Math with Mrs. Haas
Stay up-to-date with what is going in our math class.
Message from Mrs. Haas
Good afternoon families,
Now that we have gotten into full-swing into math I wanted to reach out and share some more about our class. I will send a newsletter flyer (like this one) monthly/unit-by-unit to share upcoming topics, resources, references, and/or links to inquiries. My goal of the newsletter is to share overviews of the work we are doing and how we are extending it outside the classroom. If you have questions/concerns please contact me at mhaas@zcs.k12.in and I will respond as soon as possible. My priority while at school is to create a learning culture and met the needs of all my students, so please allow at least 24 hours for a response. Obviously if a matter is urgent call the school. Below is some good to know information about our classroom.
Mrs. Haas
Math Workshop Class Components
While our math schedule may change slightly day-to-day the following components will be included:
- Number Sense
- Problem Solving
- Fluency
- Inspecting Equations
Math Block
Students have math workshop with me Monday-Thursday. On Fridays students will engage in self-directed independent practice, inquiries, explorations, etc. in their homerooms.
Math Practice
Students will not have homework in alignment with the school/district policy. Nonetheless there will be OPTIONAL weekly practice with Story Problems & Fact Fluency (neither of which will be taken for a grade).
- Story Problem Practice: In effort to reinforce transferability of strategies in greater depth, students will receive a weekly story problem/s. Students can work on them throughout the week and on Thursdays we will review, discuss, and share our thinking.
- Fact Fluency Practice: Much like reading logs students will receive a monthly math log to track the amount of time spent practicing their math facts. The goal of this practice is to learn and sustain students math fact automaticity. At the end of each month students will turn in the log for an incentive.
Math Curriculum
I use Everyday Math Grade 4 (the district math adopted series) as my primary resource. I addition I will integrate projects, inquiries, PBL's, etc. to deepen level of thinking and allow students to authentically transfer their learning. Therefore the length of units will vary.
Student Planners
Each day students will record what we did that day and with a star indicate one thing they learned (we will start that next week).
Be sure to follow our classroom Twitter account @mollyhaas to get live insight into what we are doing day-to-day.
Unit 1 - Place Value: Multidigit Additon & Subtraction
In this unit, students explore place value concepts for multidigit whole numbers. They use U.S. Traditional addition and subtraction to add and subtract multidigit whole numbers. This unit will work within the following strands:
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking
- Number and Operations in Base Ten
- Measurement and Data
- Geometry
Math Resources
Remember that every students has logins and passwords to access the Canvas which provides access to the Everyday Math online materials. The online materials has lots of great resources including the unit parent letters and access to the EverydayMath online games. Additionally, the Khan Academy is a great resources to students and/or parents.
In Fourth Grade, Everyday Mathematics focuses on procedures, concepts, and applications in three critical areas:
- Understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication, and understanding of dividing to find quotients with multi-digit dividends.
- Understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers.
- Understanding that geometric figures can be analyzed and classified based on their properties.
Expectations and Leadership Levels
Classroom procedures and expectations are created using the 8 habits from The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey. I strongly promote a leadership approach to behavior as it provides a positive approach discipline. Below are the 8 Habits and an "I ..." statement describing what students are expected.
Habit 1 — Be Proactive “You're in Charge”
I am responsible for my own behavior, I think before I act.
Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind “Have a Plan”
I plan ahead nad stay focused on my goals.
Habit 3 — Put First Things First “Work First, Then Play”
I work first and then play.
Habit 4 — Think Win-Win “Everyone Can Win”
I have an EVERYONE can win attitude.
Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood “Listen Before You Talk”
I listen and try to understand others before I speak.
Habit 6 — Synergize “Together Is Better”
I get along with others and work well in a group.
Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw “Balance Feels Best”
I take care of my mind and body by eating right, exercising, and studying.
Habit 8 — Find Your Voice "Share Your Thinking"
I have a special talent and can inspire others.
Mrs. Molly Haas
Email: mhaas@zcs.k12.in.us
Location: Eagle Elementary School, North 6th Street, Zionsville, IN, United States
Phone: (317) 873-1234
Twitter: @mollyhaas