Maths - problem solving and using what we know...

Maths lately has been a learning curve for us all in Room 18 these past few weeks! We have really needed to have an open mindset and apply the learning disposition 'keep going when the going gets tough' as we approach some rich learning tasks. We have been looking at using our knowledge of numbers and basic facts and applying this information to worded problems that can be solved in a number of ways.

These photos show a group working out an aspect of their maths map. 

The maths group Newtons have been solving tasks about a neighbourhood walk. They were given a number of senarios about things they might see on a walk. Here they are creating a fence so they can figure out how many fence posts or palings the fence might need. They then needed to explain their thinking to others, which can sometimes be quite tricky. 

Not....yet......

We are continuing our learning around growth mindset and how our brain works. This song is fun and is about what we are talking about in class....the power of YET!

YET is an important word when learning....here are some examples...

We are learning to problem solve in maths and we are finding the multiplication tricky...we haven't solved it YET but WE WILL

I don't know how to create an e-book....YET...but if I persist I WILL!

You could ask your child when they have been in the LEARNING PIT...and is working on YET!

Writing motivation 8th June -12th June

Room 18 here is the motivation behind next weeks writing. Spend some time over the next few days thinking about it.

You can chose which one interests you the most!

5 metres 80

Click here to take you to the video link

Think about these ideas....which one will you chose to write about?

OR do you does this interest you more?

Monkey Symphony

Click here for the link 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tell the story from each Chimp's point of view.  
• Write a dual narrative, perhaps this can be done in the form of a diary, each chimp writing in a journal. 
• Add in dialogue as it is missing in the film, punctuate dialogue and look at direct and indirect speech. 
• Introduce verb and adverb starter sentences.

    e.g. Proudly, he walked onto stage...
            Angrily, he bashed the keys of the piano...
            Playing the piano was his first love...
            Sweeping the floor was torture but... 

• Writing flashbacks.  Discuss how we can show that we have gone back in time. Making the difference in setting distinct. 
• Write predictions - what happens next?  Create a newspaper story detailing the events.  They create a duo who go on to be best sellers.  What happens to the piano teacher?
• Hotseating with the 4 characters. 
• Writing from the point of view of the big gorilla, perhaps he is recounting the day he first heard the chimp play the piano.