More on Multiplication

Room 221 mathematicians are working to dig deeper into multiplication so that we are prepared for more sophisticated multiplication problems in later grades. We will break down multiplication problems with larger numbers into more manageable chunks.

For example, if we want to solve 12 x 3:

We could break it down into (10 x 3) and (2 x 3). 

**I understand many third grade mathematicians are able to solve 12 x 3 in their head. I will still ask them to practice using this strategy in class so that they can understand the concept and the process. It's important that they can use the strategy later with larger numbers that they can't solve in their head. 

You can also imagine the process using base ten blocks:

You may recognize that using the base ten blocks is very similar to the standard algorithm you were probably taught in school. You multiply the ones place and you multiply the tens place. 

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Encourage your mathematician to ask questions in math class! Questions help us learn. 

Fiction Writing

Thank you so much to Mrs. Anne Nydam for visiting third grade this afternoon! If you don't know, Mrs. Nydam is a published author and illustrator. (Her children attended Eliot. They are now in sixth grade at High Rock.) You can check out her books and her artwork at her website http://www.nydamprints.com/.

221 writers have begun a unit focused on writing realistic fiction. Mrs. Nydam shared many of the strategies and techniques she uses as a writer of fiction. Here's some of what our third grade writers learned:

*Every story needs a problem and solution
*Write stories like the ones you like to read
*Show don't tell - Don't say 'big,' describe how it's big
*Notice and pay attention to everything. Record or save the ideas you find most interesting
*Name your characters
*Put yourself in the character's place - think about what it was like when you felt that way...
*Notice problems in your own life. You might use one for a story
*Read other stories - get ideas from other writers. 

Mrs. Nydam is teaching Art classes through Needham Community Education Summer Explorations. To learn more or register go to:  http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/community_education/Summer_Programs

Happy writing!

Reading Mysteries

Third grade readers are exploring the genre of mystery. Ask them which mystery they are reading here at school. We are learning that readers approach mysteries differently than they approach other genres.

When reading mysteries readers:

• Look for the "main" detective and the mystery that needs to be solved.
• Readers should know the detective and the mystery within the first few chapters. 
• Pay attention to clues and try to solve the mystery alongside the detective.
• Try to think like the detective. Try to picture the clues and details in your mind. 

Happy reading!

Math MCAS

Math MCAS will be administered to third graders on Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7 at 
9:00am. The test is created to take about 60 minutes. Some children will be done sooner, and others will take longer. The test is untimed, so the children can take as long as they need. 

I am asking all students to be in bed by 8:00 the nights before the test. Please help your children follow this guideline. In addition, all children should eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school each test day. 

The children will be invited to eat a light, healthy snack when they get to school. After all children have completed the test, they will also be able to eat an "extra" snack and relax for a short time. The children will also get extra recess each test morning in order to run off any extra steam. 

This week will look different in terms of homework. There will be no math packet, weekly math or Spelling City. Your children should continue to read (or be read to) for at least 20 minutes each night. They should also continue to do Xtra Math at least three times. 

Most importantly, I do not want your children to feel stressed about MCAS. It is important that they know we believe they will do well. Please encourage them to work hard and do their best. However, also remind them that no matter how they do on MCAS, we know they are smart children! 

Thanks for your cooperation. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.