Sign o' the Times (Tables)

How did you learn to multiply? Here's how I did:

and this:

Honestly, I'm not hating on flash cards and drills. They certainly serve their purpose. Children do need to have some automatic recall of facts, especially when you get to higher level math; having to do all of that calculating in your head slows you down. Here's my problem, though. Too much memorization, not enough understanding.

 Memorization=easy. I've got a bazillion fun and silly memorization strategies, songs, computer games, i-pad apps I can hook you up with if that's your bag. But, you know, easy ain't how we do things around here. We like to make 'em THINK. Long before we set the timer and rock out the 1 minute math facts, we need to know what the heck multiplication even means. Why do we need it? When do we need it? How can we use it in real life?

 Last week, the kids received this message:

Dear Hirsch Students,

We are writing you this letter because we need your help!  

We, the candy bar makers at The Crazy Chocolate Corporation are having trouble designing the latest and greatest candy boxes.  We have heard that you are an extremely creative group of kids (and the best candy testers), so we would like you to help us design our newest candy boxes.  We would like your help on packaging, design, name and flavor of the new chocolate boxes.

    We have several size boxes we would like to make. Every box must be a square or a rectangle!

1.   A box that will hold 4 candies.

2.   A box that will hold 6 candies.

3.   A box that will hold 8 candies.

4. A box that will hold 9 candies.

5.  A box that will hold 10 candies.

6.   A box that will hold 12 candies.

7.   A box that will hold 16 candies.

Include all your possible candy arrays, and then tell us which array you choose for the new candy boxes.  Don't forget to tell us why you think its best.  Lastly, think of a name for each box that will wow the customers and think of some new and creative ingredients to attract kids to this new bar.

Thank you so much for your help!

                                              Sincerely,

               The Crazy Chocolate Corporation

Here we are in the Hirsch Package Product Development Lab:

Here's one way to make 4: 2x2

Here's another way: 4x1

Hmm, I know there is another way to fit 6 candies...

Sharing our discoveries

Candy Box chart for multiples of 4, 6, 8, 9, 10

Then Paul discovers this:

 

Well, we agree, it is six pieces of candy. But what was that other rule? It must be a rectangle or a square. Hmm...what exactly is a rectangle or a square? Luckily, Paul (behind the camera) and Aidan had already discovered this at the beginning of the lesson. Here is Professor Reilly to explain:

http://youtu.be/wsXUDhTpvl4 

So, while we love the design, would the Crazy Chocolate Corporation accept this? Well, it never hurts to ask.

We extended this activity into higher numbers for one student, who already has a background in basic multiplication. Figuring the facts in his head, no problem. Showing us how his calculator brain works, that's where the thinking piece comes in.

18=3x6 and...

18=2x9 and...

18=1x18

 Fun activity, no? But the real life application came during science:

Emotions were running high this week. Several of our upstairs children moving on to different schools, and they are starting to feel some pretty big feelings about about leaving our safe, loving nest for other exciting opportunities. We combined all of these sometimes scared, sometimes sad, sometimes excited feelings  with a powerfully moving and tragic Norse myth, and  got some amazing and passionate discussion in our afternoon literature group.  And this is exactly why I so love teaching these stories.

Here's the story we read about Loki and his responsibility for the death of the beloved god, Balder:

http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118142/norsepan/balderde.php

The kids were horrified that mischievous Loki had done something so horrible. "I HATE him!" one child shouted, "He use to be my favorite character, but now I HATE him!" They agreed that he should be punished, and were excited to find out that the next story is, indeed, titled "Loki's Punishment". Before reading, though, we decided to take justice into our own hands. How would you punish Loki?  I asked. Here are some of the answers I received:

Marrying the ugliest frost giant
8,000 butt whoopings
Turn him into a pepperoni pizza and eat him
feed him to the Midgard Serpent
Turn him into a rat
Battle him with my hands


We shall find out next week, as we wrap up an amazing few months of Norse mythology. This has truly been one of the most energetic, thoughtful, and creative literature groups I've had the pleasure of teaching for quite some time. 


I'm hoping my Vikings continue to explore these stories over the summer.  And look what just came out!! 
http://www.amazon.com/Lokis-Wolves-Blackwell-Pages-ebook/dp/B008TUR7TA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1T4KNP6AZUMK5&coliid=I3UR0P8P0U5HZE


Next week we will be wrapping up this amazing year. We've all come so far and formed such bonds. We want to celebrate each child. The students began making friendship bracelets for each other yesterday and we will exchange them next week. I've asked each child to think about one special thought, wish or compliment they have for each one of their friends. We will share these as we pass out the bracelets. For our children leaving us *sniff* we will have a little something extra to wish them well. Next Friday, we will join Heidi and Gudny's class for a movie, pajama, and popcorn party.
And then, wonderful parents, they are all yours until August!