Reader's Workshop

We are coming to an end of our Author's Study Unit on Vera B. Williams. Students have been exploring and identifying story elements of fiction (characters, setting, problem, events, solution) within her books.  Students have learned to complete story maps and summaries using the books A Chair For My Mother, Something Special For Me, and Music, Music For Everyone. Today, students worked hard with a partner to implement what they've learned by completing a summary or story map with a book on their independent level. They were excited to share their summaries!

Making Change at MathDonalds

Today we visited "MathDonalds" and learned how to make change by counting up from the cost of an item to the amount tendered (up to $1.00 or "100 cents"). First, students picked an item from "MathDonalds" and located the price (Crispy Chicken Sandwich...$0.55). Next, they looked at the amount of money they had to pay with ($1.00). Finally, they counting up from the amount the item cost to the amount they paid to figure out the change they would receive (Start at $0.55, Stop at $1.00...Change = $0.45).  They loved visiting "MathDonalds" and most students choose to buy ice cream when it was time to pick their own item :).  I will continue to use this strategy in math centers going forward.  Please continue to practice counting all mixed coins and making change by counting up at home!