Election

We talked about the election today and had our own election in class.  We weren't voting for a president, but for either Pepsi or Coke.  We discussed how the election works a little bit and how the electoral college votes work. 

To do this so it made sense I gave students slips of paper with different states and how many electoral votes that state would get.  They then wrote either Coke or Pepsi on the paper and turned it in.  I used the map that you see below to tally the votes.  The blue was Pepsi and the red was Coke.  Pepsi won the election and so the kids all got a can of Pepsi to enjoy during math.



Take some time out home to talk with your student about the election and the different candidates.   

Math Methods

Here are some instructions that will hopefully clarify the three math methods that we have recently learned.  The three methods are partial sums addition, trade first subtraction, and counting up subtraction.  Here is a link with videos explaining all of these methods and more.

Math Methods Videos

I was asked the question in class today, "Why do we have to know how to do problems all of these different ways?"  The answer to that question is so that the students will have an assortment of strategies to help them be successful.  This can also help them check their work as they can work through a problem two different ways.  The strategies are pretty simple but take a little time to get the hang of.  Be patient and it will all make sense someday soon.

Partial Sums Addition

Trade First Subtraction


Counting-Up Subtraction

Tuesday on Wednesday Morning

So I promised daily blogs this week and I have already failed.  I do however promise 5 blogs for the week. 

There was homework on Tuesday about our two new subtraction methods that I mentioned on Monday.  Later today look for more information on those. 

With the short week this week we are going to take a little break from our normal reading.  We will be spending some time talking about the election and presidents.  This will make our field trip next Monday more meaningful.  The field trip is to the Civic Center to watch a play/musical titled Rock the Presidents.  It will discuss past presidents and how someone becomes the president.