and to show what they know!

At home, your child can practice this lesson:

1) outline as rectangle on graph paper

2) write the "over" and "up" dimensions

3) count the AREA (the child may be able to simply skip count or multiply the dimensions)

4) write "___ x ____ =  _____ square units of area"

5) label the length of each side

6) count the PERIMETER (the child may be able to DOUBLE the sides and ADD)

7) write "the perimeter = _____ linear units"

Try another one!

I also told them about the old-fashioned "Blab School". Repeating strengthens the auditory memory. "A Blab school was a type of school common in United States in the 19th century where books and materials were uncommon, and lessons consisted of a teacher speaking a lesson, and the students reciting it back in unison.United States president Abraham Lincoln was noted to attend such a school in his youth. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blab_school)