We've spent some time throughout the past week working on different types of writing. Wednesday, the half day, gave us a nice span of time that is usually used in other ways. Mr. Johnson led us in a neat activity about forming proper sentences. As always, the kids delighted in the chance to write on the SmartBoard, and it was a nice reminder of some things to add in our own writing. The sentence read: "Kleenex is my favorite tissue!" Susie exclaimed. (The kids laughed at how excited Susie was about tissue...she must have had a really runny nose.) We also had a chance to get to some free-writing. The kids had been missing it, so they all were so focused with their writing. We also have been completing writing responses in social studies and reading. This has given them great practice with things like using indentions, forming paragraphs, and just putting their thoughts onto paper.
Partial products is a type of multiplication that many adults, including myself, weren't taught as young students. While this isn't the traditional method, it is one that really makes sense. It explains how place value plays a part in multiplication. It also removes the need for "carrying" and "place holders," minimizing errors that often occur in the traditional method. Honestly, I wish this method had been more "in vogue" when I was a student. I might have understood the process, rather than just learned the steps. The partial product method of multiplication is also foundational for certain concepts in algebra...anyone remember the F.O.I.L. method? The kids will be well-prepared for this. We had a check-up this Monday on partial products and estimation. Overall, the students seem to be learning the method and using it effectively.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
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