Strategies for the 'New' Math- Multiplication! (it's the same numbers - just a different way of manipulating)

Many have had confusion about the 'new' strategies for math.  The truth is - they aren't new!  They are just not the way you and I originally learned to manipulate numbers.  So - here's a few links to help you or your students out with the 'new' math!  Hope it helps!  This post will focus on multiplication!  Click on the titles for an instructional video!

Lattice Strategy

Clicking on the title below will take you to a Google Slide presentation that I created for a step by step look at the Area Model for multiplication - two digit by two digit.  

Area Model

Box Model

Array Multiplication

Traditional Algorithm 

I hope this is helpful.  If you need anything else - please let me know.  Keep on the lookout for the division post coming -as well as videos of your students using the Discovery Education SOS strategy of paper slide videos to teach the strategies as well! 

Happy learning!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

So - It's been a few days, but wow have they been packed.  Below are some pictures from the DENAPALOOZA2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico where lives were impacted, I had my first taste of presenting at such a DENevent, and highlighted at the top of 'the watermelon' is the lady who applied, organized, and worked to make it happen for the teachers of APS!

The APS DENAPALOOZA attendees and presenters.

The presenters went out for a 'tram' ride to the top of the mountain - a tram to some - a box on a string to others :-)

Myself with the living legend - Susan Bowdoin.  A true example of what hospitality, friendship, and mission can accomplish!

And then - it was back to the grindstone of Monday.  And what a Monday it was.  Parents showed interest in having a night class for math.  Parents expressed the desire to be able to help their students at home with their homework but didn't know the 'new math'.

Students leading parents through the lattice method for multiplication and the box method for division.

I am super excited about the positive feedback from the evening class.  One parent even asked if we would do this every week. 

Here is my response -- we will do this when and as needed.  YOU decide.  Let me know when there is an issue or a question and we will do an interest survey. I will either meet with you and your child one on one, or I will hold another small group evening class.  THANKS! for your support!

More to come!  Look for a post coming soon with video links to help with each of the 8 strategies we used for NBT (Numbers and Base Ten).  There will be four for multiplication and four for division.

As always - don't hesitate to reach out and connect.  

R. Crouse

Link to my Symbaloo -- BOOKMARK THIS SITE!

Click here for Class Page!

WOW!!!! A MEETING GONE RIGHT!

Well -- last night Mrs. Benoy and myself hosted a parent interest meeting for our end-of-year- field trip to Washington, D.C.

The meeting went well and started promptly with nearly a dozen parents and students in the room.  (I think the students are surprised to see that our day doesn't end when they leave.)

The draft agenda was shared, the itinerary was shared, and the potential costs were discussed.  The passion for fundraising and making this trip happen for the students was shared by more than just the teachers -- and that IS exciting.  

-- So -- then it took an unexpected turn...

The pace of the curriculum was discussed.  The amount of homework was discussed.  The process for grading homework was discussed.  The high expectations of 5th grade were discussed.  The speed of coverage, the depth of coverage, and the method of reteaching what was covered was discussed.  

The RESULT ---

Parents left with a deeper understanding of what is happening this year, a clearer picture of our passion for teaching their students, and a desire to know more.  We will be hosting an afternoon math class for PARENTS/GUARDIANS - so that they are more able to help their students with the 'new math' which everyone is talking about - (side note - it's not new math - it's different processes for doing the same math)

Notifications and interest forms will go home on Monday in the Weekly Folders.  They need to be returned Tuesday because I would like to hold an approximately 45 minute class on the different strategies in multiplication and division -- this needs to be done before it is too far gone to be relevant!

I look forward to working with you in the near future on a 'whole 'nuther level!

Sincerely,

Rodney Crouse

Haste Makes Waste

Extra credit to any student who privately emails me the typo from the last post!

A Very Daunting Week...

I just got back from a relaxing full day away with my in-laws.  Once a year I get to see these people - and once a year they recharge my energy with the stories, laughter, and memories we share.  But- now back in N.C. - the week ahead is looming quite large.  Here's what's on tap...

Monday - parent conference after school and then 8:00pm meeting with Michael Queen relating to church stuff.
Tuesday - DENbassador program that I'm leading, followed by a 5th grade parent interest meeting for our overnight field trip to D.C.

Wednesday - half/day - but fooled you!  We have after school PD until 4 and then I have 3 hours to complete and post my plans for the following week because small group meets at 7:00ish.

Thursday - Curriculum night after school

Friday - Leave school at 2:25 to catch my flight from RDU to Albuquerque where I will be presenting Saturday and then flying back at 6:10am Sunday morning to start the week anew.

So - obviously I expect my students to do their best on the lessons I've invested time in, listen to the instructions I give, and participate in the activities planned.  Let's hope I can remember that I'm there because I want to be and that they are there because someone woke them up and told them they had to be -- for now.  Let's hope that soon they want to be there just as badly and will give their 110%!

I've got to say - this has been the hardest year to start back since I started my career 11 years ago, and at the same time - it has been the best so far.  I still have the friends I can lean on, I'm challenged to learn new things, and I'm with students who get my warped since of humor.

Here's to another week.

Parents reading this - make sure you have signed up for Remind  (the codes are in the previous post and your newsletter from last Tuesday) - and if you need help with it or Class DoJo - let me know!

Have a great week --

R. Crouse

Remind Join Correction

Mistakes and Ooopses ...

One of the many things still in transition -- my accounts from 1st grade to 5th grade!

Please send a text message to 81010 with the message @b6031
When you respond please make sure that you clearly identify who you are in relation to the student you are associated with!

Thanks :-)

Labor Day - and Parent Request :-)

Whew!  That's what I have to say about the second week of school - and thank goodness for a day off!  But - with the time at home of course I am up early working and planning on the week ahead. 

 My newest goal is to get everyone to connect on Remind so that I can efficiently and effectively contact a large portion of 5th grade parents with any pertinent information with an urgent nature.  For example - winter is just around the corner.  It's a typical Tuesday morning when you send your students off to school - then the clouds roll in and weather threatens to become treacherous - so they make the call to cancel school early.  In the district and buildings, we will typically hear of it just before the rest of the public - so with Remind - parents can be in the know just as quick.  That isn't the only reason of course!  Imagine we are on a field trip and something exciting happens, or we are running ten minutes late ... a simple text message can be sent from my phone -and instantly every parent is notified.  It's a free app and I promise NOT to overload you with text messages throughout the year.  Please consider signing up for Remind and joining my class.

Steps to join can be found here.

Simply - send a text message to 81010
               then, enter a message   @72d57

You can follow Remind on Twitter +Remind


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Crouse's Curriculum and Connection Corner