Today flew by! I had another terrific day with all of you and I hope you aren't too tired from all the stuff we did! The biggest thing we did today was prepare for our mastery over math facts. You created your Rocket Math folder and took placement tests to see where you should begin your study right now. Even though many of you finished last year passing many level of multiplication, sometimes those facts get lost when we don't use them a lot over the summer. It's ok! You will have plenty of opportunity to reignite that part of your brain and move quickly through the levels. Today's homework is to study the level you are currently on after today's one minute test. We will talk more about how to efficiently study those levels at home and at school. See below for more information on our math facts study.
As a reminder:
1. Your ME Bag is due on Friday.
2. Don't forget to bring a pair of headphones or ear buds.
3. Have a PRB (Personal Reading Book) every day.
4. Some of you still need to bring in the homework from Tuesday (see blog post from yesterday).
5. I am still missing some Dismissal Forms. Please fill out the ones I gave today and return tomorrow. Thanks!
Enjoy the evening!
Did you know that the more you let your brain see something in many different ways and in different places, the better you will learn it? Have you passed your math fact levels this week? If you use the time I give you efficiently (that means getting right to the task at hand), you should move right along. Here is the format for passing through the levels of math facts, including some tips for how to pracice at home:
OTTER CREEK LEVELS
MULTIPLICATION
One minute tests (level A - X)
Two minute tests (pass goal 3 times; different tests)
Two minute tests (11s and 12s)
DIVISION
One minute tests (level A - W)
Two minute tests (pass goal 3 times; different tests)
One minute tests (11s and 12s)
MIXED PRACTICE
HOW TO PASS EACH LEVEL:
1. Set personal goals for yourself. Where do you want to be by Halloween? Diwali? Kwanzaa?
2. Make plans for how to reach each goal. How often will you study your facts? Will you use a website or flashcards? Who will help you?
3. Take time to reflect on what you've done. Do you want to change your goals? Are other things getting in the way of your studying? How far have you come? Are you celebrating when you pass?
So, how do you practice? You should have all the level tests and your Otter Creek folder in your Pendafile. You could ask a parent or a sibling to practice with you at home. Teach them how to "POP" with you. It is a VERY effective method for learning the facts and it doesn't take long at all. We can put a video of it on our blog so you can see it. SHOULD WE DO THAT? Would YOU want to be a star in that video? Really, if you spend only a few minutes each night studying the facts (again, everything you need is in the Pendafile - except your smartpal, but you don't really need that), and then use the time I give you in class, that should be all you need. However, there are sights you can use to practice at home. Search on Google for "math fact flashcards" and there are sites where you can make your own flashcards. I even have a few links down the margin under math sites. Just type in a few of the facts that you are struggling with and PRESTO! you are set with some personalized flashcards and on your way to passing every level you want to!
