Math Short Responses

On the state math test, we'll have two days of multiple choice questions and one day of short-response questions. Here are some of the strategies we've been using on the short-response questions:

• Read the question carefully. Underline important information in the question. 
• Circle key vocabulary words. Define them, writing the definition right next to the word. For example, if you circle equation, write variable next to it. 
• Show all your work, using equations or models (sometimes the problem will ask you to use a specific method to show your work). 
• Reread the problem to make sure you answered the correct problem. 
• Check your work using another strategy to be sure it's correct. 
• Fill in the answer in the answer blank. 

Are there other strategies you use to solve short-response questions? If so, share them here!

Division Strategies

In class, we've been using a lot of different strategies to solve division problems. Here's a link to a page that shows some of the division strategies we've been working on. Click on this link, or go to the "Math" tab at the top of the page to see how we've been solving division problems! If you have any questions, ask one of us to explain our strategy to you!

Sample Weekly Word Problem

Last week we solved our first Weekly Word Problem for homework. There will be a WWP almost every week from now on. Here's a sample of how to solve the WWP. All six steps should be completed and clearly labeled. If you have any questions, email Katie or post them in the comments!

Multiplication Combinations

One of our big fourth grade goals is learning all of our multiplication combinations up to 12 x12 so well that we know them in a snap.

There are lots of different ways you can study your facts so you can memorize them.

• Play Multiplication War with a friend. Deal out half of a deck of face cards (1 through 10 or 1 through 12) to each player. Both players put down two cards (the factors). Multiply the two cards together to get your product. The player with the higher product captures both cards! The winner is the player who captures all the cards!
• Play Dice War with a friend. Each player gets two dice. At the same time, roll your two dice. Multiply the two numbers on your dice together. The player with the higher product gets a point. The first player to 20 points wins! To switch up the game, have the player with the lower product win!
• Play games online to learn your multiplication combinations. Here's one game online from the BBC. You can choose the multiplication combinations you want to be quizzed on.  
• Have someone quiz you with flash cards! Set a timer each time you are quizzed. See if you can beat your time each time you are quizzed!
• Figure out which facts are the trickiest for you to learn. Place the facts on doors around your house. Before you enter the door, say the fact and the product out loud! You have to get the product correct to enter the room!

How do you study your facts? Leave your ideas here!