Hello there,
After a slightly bumpy take-off on problem solving last week, I'm happy to report that your children had a very successful - and fun time solving math problems today. We will be learning about the problem of paper coffee cups as an environmental issue. The math problems were connected to this issue.
We're learning about different problem solving strategies. They include: using concrete materials, guess and check, act it out, make a diagram, and make a list (including t-charts). Ask your child what his or her strategy was. If you'd like to print off the signs we're using in the class, go to this eworkshop link.
Three part problem solving works this way:1. Present a rich math problem to the class. Talk it over using a KWC chart (K = What we know, W = What we want to know, C = special conditions we must take into account when solving it). I know, this sounds dense, but the children are getting it!
2. Students go off and work on the problem with a partner.
3. Students come back for a "math congress" on the carpet, where they share their work and have a-ha moments.
