Just getting the right answer in math class isn't enough if students don't know why the answer is the right one. --shumway
MATH SUMMIT Groups:
Math Summit: 3rd through 5th grade math students have the opportunity to learn with other gifted and high performing students in Math Summit, our pull-out enrichment program.
In Math Summit, students will work on mastery of basic facts, problem-solving strategies, cooperation and collaboration, advanced math concepts, real- life application, writing and justifying their mathematical thinking, getting comfortable with a struggle, and HAVING FUN throughout the learning process.
4th and 5th Grade Math Summit (a two year cohort) is a replacement compacted curriculum class which lays the foundation for acceleration in middle school. Grade-level standards and the following year's standards are addressed and enriched with logical thinking and problem solving. Mastery of concepts is the goal with a thorough understanding of the "why" of math. 4th graders will learn all the 4th grade standards and half the 5th grade standards. In 5th grade, we'll finish the 5th grade standards and learn the 6th grade standards as well. Students demonstrating proficiency with the 6th grade standards will have the opportunity to continue on an accelerated path in middle school.
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In Math Summit, students will work on mastery of basic facts, problem-solving strategies, cooperation and collaboration, advanced math concepts, real- life application, writing and justifying their mathematical thinking, getting comfortable with a struggle, and HAVING FUN throughout the learning process.
4th and 5th Grade Math Summit (a two year cohort) is a replacement compacted curriculum class which lays the foundation for acceleration in middle school. Grade-level standards and the following year's standards are addressed and enriched with logical thinking and problem solving. Mastery of concepts is the goal with a thorough understanding of the "why" of math. 4th graders will learn all the 4th grade standards and half the 5th grade standards. In 5th grade, we'll finish the 5th grade standards and learn the 6th grade standards as well. Students demonstrating proficiency with the 6th grade standards will have the opportunity to continue on an accelerated path in middle school.
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HomeFun FOR 4th and 5th grade math summit students:
HomeFun will come home nightly Monday through Thursday and is due back the next day unless otherwise noted. (Occasionally, I will offer a packet of the entire week's HomeFun that would be due on Friday and to offer students a little more freedom.) If life is complicated one evening, I completely understand. Encourage your child to speak with me directly, and simply offer a plan to get it done. Students can also feel free to message me though the Moby interface.
Some nights students will not have written Homefun, but will be expected to log on and work on their Moby Math lessons or Khan for twenty minutes. The link and more information is in the Web Resources section. Please let me know if computer access is not a possibility for your child. I've set a goal for students to demonstrate math fact automaticity by completing their Moby thermometers by January 7th. Students should be able to easily accomplish this by practicing math facts for 3 minutes for three sessions each week. If students are experiencing any struggles learning their facts, please have them reach out to me.
Homefun should take about 20-30 minutes each evening. If your child is routinely spending an excessive amount of time completing their homework, please speak with me regarding ways we can alleviate this issue.
Some nights students will not have written Homefun, but will be expected to log on and work on their Moby Math lessons or Khan for twenty minutes. The link and more information is in the Web Resources section. Please let me know if computer access is not a possibility for your child. I've set a goal for students to demonstrate math fact automaticity by completing their Moby thermometers by January 7th. Students should be able to easily accomplish this by practicing math facts for 3 minutes for three sessions each week. If students are experiencing any struggles learning their facts, please have them reach out to me.
Homefun should take about 20-30 minutes each evening. If your child is routinely spending an excessive amount of time completing their homework, please speak with me regarding ways we can alleviate this issue.
GRADing Notes for 4th & 5th Grade MATH SUMMIT STUDENTS:
Grades are based on Homefun, Classwork, Quizzes and Tests. On homework and other independent classwork (practice papers, not mastery assessments), there will be a number correct on top (-3, for example) plus 1, 2, or 3 stars.
3 stars = 100% or A+ 2 stars = 90% or A- and above 1 star = 80% or B- and above 1 star with a minus sign = 70% or C- and above
Anything below this will be returned with a note to PLEASE FIX AND FINISH. This grade is entered as 50% until the paper is returned with the errors corrected. They should be corrected and returned by the deadline date indicated. Once fixed, they will then receive 10% down from their corrected score. I don’t want the students to be seeing % on their papers when these worksheets are purely used to help them attain or reinforce a skill, not as a test. They are aware of the % that is recorded, but this system helps differentiate practice from assessments. It may take a student several tries to master a concept, and they shouldn’t be penalized for practice. A student could have all FIX AND FINISH papers, turn them back in, do well on math tests, and end up with an A in math. The FIX AND FINISH policy limits the amount of rushing a student will do if they know they’ll have to do it over. Papers may also be returned with a FIX & FINISH if the student’s work is sloppy or displays a lack of effort. Students will be allowed only two attempts to correct Fix and Finish papers for credit. If your child is confused on how to correct their paper, please send it in and I will gladly assist them.
Please communicate with me if your child is struggling with the concepts on their HomeFun. Otherwise, I might not find out until an assessment.
3 stars = 100% or A+ 2 stars = 90% or A- and above 1 star = 80% or B- and above 1 star with a minus sign = 70% or C- and above
Anything below this will be returned with a note to PLEASE FIX AND FINISH. This grade is entered as 50% until the paper is returned with the errors corrected. They should be corrected and returned by the deadline date indicated. Once fixed, they will then receive 10% down from their corrected score. I don’t want the students to be seeing % on their papers when these worksheets are purely used to help them attain or reinforce a skill, not as a test. They are aware of the % that is recorded, but this system helps differentiate practice from assessments. It may take a student several tries to master a concept, and they shouldn’t be penalized for practice. A student could have all FIX AND FINISH papers, turn them back in, do well on math tests, and end up with an A in math. The FIX AND FINISH policy limits the amount of rushing a student will do if they know they’ll have to do it over. Papers may also be returned with a FIX & FINISH if the student’s work is sloppy or displays a lack of effort. Students will be allowed only two attempts to correct Fix and Finish papers for credit. If your child is confused on how to correct their paper, please send it in and I will gladly assist them.
Please communicate with me if your child is struggling with the concepts on their HomeFun. Otherwise, I might not find out until an assessment.
standards based Topics we'll Study this year:
3rd Grade Math Standards include:
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4th Grade Math Standards include:
(Cohort year one combines 4th grade & 1/2 of 5th grade standards. )
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5th Grade Math Standards include:
(Cohort year two combines 2nd 1/2 of 5th grade & 6th grade standards.)
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Math OLYMPIADS:
All 4th & 5th grade Math Summit students will participate in the Math Olympiads contest. This opportunity really develops some wonderful higher order thinking and flexible problem solving. Check out the passage below to learn more. Feel free to check out moems.org for even more information. The competition dates are: Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 16, Feb 13, and March 6. Per the official rules, students are not allowed to make up Math Olympiad if they are absent. Top finishers will be invited to participate in PSD's 4th Annual Mighty Math Minds tournament, a new district tradition, on May 3rd. This is the first inter-school Math Olympiad competition in this region of the country. We get to host it at Olander again this year!