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Math

Math is a subject that many parents feel comfortable with. It’s not as subjective as reading and writing; most of the time it’s either right or wrong. But the math your fourth grader will learn, and how they will learn it, is not quite what you are used to.

What’s different

Your student will learn math using the Everyday Mathematics program from the University of Chicago. There are a few unique features about this program that you will notice:

  • Students have two math books: a softcover math journal and a hard cover Student Reference Book (SRB). Students do almost all math work in their journals. The SRB is like a math encyclopedia, arranged by topic.
  • Almost every assignment includes Math Boxes. Math Boxes are a short, mixed review of recent math ideas, and sometimes a preview of what’s ahead.
  • Students learn new ways to add, subtract, multiply and divide. The philosophy of Everyday Math is that there isn’t only one way to solve a problem. And that’s true, it’s just not what most parents are used to. While I will teach students the “standard” and familiar way of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, they will also learn other ways. This allows them to choose the method that they understand, even if it is a different method than you are used to. For more on Everyday Math calculation methods, visit this website.

How it works

The math block in Room 130 is about one hour long. Here is a typical day in math:

  1. Warmup. Students solve several mental math problems on their whiteboards.
  2. Mad Minute. Students work to solve up to 30 basic facts in under one minute, without making mistakes or skipping problems.
  3. Review homework. We discuss the previous homework assignment, reviewing answers and tackling problem areas.
  4. Math mini-lesson. The day’s topic is introduced and modeled.
  5. Independent work or small groups. Students work independently, or in groups, to complete the math assignment. I may also take a group of students that need additional instruction or enrichment. Work not finished in class is assigned for homework. Students will have math homework three to four times per week.

Students also participate in the Math Skills program once per week. In this program, students complete addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems, moving past material that has been mastered, and slowing down when needing extra practice. Volunteers to grade student work are always needed. Let me know if you are interested.

Getting a grade

Students earn a grade in math based on three types of assignments.

  • Homework is graded based on effort, and can receive a maximum score of three points. Incomplete work cannot receive full points.
  • MiniQuizzes are completed weekly, and review the concepts learned for the given week. MiniQuizzes range from 10 to 15 points in value.
  • Tests are given after every unit and are worth around 40 points.

How to help

Parents can help their student with math in a number of ways. First, check to see that the homework is completed and is correct. If you student encounters a problem during the work, never give the answer. Always answer a question with a question: “Mom, I don’t understand this.” “Okay, where can we look to get some help?” A good first place to look is the SRB. There, you will find sample problems and answers.

If you find mistakes after your student has finished their work. Write how many mistakes they made at the top of the page, and have them search for the mistakes, rather than telling them which problems are wrong.

If your student is having a problem understanding or being successful at a concept in math, it is probably due to one of two reasons: missing steps in a calculation or not knowing math facts.

Not knowing all the steps to a math calculation is a common problem. Use the SRB to review the methods. Then show them how you solve the problems. Do a few examples, walk your student through a few more, then let them tackle the homework or some independent problems.

About math facts

Not knowing math facts becomes a significant problem by the end of the year when the class is involved in column multiplication and long division. Continue to provide opportunities for your student to learn their math facts, either through quizzing by you, flash cards, electronic learning games, the Internet, or computer software. You can also download a set of math facts practice pages. Note that you will some type of spreadsheet program to use the pages. If you don’t have a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel, you can download the free OpenOffice suite.

Learn together!

Remember, you won’t always remember fourth grade math at first glance; the brain remembers easily what it uses most. It’s okay to admit that you haven’t done this in a while. Take the opportunity to learn the math together. Show that you value curiosity, hard work and a learning spirit.

Resources

Family Letters

The family letters below can serve as a guide to each unit. They contain an overview of the unit’s big ideas, explanations of key vocabulary terms, helpful activities to do at home, suggested games to play, and answers to StudyLink worksheets. Note that units are not always taught in entirety or in order. Emphasis is placed on Michigan GLCEs. In some cases, entire units are beyond the scope of the GLCEs, and are reserved for future grades.