News for December 6-17

The students will be taking a Middle of the Year (MOY) Assessment for Math on Monday. This assessment is given to us and required by HISD. The data from this assessment will help us guide instruction for the next few months leading up to TAKS in April by showing us how well the students are retaining past objectives. The test will cover all objectives covered from August until December.

Today, each student was given a Review Pack. Completion of this pack is not mandatory, but suggested. If the student completes the packet over the next four days, I will give him/her 40 extra credit points. In class, I stressed the importance of "Practice Makes Perfect" and by giving them this review, I am allowing them to be responsible for their own success on the test. In the packet, each section begins with a "reminder" page. This should be helpful.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable and exciting break! I am traveling to Missouri (where is snows!) to spend time with my family and then I am spending New Year's in Chicago!

Happy Holidays!

Week of November 29- Assignments

I hope everyone had a relaxing and fulfilling Thanksgiving Break! We are entering the homestretch to Winter Break. Although we are very excited to see it is approaching, there is a lot to cover in Math class until December 17!

MATH 5.3C- Use division to solve problems involving whole numbers (no more than two digit divisors and three digit dividends without technology) including interpreting the remainder within a given context for sharing equally and measuring out contexts applying models to division algorithms.

We have been learning other ways to multiply and divide so we do not have to rely on the "regular" way. Ask your student to show you one. It is amazing how each version works similarly!

Monday, November 29- PSB and division pictures
Tuesday, November 30- PSB and division practice
Wednesday, December 1- PSB and creating/solving division story problems USE GET!
Thursday, December 2- Review of Division concepts
Friday, December 3- TEST on division concepts covered this week

Division Facts Games
http://www.gamequarium.com/division.html

Long Division with Snork
http://www.kidsnumbers.com/long-division.php

Week of November 15- Assignments

I apologize for not posting assignments last week. I created the post, but I must have forgotten to publish it.

MATH 5.2B- Use multiplication to solve problems involving whole numbers (no more than three digits times two digits with technology) applying array/area models to multiplication algorithms.
MATH5.5A- Describe the relationship between sets of data in graphic organizers such as lists, tables, charts, and diagrams, extend the pattern, and state the rule for non-consecutive related number pairs.

Monday, November 15- PSB and Problem Solving with Multiplication
Tuesday, November 16- PSB and Cha-Cha/expanded method--Prime/Composite
Wednesday, November 17-PSB and Patterns
Thursday, November 18- Prime/Composite and Review
Friday, November 19- Interim Assessment on Multiplication Unit

Week of November 8- Assignments

We have finally started a new unit on multiplication. The focus of our instruction is not how to multiply (since they already should have the basic concept down), but how to multiply using various methods, pictures, manipulatives, etc.

These are the HISD objectives we are focusing on this week:
MATH 5.3D- Identify common factors of a set of whole numbers using a variety of strategies and manipulative
MATH 5.2B- Use multiplication to solve problems involving whole numbers (no more than three digits times two digits with technology) applying array/area models to multiplication algorithms.
MATH 5.5B- Identify prime and composite numbers using concrete objects, pictoral models, and patterns in factor pairs.

The unit should end before Thanksgiving Break.

Arrays on a Multiplication Table
http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/MulTab/Applet.html

Week of November 1- Assignments

I apologize for not posting last week. I was out with awful chest congestion and a sore throat for 2 days. The rest of the week flew by and I was still catching up by Friday.

This week, we are finishing our fraction unit and starting a unit on multiplication. This unit will not only cover how to multiply, but different ways to solve multiplication problems using objects, pictures, and numbers.

MATH 5.3B- Use multiplication to solve problems involving whole numbers (no more than three digits times two digits without technology)applying arrays/area models to multiplication algorithms.

Monday, November 1- PSB and Fraction Review/Multiplication Practice
Tuesday, November 2- Student Created Fraction Practice
Wednesday, November 3- Unit Interim Assessment on Fractions- Problem Solving using Multi.
Thursday, November 4- Patriot's Day- No homework
Friday, November 5- Parts Party- Fractions Celebration and Games

Week of October 19- Assignments

MATH 5.2C- Compare two fractional quantities in problem-solving situations using a variety of methods including common denominators, concrete or pictorial models, and benchmark fractions.
MATH 5.2B- Generate a mixed number equivalent to a given improper fraction or generate an improper fraction equivalent to a given mixed number using various strategies including concrete objects, pictorial models, and patterns to generalized a rule for the process.

This week, the student's have been focusing on comparing and ordering fractions with pictures, common denominators, number lines, and number sense. During the last part of the week, we will start exploring conversions between mixed numbers and improper fractions. We usually complete a Math Monday fast facts quiz on Monday. Previously it has been all multiplication, but this week I have introduced division. Please continue to work with the concept of division at home.

Monday, October 18- Comparing/Ordering worksheet and complete division quiz at home.
Tuesday, October 19- Problem Solving Board and C/O Practice- complete division quiz at home
Wednesday, October 20- Mixed to Improper/Improper to Mixed Practice- division quiz due!
Thursday, October 20- Review of this week's concept for Friday Test- Bring back signed and corrected test!
Friday, October 21- Test on Comparing/Ordering Fractions, Mixed/Improper/Sprial Review

http://www.mrnussbaum.com/clarafraction.htm

Week of October 11- Assignments

We are continuing our work with determining fraction equivalency, simplifying fractions, finding the GCF, and identifying prime and composite numbers. You can find this unit covered in Topic 8 of the Envision textbook starting on page 169. On Wednesday and Thursday the classes will be taking a field trip to Bayou Bend. Since the classes and teams will be split up, I will be teaching the same lesson both days.

MATH 5.2A- Generate a fraction equivalent to a given fraction such as ½ and 3/6 or 4/12 and 1/3 using various strategies including concrete objects, pictorial models, and patterns to generalize rules for the process.

Monday, October 11- No homework: I was absent.
Tuesday, October 12- PSB and GCF/Prime/Composite (2 pages)
Wednesday, October 13- PSB and Fraction Bar/Number Line Practice
Thursday, October 14- Equivalent Fraction Review
Friday, October 15- Test- Interim Assessment

Prime/Composite- King Kong
http://www.xpmath.com/forums/arcade.php?do=play&gameid=60

Prime/Composite
http://www.aaamath.com/fra63ax2.htm

Factor Bingo
http://media.emgames.com/emgames/demosite/playdemo.html?activity=M2A070&activitytype=dcr

Week of October 4- Assignments

MATH 5.2A- Generate a fraction equivalent to a given fraction such as ½ and 3/6 or 4/12 and 1/3 using various strategies including concrete objects, pictorial models, and patterns to generalize a rule for the process.

Monday, October 4- PSB and Frayer Model for Decimals and Fractions
Tuesday, October 5- PSB and Area Model Practice
Wednesday, October 6- PSB and Equivalent Fraction Practice with the rule
Thursday, October 7- Equivalent Fractions Review for Test
Friday, October 8- Equivalent Fractions and Spiral Review Test

FRACTION GAMES!

http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=80

http://calculationnation.nctm.org/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Games/default.aspx
You will need to create an account, but it is a great resource!

http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-fractone/index.html

Have a WONDERFUL week! It is gorgeous outside!

Week of September 26- Assignments

This year, HISD is providing us with tests that we are required to give every 2 weeks. These tests challenge the students with higher-level questioning and varied problem solving situations. This data is very important. As a team, you and I can make sure they are prepared by providing study techniques and encouraging preparation. In addition, please make sure these tests are returned to us. We do not have another copy!

This week's HAPG objective:
Math.5.2D- Use models to relate decimals to fractions that name tenths, hundredths, and thousandths with models such as base-10 blocks, fraction bars, and paper grids.

Monday, September 26- PSB and Fraction Practice (tenths, hundredths, thousandths)
Tuesday, September 27- PSB and Fraction Basics
Wednesday, September 28- PSB and Decimal to Fraction Pictoral Practice
Thursday, September 29- Unit review of converting decimals to fractions in 10ths, 100ths, 1000ths.
Friday, October 1- Unit Test- Decimals to Fractions

Fraction Practice
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=45

Fun Math Games
http://hzsd.ca/learningcenter/math%20resources/Grade%207%20Math%20Websites

Week of September 20- Assignments

Can you believe we are already in the fifth week of this school year?


FRIDAY IS AN EARLY DISMISSAL DAY! SCHOOL WILL END AT 12:30 FOR STUDENTS!
Please make sure your student has returned their Bayou Bend permission slip to his/her homeroom teacher. No slip, no go! Also, I am not receiving MANY signed tests on Thursday. Your student will get a conduct cut everyday until I see it. These go home on Wednesday!

We are continuing our work with decimals this week in math class. I have copied and pasted the HISD HAPGs from my weekly lesson plan to give you a better idea of what the kids are required to master by Friday.
MATH 5.1B- Use place value to read, write, compare, and order decimals through the thousandths place moving from concrete models and pictorial representations to the symbolic level.
MATH 5.3A- Use addition and subtraction to solve problems involving whole numbers and decimals using a variety of strategies.
MATH 5.4A- Use strategies, including rounding and compatible numbers to estimate solutions to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems.

Monday, September 20- PSB (must guess and check) and Comparing/Ordering Practice
Tuesday, September 21- PSB and Real World Context Decimal Practice (POP QUIZ--SHHH!)
Wednesday, September 22- PSB and Estimating/Rounding Decimals with some Adding/Subtracting Decimals
Thursday, September 23- Unit review packet for decimals
Friday, September 24- Decimal Unit Test

Decimal Jeopardy Game: (great review for Friday's test!)
http://www.quia.com/cb/8142.html

Decimal Ordering Game:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/ordering-game.php?m=Dec-Tricky

Really Big Numbers!:
http://www.mathcats.com/explore/reallybignumbers.html

Week of September 13- Assignments

OPEN HOUSE IS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14- We would LOVE to see you there!

This week, we will begin our unit on decimals. Students will explore reading, writing, comparing, ordering, adding, subtracting, and create pictorial models from tenths to thousandths. Below are a few games that involve previously learned and new concepts. Also, I have added a gadget for some fun.

Monday- Problem Solving Board and Word Chart-decimals
Tuesday- Problem Solving Board and Picture to Numbers (assigning standard form values to pictorial decimal models.)
Wednesday- Problem Solving Board and Decimal Place Value Forms
Thursday- No homework due to Fall Holiday-

But, if you are able, I am encouraging my students to find the exact distance between their home and Briargrove on Google or Yahoo maps. Since we are working with decimal place value to the thousandths, the more accurate the better. Next week, we will be comparing and ordering these distances on a number line, as well as representing the number in a variety of ways.

Place Value Game:
http://www.mrnussbaum.com/placevaluepirates.htm

Rounding:
http://www.mrnussbaum.com/halfcourt.htm

Week of September 6- Assignments

We are continuing our work with place value and comparing/ordering whole numbers. Also, this unit will include estimating to predict the solution to a problem and finding sums/differences in problems.

Monday, Sept. 6- Labor Day- No School

Tuesday, September 7- Problem Solving Board (MUST DRAW A PICTURE)and addition/subtraction/estimating.

Wednesday,September 8- Problem Solving Board (MUST DRAW A PICTURE) and Comparing/Ordering Practice.

Thursday, September 9- Problem Solving Board (MUST DRAW A PICTURE) and Review packet for place value to billions, the three forms of place value, estimating to solve problems, comparing and ordering whole numbers.

Friday, September 10- Test on place value to billions, the three forms of place value, estimating to solve problems, comparing and ordering whole numbers.

In order to organize tests in the file cabinet for my classroom, I need hanging folders. If you have any new or any in good condition, please send them to school. I need about 90.

Thank you and have a great week!

Week of August 30- Assignments

Assignments for August 30-September 3:

-Monday: Problem Solving Board and place value definition practice
-Tuesday: Complete a Frayer Models for both Expanded and Word Form
-Wednesday: Problem Solving Board and Various Place Value/Form Practice
-Thursday: Review of Week's Skills- Place Value vocab, Forms (all 3), Place Value to billions
-Friday: Test and Center Games on Place Value

Cool Word Form Enrichment:
http://www.mathcats.com/explore/reallybignumbers.html
Great Math Website:
http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/fifth/

First Day/First Week Photos

Check out these photos of the kids in homeroom and working on their personalized "Top Dog"!

Wish List

Parents/Guardians of a Briargrove 5th grade Roadrunner:

Unfortunately, the price of teaching innovative and engaging lessons is always very high. But, with the right support, the BG 5th graders will be able to participate in exciting, higher-level lessons that use a variety of materials. If you are willing to donate any items to my classroom, they would be very much appreciated.

Below is a preliminary list of items we may need:

KLEENEX, KLEENEX, KLEENEX, KLEENEX, KLEENEX- It is unbelievable how much we go through!
Sharpie Permanent Markers
Printer Ink for classroom printers- HP 60 OR 60XL, black and color
Clipboards
Big and Skinny Expo Dry Erase Markers- all colors
Lysol or Clorox Wipes
Playing Cards
Puzzles
Board Games
Critical Thinking Games
Hand Sanitizer
Carnival Tickets- I use these for good behavior in my classroom. I draw 2 names on Friday for a Grade Prize. Wal-Mart sells a large roll.

Small dollar store prizes (bouncy balls, cool pens, stickers, etc.)

ANY donation is welcome and please only donate if you are able.

I hope to meet everyone soon! See you all Monday!

Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!

Hello and welcome to the fifth grade at Briargrove Elementary! My name is Ms. Ellsworth and I am one of the Math teachers in the fifth grade. I am very excited to start the 2010-2011 with all of you and I look forward to making your last year at BG delightful!

I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri and I have been living in Houston for almost two and a half years. I have been a full-time teacher at Briargrove since January 2009. When I am not teaching, I like to stay active and enjoy all this wonderful city has to offer.

Ms. Gerlich and I are planning some electrifying lessons for this school year that are sure to stimulate your student's critical thinking and problem solving brain. It is our goal to help your students enjoy and get excited about succeeding in mathematics.

As a reminder, there is a Meet and Greet on Friday, August 20 from 10:00-11:30 for grades 1-5. This is the perfect time to meet your new teachers, receive information about the school year, and get comfortable with your new surroundings.

I plan to update my blog frequently throughout the school year with assignment updates and other important notes. This site is not only for parents, it is for the kids, too. I like to post fun "gadgets" and math game/review websites for students to check out in their free time.

Parents- Do not hesitate to contact me whenever you have a question or concern. The best way to reach me is through e-mail at eellswor@houstonisd.org or you may call BG and leave a voicemail for me (713-917-3600).

I look forward to meeting all of you in the next few weeks and I can not wait to begin our journey together. School begins Monday, August 23 at 8:00 am. There will not be early dismissal this year. School ends at 3:00 pm every day of the week. See you soon!

New Math Games

The games listed below each website relate to the Math topics we cover in class.

http://www.4kids.org/games/

Ratio Stadium
Ratio Martian
Tug Team: Fractions
Ratio Blaster
Dirt Bike Proportions
Any Multiplication or Division Game
Plotter Penguin

http://www.jamit.com.au/fraction-games.htm

All Jamit.com Fraction games

After TAKS Games

http://www.coolmath-games.com/
http://www.primarygames.com/math.htm
http://www.toytheater.com/math.php
http://www.funbrain.com/cashreg/index.html
http://arcytech.org/java/patterns/patterns_j.shtml
http://www.escapefromknab.com/