Mathematics Support at Home

During the progress report interviews, many parents mentioned that they see the benefits from the new methods that teachers are using in the mathematics classroom. Many parents replied that they wished that they learned math in this way when he or she was in elementary school. In our classroom, we have a growth mindset approach to learning math. Our students know that anyone can learn and do math with effort and by learning from our mistakes. Since most parents are not aware of how math is presently taught, I have outlined my approach, as well as some resources that will assist you as you support your child at home.

Dear parents,

Have you noticed that your child has been showing more enthusiasm, confidence and a positive mindset toward mathematics? When you ask your child about what they learned in school today, are they speaking about their solution to a problem, or perhaps, the many different approaches that they learned from their peers? By taking an inquiry based learning approach to mathematics, our students have been given opportunities to demonstrate their creativity, use their own ideas/knowledge and they are actively engaged in their learning.

Inquiry based learning is not teaching about how to use a specific procedure to solve a problem, then asking all students to mimic the same strategy to find the answer. However, an inquiry based approach allows:

• students to use their own ideas and combine their knowledge of mathematical methods and procedures to solve problems
• opportunities for students to think critically and creatively in a collaborative setting to deepen their understanding of math
• communication and math vocabulary to resonate between students and the teacher
• a realization that there can be many solutions to a problem and they can discover new pathways from their peers, instead of one fixed methodology
• problems that are visual to create interest, curiosity and get all students thinking

When students discuss their ideas in a safe classroom environment, they are more willing to take risks and learn from each other’s errors. As previously discussed, we will continue to have several positive growth mindset lessons in our class and praise your child for contributing his/her thinking. By encouraging student thinking toward mathematics in this manner, your child will gain confidence and be more prepared to solve real-life problems that are relevant in today’s world. Here is a few resources that can assist you at home:

"Doing Mathematics with Your Child K-6"

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNumEn.pdf

"Inspiring Your Child to Learn and Love Math"

http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/parent_engagement-math/en/index.htm

Using Manipulatives in the Classroom by Marilyn Burns
http://mathsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/1996_Hands_on_Help.pdf

Online Math Games

www.tvokids.com

Several parents have mentioned that they would like more opportunities to practice word problems at home. I am revising our "problem of the week" activities and I will begin to integrate these tasks into weekly homework.

Thank you for your support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - November 2016

• Patterning Tests - If you have not signed and returned the last math test, please do so as soon as possible since I would like all tests returned. We will continue working with a variety of math assessments in preparation for EQAO. I know that all students put in a lot of effort and they are proud of their work. Good job grade 3's!

• Parent/Teacher Interviews - Our parent teacher interviews will be held on November 17th. Interviews are scheduled using online booking using a Google Form. The Progress Report interviews are short and I do have to stay on time to respect all parents who have booked, so please be aware that our time is limited. Thanks for understanding!

• Progress Reports - Please sign the bottom portion of the report and return it to school with the envelope since we can reuse it for the first term report. It is important that students discuss their goals for their learning with you. I will continue to discuss the importance of learning skills throughout the year to the class as they prepare for the junior division. Thank you for your continued support!

• Technology Coach - We are very lucky to have a expert from our board for the next few weeks to teach our students how to navigate through Google-based programs, such as Read & Write, Google Drive and Google Docs. Students will learn how to navigate through and organize their drive, use tools in Read & Write (e.g. word predictor, microphone, etc.) and to be more independent when navigating through the student portal. This is a very unique learning experience that will foster student success using technology.

• Homework Routines and Getting Enough Sleep - Having a structured homework routine - including a regular time and place - will reinforce learning at school and demonstrate our home/school commitment to the success of your child. Please take some time to look over each week's Spelling homework to ensure understanding and that it is completed neatly. Many students appear to be more tired than normal and seem less energetic. With the time change and ongoing commitments, it is understandable that children are tired, but please keep in mind that that we have a busy school schedule and children need enough sleep to learn to the best of their ability.

• TVO Kids - I have introduced the TVO website to our class during our iPad block (www.tvokids.com) and I encourage students to investigate some of the Math apps. There are many engaging games, so take a look!

• Remembrance Day Liturgy - Our Remembrance Day Liturgy will be held this Friday at 10:45. All are welcome!

• PD Day - Don't forget that Friday, November 18th is a PD Day and there is no school for students. Our school choir will be singing at Centrepointe Theatre during the evening for Rag and Bone Theatre. If interested, you can purchase tickets in advance by going to the Rag and Bone website, or at the box office during the day of the play.

Always Learning in Grade 3

In Math, we are currently working on representing, adding and subtracting money amounts to $10. We are working on problem solving strategies and mental math using adding and subtracting. We will create menus and pretend to purchase items from each other and receive change to provide a real life context to money. Students will begin learning about rounding numbers to the nearest 10.

In Language, we are finishing up our narrative writing called "My Haunted House For Sale." In this writing task, students have learned to create a problem/solution, use detail and a variety of punctuation (e.g. question marks, exclamation marks, commas, etc.). We will begin learning how to effectively write answers to comprehension questions using the "APE" strategy. Students will practice this strategy throughout the year in preparation for EQAO. We will continue working on identifying the main idea in a text.

We are getting close to finishing our Science unit on forces. We had a few experiments using gravitational and magnetic force. We have discussed friction and we will have a short experiment on electrostatic force. I am preparing a take home project on natural forces that will go home shortly. A detailed letter will go home shortly to explain the expectations of the task.

In Religion, we have discussed why we pray and different types of prayer. In Family Life, we are talking about our gifts and talents and how God wants us to share these talents/gifts with others.

In Visual Arts, students are completing their autumn art using colour, space, movement and patterning. I have posted a few pictures on our class Twitter page.

If you have any questions, please write me a note in the agenda. Thanks for your continued support!

Mr. Blais