In class we have been playing a lot of chess. Anytime we are finished our work for the day, away go the pencils and note books and out come the checkered boards. At first, many of you didn't know how to play chess at all, but very quickly you have learned the moves and the strategy behind the game.
Have you every asked the question, what does chess have to do with math? Just like Math, chess requires the ability to problem solve. In Math you learn formulas and steps, in chess you learn the moves of each piece - these things do not change and are constant; however, even though we may memorize our formulas or chess moves, outcomes are always changing and our brains have to adapt to a real-life math problem you've never encountered before or a chess move you have never seen.
What do you think of Chess, do you think it will help you with your Math skills? Parents, here is a link to a great article about the benefits of chess for students.
Welcome to the beginning of our Fractions Unit. Over the next 6 weeks we will be taking a look at how to represent, compare and how to add, subtract and multiple fractions.
Check out the pencast for a quick introduction.
A number of parents and students have asked how they can supplement the math curriculum at home. I think at the present moment one of the best individualized math programs going is a program called JUMP math. I had the opportunity of working with its creator, John Mighton, when we piloted the program for the Toronto District School Board at Carleton Village Public School a number of years ago. The manuals are around ten dollars each and can be ordered through the web site: http://jumpmath.org
When choosing a starting point I always start a grade below with my own children as a review of previous material. The great thing about JUMP math is that there are books for grades 1-8, so you can fill in the gaps at any level,you may even choose to get a head start at the grade 8 level. If you have any questions please leave a comment at the bottom of the post.
