Mme. Macdonald

Today we began a focused unit on mathematical problem solving strategies. Many of the students used their classtime very effectively to work on finding solutions to the textbook problems. Working with a partner to discuss the problem and possible solutions often helps. Each student received an outline of the pages for this unit. (I will also post these pages on this blog later this week.) The written evaluation will be on February 5th. The students may take their textbooks home any afternoon to work further on the word problems. For parents who don’t read French, there is ample time in class for focused individuals to request teacher and peer assistance. Each day students are evaluated on their attitude towards problem solving. Keeping on task, trying to learn and apply the various strategies outlined in the example problem, working cooperatively and asking for help when needed are several of the key skills needed to achieve success throughout the unit. Today’s problems encouraged the use of logical thinking skills (grade 6) and drawing a diagram (grade 5).