Week of 9/25

Greetings Fifth Grade Families,
 
Hopefully you've seen all the math work your student has completed for this past quarter. I've sent home their tests along with reteach sheets to help you understand how it was taught to them and to allow them to work through some problems if they got it wrong on the test. Please let me know if you would like extra practice sheets to support them at home. These past two units have been challenging for many. I think practice would help them work through their misunderstandings. Email me if you would like practice sheets sent home to support them. We'll be revisiting these skills throughout the year, but the more practice, the better. 
 
We've just begun the third chapter focused on adding and subtracting decimals. Your student will use estimation to check that sums and difference of decimals are reasonable. 
 
There are many real-life situations that involve adding and subtracting decimals.
  • When balancing a checkbook, (which they'll learn later this year in personal finance), you need to know how to add and subtract decimals. Show your student your checkbook or a sample checkbook. Leave the balance column blank. Ask, "Do I add or subtract this entry to find the balance?" Then have your student find the sum or difference.
  • Go to the grocery store with your student and a small list of items to purchase. Have your student record the cost of each item on your list. Ask your student to estimate the total cost of the groceries and then find the exact cost. Next, tell your student that you want to remove an item from the list. Ask, "What is the new exact cost?"
  • The next time you are at a restaurant, ask your student to estimate the total cost of the meal before tax and tip. Then have your student find the total cost. Ask, "How close was your estimate?" Tell your student you have a coupon for $5 off the total. Ask, "What is the new total cost?"
By the end of this unit, your student should feel confident with the learning targets and success criteria you'll see on their exit slips in their Friday Folders. Encourage your student to think of other situations that involve adding and subtracting decimals, such as buying items from an online store. 
 
Enjoy grocery shopping and eating out! 
 
Please reach out to me with any questions so we can partner together in growing your child's math skill.