The third-grade class spent a second week focused on multiplication and division facts and learning two-digit times a single-digit multiplication. It has been a lot of math work, and the students have risen to the occasion. All students are allowed to use the multiplication tables written in their notebooks as needed, with the final goal being fact memorization. The continual experience with basic facts in all four processes strengthens the students’ sight memory of the equations. This is an essential skill as we begin to move into higher-level mathematics next year.

During the week, the class learned the steps used to solve multiplication expressions with a two-digit multiplicand and single-digit multiplier to find the product (26x3=78). These expressions were initially written and solved on the chalkboard as we worked through the process step-by-step. The same equation was written and solved both horizontally and vertically. We ended the week with students copying equations into their math notebooks and finding the solutions independently. We reviewed the process and answers on the board together. Developing an understanding of the process is the primary goal during the third-grade year. We will finish up our final block next week with more multiplication and division practice, including peeking at the long division equations they will learn to solve in the fourth-grade year.

Our forest environment still requires closed-toe shoes as much as possible. Light, long pants are also a good idea with the insects and poison ivy that abound around us. The temperatures are heating up, and while the forest stays cool, we are likely to go to the creek any time we can squeeze it in. Please help your child to be prepared.

With gratitude,

Melissa