If you're going to sing... sing about fractions

DO YOU WANT TO ADD SOME FRACTIONS.......

Ladder Method

How Do Ladders Help With Math???

I can't tell you enough how much I love the Ladder Method!  To be honest, I didn't like it at first.  Believe it or not, a few years ago was the first time I learned it! Like many of you, I was hesitant to use it because it was a new concept to me and it wasn't how I was taught. Learning new ways to do something can be hard for people to accept and use. Even though I wasn't a big fan of it, I taught it to my students and showed them how to use it.  We used it as a strategy, but primarily used listing factors as our go-to solution.  

I was determined to like it, because other teachers really liked using it.   How did I get over my frustrations with it?  I practiced, practiced, and practiced some more!  Now when I use the Ladder Method, it makes so much more sense.  I love that you can use this one tool to figure out 3 different concepts!  We only used it for SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS today.   Once you get the hang of it, it is a real game changer and saves some time.     Here is a video that explores this concept step by step!  

Something you really need to know is your PRIME NUMBERS.  It helps you get a good start when using the Ladder.  You really need to use the smaller ones.  It is good to have the first 5 or 6 
memorized. 

 You also need to know your MATH FACTS!  If you struggle with knowing your basic math facts fluently, then practice, practice, practice!  You want it to be automatic.  

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. 

For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general, a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd.)

Let me know what you think!!  

Are you starting to enjoy the Ladder Method???  

Comment below and share your thoughts :)

It's Math TIME

Today we had our first try at Math Workshop.   In our class we use the acronym TIME.  Each letter stands for a workshop center: Technology, Independence, Making Meaning, and Extension.  At these centers we reviewed the first two lessons in chapter one having to do with place value and powers of ten. I am LOVING be able to work in groups this year, and everyone worked hard and efficiently.  

What was your favorite center today?  

Comment below and let me know :)

Welcome Back, Grade 5!

We are so ready for this school year!! 
This year, you will be working with a team of teachers.  I will be your Math, and Science teacher. Mrs. Wiles-Stasko will be your ELA (Reading and Writing) and Social Studies teacher. We are lucky to also have Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Whittaker who will be working with our team. Ms. Rice and Ms. Camuso will be in and out of our rooms helping out as well!

I'm excited to bring back the blog this year.  We didn't end up using it last year, with the craziness of the year.  This is a place where homework is posted nightly, as well as pictures and useful resources that we use in the classroom.  We will also be utilizing our Google Site and Google Classroom. 

On the right sidebar there is a place for your parents to enter their email and they will get updates when new posts are added.  

We have a lot of fun activities planned for this year.  I am very much looking forward to this school year to begin!  

If you checked in tonight- I'd love for you to comment below with something you enjoyed so far at school.  Don't forget to leave your name.  If you don't see your post show up- it is because I haven't had a chance to approve it yet :)