Decimals in Depth

In math, we have been learning about how decimals relate to fractions. Here is a link to a slideshow I went over with the students to show how fractions and decimals are alike and different:

Introduction to Decimals

We have also learned how to compare and order decimals. Students found this very easy and are very good at it. Here is the lesson I went over with students to explain how to compare and order decimals:

Comparing & Ordering Decimals

Next week, we will begin looking at rounding decimals, using estimation, and then get into performing operations using decimals (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). 

Kingdom Club Bake Sale

Palm Splitting on Friday and Grad T-Shirts

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful March Break. The rest of this year is sure to fly by!

Easter is only a couple of weeks away. In preparation for the Palm Sunday Mass next weekend, grade 6 students will be helping to split palms in the Learning Commons on Friday morning. Students usually quite enjoy this activity.

Another exciting event coming up is the sale of our Grade 6 T-shirts. I have attached a picture below of what they look like, except that there will be a large "18" on the back, which will be filled in with the signatures of all our grade 6 students. This is a nice keepsake for students who are leaving from grade 6 and moving on to middle school.

Students will have a chance to try on a few sample shirts to determine a size that fits well. We will have them write their size down in their agendas if possible to make ordering easier.

T-shirts will be available for order through School Cash Online. The cost for the youth sizes is $13, and adult sizes are $15. Taxes are included. The deadline for ordering will be April 7th. There can be no extensions for late orders as the company will only do one run of T-Shirts.

A note will go home when T-Shirts are available for sale through School Cash Online. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school any time.

Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Today we are learning about how to compare fractions. There are basically 4 methods to compare fractions, and here are the ways. We will make anchor charts in class tomorrow for comparing fractions:

White Elephant Sale

The grade 4 class is hosting a White Elephant Sale this week to raise money for Nature Canada. Items will cost between $1 and $5. Our class will have an opportunity to buy some items on Friday morning. If you wish for your child to participate, please send him or her with some money on Friday morning. Thank you!

Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Over the last few days, we have been learning about mixed numbers and comparing fractions. Most students in grade 6 usually are able to identify mixed numbers and improper fractions, and they are generally good at drawing pictures to represent these amounts. The challenge is to show them how to relate these to a number line, and then to use a more exact method for when their drawings are difficult to distinguish. Here is the anchor chart we created to show how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions:

We also watched a presentation called Spy Guys about how to find mixed numbers and improper fractions. Here is the link:

Spy Guys - Mixed Numbers 

Equivalent Fractions

Last week we learned how to find equivalent fractions without using a model. Most of the students were able to identify equivalent fractions by using a model like a fraction circle or a number line. I really like to try to emphasize the use of a number line when teaching fractions, because it helps students to better understand where a fraction might "fit" relative to whole numbers.

The big idea about equivalent fractions is that they are fractions that show the same amount, but broken up into different size pieces. We can find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing by any fraction equal to 1 (eg. 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, etc).

Here is an anchor chart that can be used to explain how to find an equivalent fraction using multiplication or division to assist. We have looked at this in class, although many students are more comfortable using the "whatever I do to the bottom, I also have to do to the top" language to remember how to find equivalent fractions (see the bottom video). Either way is fine!



Also, we watched these videos to help us better understand fractions and how to find equivalent fractions.

We have Begun Fractions.....

We are beginning a new unit in math - Fractions! This is often a challenging unit for students, but it is vitally important since a strong understanding of fractions assists students in better understanding other concepts such as decimals, percent, ratio, rates and probability.

In this unit, we will be learning about:

• what a fraction is
• equivalent fractions
• mixed numbers and improper fractions
• comparing an ordering mixed numbers and fractions (on a number line and otherwise)
• Adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators

I have begun compiling some websites that can help students practice these concepts at home in a Blendspace unit. Here is the link:

Fractions Blendspace Unit

After learning about fractions, we will be moving on to decimals, and from there working on percent, ratio, rates and probability.