Magic Number Division

We have been learning a division strategy in class this past week. I have decided to put the steps on the blog incase students need help at home completing homework or studying for the test (there hasn't been a date set yet for a test).

With "Magic Number" division, students use the magic numbers 10, 5, 2 and 1 and their multiples to solve more complicated division questions. The idea is to take the divisor (so if the question is 96 divided by 5, the divisor is 5) and be able to multiply it by each magic number. Always start with the biggest magic number (10). Once you have multiplied the divisor by 10, see if that number can be taken away from the dividend (96). In this case, 50 CAN be taken away from 96. Write the magic number you used along the side and take away the 50 from the dividend.

Next, see if you can use the 10 again (in this case no, because we will have 46 remaining). So move on to the next magic number (5). Multiply the divisor (5) by 5 and see if you can subtract it from the new total. If you can, write the magic number on the side again and subtract the answer. (5X5=25, so you can take this away from 46). You will have 21 remaining.

Then, see if you can use 5 again (ALWAYS make sure you can't use the same number before moving on to the next). If you can't, move onto the next magic number (2). Multiply the divisor by 2 (5x2=10) and take away the answer from your total (21-10=11) and write the magic number along the side.

Again, check to see if you can use the magic number again. In this case we can, because 10 can be taken away from 11. So write the magic number along the side and take away the answer again (11-10=1).

Move on to the next magic number. Multiply the divisor by the 1. If it can be taken away from the total, subtract until the final total is SMALLER than the divisor.

Once you are left with a total that is smaller than your divisor or zero, add up the magic numbers and put the total at the top. That is your answer. Anything left at the bottom is the REMAINDER.

This may sound confusing and be a lot of steps but many students do find this way of dividing simple and easy. It only has them focusing on multiples of 10, 5, 2 and 1 which many students have memorized (or should have memorized at this point in the year). In grade 5 they move from this strategy to "Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring-Down" strategy that many of us used in school.

I have attached photos with instructions that will hopefully help make this as clear as possible. I'm happy to show parents in person as well if you ever want to stop by after school some time! :)

Explorer Projects!

The students have an upcoming project that will be due on Wednesday, June 4th. We have been working hard in class researching explorers! Students will be required to do the following by June 4th:

They will need to create a poster that includes:
- A large title (the name of their explorer)
- A printed picture of their explorer (already done in class)
- Their dates of birth and death
- A paragraph on their discoveries
- A paragraph on interesting facts
- A labelled map of their route
- A colored flag of their country
- Anything additional they would like to include to make their poster stand out!

Students will also be required to share a speech on their explorer when they present their poster. These will be on Monday June 9th and Tuesday June 10th (tentatively). They should have the information memorized as best they can (cue cards are okay). They should practice at home speaking loudly and clearly. I will be giving them more information on this part next week!

The students have been very eager to research and learn about their explorers in class and I hope they enjoy learning more at home and putting these posters together!

Internet Safety

Today we began our research project on European explorers! The students are very excited to begin and do some online research. Part of our Health and Career learning goals are to learn about internet safety so we will be learning about this in class, alongside our social studies research projects! Today we reviewed how to use Google and how to find appropriate websites. We also discussed why Wikipedia is not the best resource (ask them why!). For the purpose of this assignment I am still allowing the students to use Wikipedia since this is the first time we are doing research and it is compiled and organized nicely for the students.

To prepare for our internet safety lessons, I have found a few online games that will help the students learn about internet safety! Please feel free to check out the links which have been added to the "links" section!

The first is "Looney Tunes teach the Internet Safety"

The next one is "Netsmartz Kids"

And finally, "Surf Swell Island" by Disney

Multiplication Math Test

I just wanted to share the strategies we've been learning in class with everyone at home since we have a math test on Monday! The class has done very well with our unit so far and have been showing a good understanding of one, or both, concepts! The students can choose which strategy works best for them. I encouraged students to try both, but eventually pick one that they are strongest at. It's been a mix of both in the classroom - about half and half!

We have learned these two strategies. One I call "zeros" and the "carrying" strategy (similiar to carrying when adding larger numbers). Hopefully this can help parents to help their kids study :)