Secret Snowflake

    ‘Tis is the season of spreading kindness.  In class I’d like our students to participate in the concept of a “Secret Snowflake”. 

It isn't about buying anything, but more about making something/doing something nice and from the heart for our secret pal each day.  

   

This activity helps build upon the caring community in our classroom.  It also reinforces that one person can make a difference.

On the days below you will leave a special treat for your secret snowflake.  On Tuesday and Wednesday you can secretly give me the card/poem and I will put them in the student mailboxes.  You may also leave a clue as to your identity if you wish. It is nice to put time and effort into these special treats for your classmates.  

 I have done this for the past few years in class, and each year I am blown away with the thoughtfulness behind these acts of kindness. 

  Tuesday Dec. 21st - Handmade Card

A card wishing your classmate well, to show you care.

Wednesday Dec. 22nd - A Decorated Poem 

Could be an acrostic of  the recipients’ name or any poem about the recipient!

I will provide special winter themed paper if needed.

Thursday Dec. 23rd - Handmade Gift 

This gift is made from the heart!

You will have from now (Dec. 13th ) to work on this gift. 

I look forward to seeing the creative and thoughtful gifts made for your classmates!! 

Some Helpful DIY gift websites:

https://dreamingindiy.com/the-best-do-it-yourself-gifts-fun-clever-and-unique-diy-craft-projects-and-ideas-for-christmas-birthdays-thank-you-or-any-occasion/

https://www.thriftyfrugalmom.com/20-inexpensive-homemade-gifts-kids/

https://www.prudentpennypincher.com/100-best-christmas-crafts/

Chapter 3- Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Here are some links to videos on multiplying and dividing fractions.  I hope you use them to help you as reminders in studying and doing homework.  

Multiplying Fractions- visual

Criss Cross SIMPLIFY!!!

Multiplying and Dividing Quick Tutorial

Dividing Fraction Rap

Word Problem 

Also different models to represent multiplication and division of fractions.... 

5.NF.6 Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem.

5.NF.7 Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.

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 :)