After exploring and understanding various strategies for solving addition and subtraction problems, our next unit in Math is all about putting those skills to the test with some problem solving! As we tackle word problems, we are going to put on our critical thinking hats and become detectives, identifying key words that signal which operation to use along with creating bar models to visually show (and check!) our understanding of the question. Here are a few videos that we watched that do a good job introducing bar models or the part part whole method. First one is a video from learnzillion.com which is a great resource for video mini lessons on a variety of topics. HERE It requires you to sign up but as a teacher I feel that it is a great resource.
Bar models also lead into algebra and understanding the relationship between addition and subtraction! I am excited at making what seems like a complicated subject (algebra) and presenting it in a way they can understand and see!
Bar models also lead into algebra and understanding the relationship between addition and subtraction! I am excited at making what seems like a complicated subject (algebra) and presenting it in a way they can understand and see!
Keeping our Ideas Organized and Clear
A big step in 3rd grade lies in tackling multi-step word problems, and the confusion that can create on the page. To help keep ideas and steps organized, we also discussed and practiced ways that we could clearly show our thinking and our problem solving. Taken from our Extended Response Rubric that the 3rd grade team made together last year, we used the following anchor chart to help us as we tackled tough word problems. I am incredibly proud of the overall progress in applying such organizational tools in just a week! As we tackle fun and meaningful problem solving activities that require us to not only show our thinking but also defend our answer, these tools and skills will be put to the test!