Strip Diagrams

Here is the TEK:

 4.5.A - represent multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using strip diagrams and equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity;

It was hard to find resources so I made my own!

Comparing Fractions

Today I showed my kiddos a new way to use a multiplication chart.

We finished our fraction unit a while ago but while we can add them, and subtract them... it is still hard for my children to compare them.

A multiplication chart is a perfect way to find the least common denominator.

Area and Perimeter

For some reason my sweet kiddos cannot keep area and perimeter straight!

There are several ways I encourage my students to remember the difference.

Area sounds like ARRAY. We all know what an ARRAY looks like from multiplication.

PeRIMeter has the word RIM. We all know that the RIM means the circle around the basketball hoop.

I'm a little bit obsessed with this new website I found called http://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/
They have everything. I don't consider myself a "worksheet teacher." I like more hands-on activities, but these worksheets are perfect for homework!

http://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/geometry.html
They have a plethora of different worksheets for my current topic.

Here's the pack I made just specifically for area and perimeter.

Donors!

This year I have really tried to take every opportunity to build up my classroom supplies and activities. 

It's so important that my kiddos have all of the materials they need, as well as exposure to neat experiments, field trips, etc.

I have been abundantly blessed by the giving hearts of others.

Donorschoose is a fabulous organization where teachers can ask for funding for different projects.

My first project was funded by:

Kristy, Debra, Kathryn, Christine, and Jessica.

I also was given a $500 chemical science grant by the American Chemical Society. 

This means that my dad, Dr. Bill Dower (Science Wizard) and I will be able to purchase things for his science demos/experiments. I'm so excited and honored to have been awarded this grant. 

Awesome games to practice our math fluency for fractions and decimals. 

Flashcards! My kids practice every morning. 

'Cause who doesn't love a game of BINGO?

ACS grant check! 

Yes, I am shorter than some of my students. No, it doesn't bother me! :)

Conversions

My assistant principal happened to do a walk through during math and she showed me a fabulous visual for conversions. Thanks Ms. Garcia!

The first step is to write out the question... you're starting at one unit of measurement, and trying to get to the other.

In the above example, I was starting at 88 ounces, and trying to get to cups.

The next step is to consult your chart.

8 ounces is equal to 1 cup.

Line up your units. 

Ask yourself, what did I do to get from one unit of measurement to the other? Did I multiply or divide?

Then whatever you did on the bottom, you have to do on the top!

I divided by 8 ounces by 8 to get to one cup. 

So now I divide 88 ounces by 8 to get to 11 cups.

My answer is 11 cups. 

Long Division- Area Model

I will do my best to explain long division but I think this lady does a great job.
Here's another good video.