WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW
In math, students will develop an understanding of fractions as numbers. They will learn the concepts behind multiplication and division and apply problem-solving skills and strategies for multiplying and dividing numbers up through 100.
In English Language Arts, students will think, talk and write about what they read in a variety of articles, books and other texts. In writing, students will pay more attention to organizing information, developing ideas, and supporting these ideas with facts, details and reasons.
MATH
Multiplication
* Students use understanding of place value to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100
* Quickly and accurately add and subtract numbers through 1,000 using knowledge of place value
* Multiply and divide numbers up through 100
* Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 between 10 and 90. For example: 9×80 or 5×60
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Students understand that 15 tens = 5 tens + 10 tens (or one hundred)
Students use their understanding of place value as a strategy for multiplying one-digit numbers by multiples of ten. This will prepare them to multiply two multi-digit numbers in grade four.
Fractions
* Determine a fraction’s place on a number line by defining the length and “cutting it” into equal parts
* Understand two fractions as equal if they are the same size or at the same point on a number line
* Compare the size of two different fractions of the same size object. For example: Which is bigger, 1⁄8 of a pizza or 1⁄6 of the same pizza?
Students begin to understand that fractions are sometimes the same quantity as a whole number (8⁄4 = 2) and whole numbers can be expressed as fractions (3= 12⁄4).
Help children learn outside school
1. Play math games with your child. For example: “I’m thinking of two numbers whose product is between 20 and 30. How many pairs can you think of that would satisfy this problem?” Have your child explain the solutions. How does he or she know that all the number pairs have been identified?
2. Encourage your child to write or describe numbers in different ways. For example: “What are some different ways to make 1,450?”
1,450 = 1 thousand, 4 hundreds, 5 tens, and 0 ones, or 1,000 + 450, 14 hundreds and 50 ones, 13 hundreds + 15 tens, etc.
3. Use everyday objects to allow your child to explore the concept of fractions.
For example: Use measuring cups to have students demonstrate how many 1⁄3’s are in a whole, how many 1⁄4 cups you need to make 1 1⁄4 cups, and how many times you have to refill a ½ cup measure to make 1½ cups.
ENGLISH
Students will think, talk, and write about what they read in a variety of articles, books, and other texts. In writing, students will pay more attention to organizing information, developing ideas, and supporting these ideas with facts, details, and reasons. Activities include:
Reading literature
* Recount stories and determine the central message, lesson, or moral, explaining how it is developed in the text.
* Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or characters.
* Ask and answer questions about what they read by referring directly to parts of the text.
* Use information gained from images or illustrations.
Reading for information
* Ask and answer questions about what they read by referring directly to parts of the text.
* Use information gained from images or illustrations.
Writing:
* Introduce a topic and use facts, definitions, and details to develop points.
* Provide a concluding statement or section.
* Group related information together.
* Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, such as also, another, and but.
Sample task:
Students are asked to read an essay called “Facts about Sharks,” by Susanna Batchelor, which can be Googled. Assignment:
Which shark would you study if you were a shark scientist and why?
1. Decide which shark you would want to study.
2. Find the best shark facts to support your reasons.
3. Explain your reasons. Be sure to use facts about hammerhead sharks and whale sharks to explain why you would study the shark you chose and not the other shark. You can use a graphic organizer to help you plan your writing. Remember to pick the best facts to support your opinion and not every detail you can find. You must explain how the facts support your opinion and each of your reasons.
Be sure to:
* Have an introduction that tells the topic and focus (opinion).
* Have body paragraphs with topic sentences and details to support each new reason. Group your facts to support and explain each reason.
* Use linking words that connect your opinion with your reasons and facts.
* Write a conclusion that connects to your focus (opinion) and reasons.
* Use different kinds of sentences – statements, questions, and exclamations.
* Use complete sentences. Check for correct punctuation and spelling.
* Add an illustration that supports your focus.