Math Update

Dear Fourth Grade Families,

In Math, your children have completed a summative unit assessment. They tracked progress from the pre-assessment to formative assessment to the final summative assessment using a radar chart. We also took time to reflect on the progress made during the unit through a written reflection. The children were asked to sit down with you and discuss their progress and next steps. Reflection of the learning corresponds to our Habit of the Mind, Thinking about our Thinking. I was pleased to see those boys and girls that took the time to think critically about their learning habits and how it affected their progress through the unit! Many of the reflections included amazing insight!

We are quickly moving to understanding multi-digit multiplication. In fourth grade the method of solving multi-digit multiplication is through an understanding of place value and of the properties of operations, especially the distributive property. This method varies greatly from the standard method of multiplication that most adults learned. There are many advantages to student learning and deeper understanding when they become proficient with multi-digit multiplication using the "new" methods.

I have started to upload our mini-lessons on bb9 for student and family use. The students have found this helpful to review information at home using the exact lesson examples and information. This will also provide families with a resource for gaining understanding and for staying up to date on what we are learning! I hope that you take advantage of this resource. Another way to stay informed on the current learning is to ask your child to go through their Math Thoughtful Logs with you. The strategies section includes learning targets and strategies for solving problems. Most of the children are doing a fantastic job of keeping this resource organized well and full of great learning! I will post some examples of proficient Log entries coming up.

As always, thank you for the support at home.