Day 137- Who needs 1st grade?

When my students began whining about being tired and just wanting to take a nap, I didn't give in. (much as I wanted to) Instead I pointed out why my students were so tired- we haven't done any first grade work all week.

In math we have been working with the associative property of addition and adding and subtracting using variables. That's Algebra! Click {HERE} to check out our Algebra post!

In social studies we have been using a 3-5 grade level site for our information. (see Ben's Guide to Government)

 Today we worked on the Judicial Branch.

Some of the information we have learned, like about being a democracy or republic, is something some college graduates don't know- so we are smarter than some college students!

In reading we've been focusing on main idea and details, and that is something our 5th graders need to master.
Here is our chart for main idea and detail in this week's story.

 So, you see, we've been working our brains to their limits- it's no wonder we're so tired! After allowing for their shock and awe in their new-found abilities, we moved on to second grade level math- adding 2 digit numbers.

Adding 2-digit numbers

When adding 2-digit numbers, I told my students they had two options: They can either split or stretch.

 Students make sure to write the numbers in a neat column. Math is always very neat!

After splitting the number, they add each side and get the answer!

Then, there's the Stretch. We practiced this technique when we worked on finding the ones and tens place in numbers.

 Students stretch the numbers by saying them slowly. By saying the numbers slowly, students can hear the two numbers that make the one number. 24 said slowly is twenty...four.

 Students can add either column first. In this case it doesn't matter.

Lastly, students add the ones and tens together to get the final answer.

When we practiced, I gave the kids the choice of which technique they wanted to use. Most of them wanted to use the Split method and only tried the Stretch method when I twisted their arms.

I am pleased to report that students paid attention to this lesson. I am saddened to report that less than half of my students fully understood what they were doing. This was one of those times I had to remind myself that they are 6 and 7 years old. They won't understand everything the first time they are introduced to it.

Literacy center pictures:

 Spelling texters

 Simile Activity

 Word Wall

 Sentence sort

Our Daily Brain