Sunday, March 27, 2016

Composing And Decomposing Numbers




We are learning how to represent numbers in a variety of formats. We are thinking about how to use our understanding of tens and ones to help us solve a problem involving composing and decomposing.

There are 43 pizzas. 28 are small. How many are large?

We are not using the standard algorithm but are using manipulative (base 10 blocks), visual diagrams and expanded notation to help us solve these problems.












This work supported the following:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.NBT.B.7
Add and subtract within 1000, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method. Understand that in adding or subtracting three-digit numbers, one adds or subtracts hundreds and hundreds, tens and tens, ones and ones; and sometimes it is necessary to compose or decompose tens or hundreds.


CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Mathematically proficient students understand and use stated assumptions, definitions, and previously established results in constructing arguments. They make conjectures and build a logical progression of statements to explore the truth of their conjectures. They are able to analyze situations by breaking them into cases, and can recognize and use counterexamples. They justify their conclusions, communicate them to others, and respond to the arguments of others. They reason inductively about data, making plausible arguments that take into account the context from which the data arose. Mathematically proficient students are also able to compare the effectiveness of two plausible arguments, distinguish correct logic or reasoning from that which is flawed, and—if there is a flaw in an argument—explain what it is. Elementary students can construct arguments using concrete referents such as objects, drawings, diagrams, and actions. Such arguments can make sense and be correct, even though they are not generalized or made formal until later grades. Later, students learn to determine domains to which an argument applies. Students at all grades can listen or read the arguments of others, decide whether they make sense, and ask useful questions to clarify or improve the arguments.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 Model with mathematics.

Mathematically proficient students can apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace. In early grades, this might be as simple as writing an addition equation to describe a situation. In middle grades, a student might apply proportional reasoning to plan a school event or analyze a problem in the community. By high school, a student might use geometry to solve a design problem or use a function to describe how one quantity of interest depends on another. Mathematically proficient students who can apply what they know are comfortable making assumptions and approximations to simplify a complicated situation, realizing that these may need revision later. They are able to identify important quantities in a practical situation and map their relationships using such tools as diagrams, two-way tables, graphs, flowcharts and formulas. They can analyze those relationships mathematically to draw conclusions. They routinely interpret their mathematical results in the context of the situation and reflect on whether the results make sense, possibly improving the model if it has not served its purpose.

We Had An "Egg"cellent Time!

On Thursday, we enjoyed a fun and engaging engineering challenge! We designed a way to protect a raw egg! The designs were creative and diverse. The children did a wonderful job explaining their design choices to a friend. Our thanks to all the parent helpers.










Grace Lin- Thinking About Your Child's Book Selections



I would recommend this TED talk by Massachusetts author and illustrator Grace Lin.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wQ8wiV3FVo&sns=em


Research- Facts From and About Atlases

This week, the children wrote and illustrated mini books based on information from our class set of Atlases. We are learning how to research and write facts in our own words.






The Big Read- Energy Island

We enjoyed sharing this year's Big Read experience with our 4th grade buddies. This year's selection continued the work began last year with the Change Is Simple program and the discussion around the book, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. This year, we read Energy Island and learned about the difference between renewable and non renewable resources. We viewed a video about Samso and then read the book. It was fun to compare the characters in the book to the people in the video. After, we went outside and worked with our buddies to determine the best place to build a windmill at Cutler School. This past week, we created our own anemometers and decided to change the cup size and material. This design change allowed for more rotations per minute.  The children were encouraged to test their anemometers at home. Our thanks to Mrs. Hebert for organizing this school wide program. Here is the link to the video we watched:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmJxUsXWajo













Inner Explorer

The children did a wonderful job presenting at the All School Meeting. They worked in pairs to create posters that showed some of the things we have learned from our inner explore practice. We learned about visual presentation and created visual models of our finished projects. 

Here are the ideas we shared







  • The mindful minute is just five breaths that and help you make good choices. It will help you calm down when you are angry and out of control.
  • Waves carry your feelings away and clouds do too. This strategy helps you when you have a chattering mind.
  • Use strategies whenever you need to, not just at school.
  • Start with the heart. Doing nice things to others is good. Bring nice feelings to other people.
  • Know your feelings. Don’t worry. They are all important. Be calm.
  • Forgive others. It will make you feel better.
  • Shark fin: it gets you calm and ready for big things.
  • Don’t let your angry feelings carry you away.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016



Did you know that 1 out of every 5 children in the US may go to bed hungry tonight? 
In an effort to raise awareness of hunger issues, many Cutler third graders are participating in a community service project. They are collecting food for the Acord Food Pantry and planning a bake sale on Saturday, April 9 to raise money for Project Bread and Acord. It would be wonderful if your family could support their cause by either donating a food item from this list and/or coming to the bake sale. Please send in food donations from now until April 1.  Many thanks!
Kindergarten –soup
Grade 1 – canned fruit
Grade 2 – cereal
Grade 3 – snacks (pretzels, bars, crackers, etc.)
Grade 4 - meal–in-a-can (chili, ravioli, spaghetti-os, etc.)
Grade 5 – jelly or jam

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Will You Be A Mystery Reader?

The children are hoping we have more mystery readers coming. Please let me know if you would like to be a  mystery reader for the first time this year or you would like to come in again! We love to have you visit!

OPEN HOUSE- April 13th 5:00-7:00