Numeracy

Pattering Practice Test
https://cstrampel.edublogs.org/files/2016/11/Grade-6-Patterning-Practice-Test-pmajh8.pdf

We will be using the Balanced Math approach this year. 

Balanced Mathematics is a differentiated instructional strategy designed to enhance student attitudes towards mathematics and to develop high-level thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.

Balanced Math allows students to work in small groups on a rotational basis, using math games, math facts, math journaling, group problem-solving, and guided math instruction, to make mathematics more accessible – and a lot more fun!

This approach balances students conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematics, allowing for investigation and practice.

Here's how it works. Students rotate through centres such as Shared Problem Solving, Independent Problem Solving, Math Facts, Math Games, and Guided Math.

Shared Problem Solving: A small group of students work together to solve a math problem. This grouping gives students the opportunity to explore and build skills for successful problem-solving, and to take on and be responsible for specific roles within a group context. It promotes team work and communication while building individual confidence.

Independent Problem Solving: This provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts that have already been taught – and possibly assessed – through the 3-part lesson. We know that students acquire knowledge and understanding at different rates, and this provides students who consolidate their understanding post “assessment of learning” with yet one more opportunity to demonstrate this understanding. Independent problem solving provides me with a venue to offer my students multiple opportunities for success.
Math Facts and Math Games are pretty self explanatory and keep things FUN!!

Guided Math: This is an opportunity for me to focus on a key math concepts with a small group of students. Focus may be on a mathematical process, a challenging concept, assessment prep, exploring a new manipulative, etc. It provides opportunities for the teacher to interact with each student in the classroom on a regular basis and to gain a better sense of individual student understanding.

We will also be focusing on fact fluency and quick recall (the multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 for grade 5 and 12 x 12 for grade 6). It is so important for students to have a good grasp of these facts as it makes learning all other concepts that much more simplified. In order to accomplish this, every day prior to beginning Math class, students will work to complete a "Frenzy" and get their name into our weekly draw. I have used this strategy in the past and have found that students are engaged in the friendly competition and really strive to learn those facts!

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