Math during Conference Week

In math this week, we will begin focusing a lot of our attention on multiplication facts and fluency (the rate facts are recalled and answered correctly). Knowing multiplicaion is so important at this level. Students must know their facts to complete word problems with proficiency. Students can be distracted from completing multi-step story problems (problem-solving activities) when they have to stop to figure out basic math facts.

I want this to be fun, not arduous and defeating, so I have recently purchase an activity book that includes music about multiplication (and they aren't too "corny" to listen too). On Monday, students will start a "multiplication journal" that they will keep in their homework folders. It will include lyrics to songs we are listening to or learning, as a way to learn basic facts, it will also include worksheets they complete in class, and a graph that they can keep track of their progress.

Here are the lyrics to the first song they will hear
(from Words and Music by Kim Mitzo Thompson, Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand, Hal Wright. © Twin Sisters IP, LLC. All Rights Reserved.)

1. You Need a Strategy

When you learn how to play in a soccer game–
when you learn how to multiply–it’s all the same.
There’s one thing–most coaches will agree:
you are going to need a strategy.
Dribble down the field toward the soccer goal.
Think about the rules and what you’ve been told.
Heading or passing or kicking, you will see,
are fine if it’s part of your strategy.
You need a strategy–a plan to help you succeed
in sports or school. Make it routine
to have a strategy, to have a strategy.
Learn all the rules when you multiply.
Practice each day, and I’ll tell you why:
the facts you soon will memorize, because it’s
smart to study and strategize.
If you corner-kick the ball and a point is scored,
or if you get an “A,” what a great reward!
But you can’t deny nor disagree, no,
it’s all because you had a strategy!
(Chorus)
To have a strategy!
To have a strategy!