Sept. 29 - Choice #2

 Assignment: Decimal Choice #2

Due Wednesday, September 30

Today in class we focused on multiplication and division of decimals - both by whole numbers AND by decimals. I was surprised by the number of students for whom this was new arithmetic, but we are working through it together! Those who have it mastered can select other options to choose from tonight. See below. 

The students were taught using traditional long division. There is now a link in the resource tab if you need a refresher on this method.

Overall, the students have moved past addition and subtraction equations. While mistakes are still made when borrowing or carrying, these should be practiced with equations you create or other future review assignment options. Tonight the options are varying degrees of multiplication and division problems only. The test is still over a week away, so they will have time to re-assess and practice. 

So, what can you do?

*Make sure they are selecting assignments at a practice level for them. They should be wary of moving too quickly, but also push themselves into new assignments as they improve. Playing it "safe" for a higher grade is not the way to learn new skills, so encourage them to take a leap when they can. 

*Read the resources and review the steps and "rules" without correcting their work. For example, remind them to count the decimal places when multiplying or turn decimal divisors into whole numbers when dividing. They are encouraged to add any reminders into their Math Notes Book for future reminders.

*Provide practice problems or examples that you correct, then let them try the homework problems when they feel confident. They will get that homework back and have the opportunity to find their errors and correct them for full credit. Making mistakes and learning from those mistakes leads to better retention in the end.

Their options today were:

D - Division practice when dividing by a whole number.
F - Focus on more difficult problems, dividing by whole numbers AND by decimals 

B - Decimal Multiplication Basics 2

M - Decimal multiplication at test level
W - Whoa! These multiplication problems have exponents and a few ops! (Extention option)