Sunday, September 23, 2012

Reflex Math


I am happy to let you know that the kids are now all enrolled in their new Reflex Math classes.  On Monday, September 24th each 4th grade class will be going to the computer lab to get their Reflex Math passwords, and play their first Reflex session of the school year.

For parents that are new to Reflex Math, this internet based program is an excellent resource that we have been provided to assist students in mastering their math facts.  The kids absolutely love it.  The students will go to the computer lab once a week for 30 minutes to do Reflex Math, and some weeks will get a second opportunity at school using the classroom computers.  We are also asking that the students complete Reflex Math twice a week at home.  In order for Reflex Math to be the most beneficial for kids it needs to be used 3 or 4 times a week.  There is a link to Reflex on this blog, and the URL is http://www.reflexmath.com/.

It is very important that only the assigned student play on their Reflex account.  The program gives the kids fluency tests, and keeps track of which facts the kids are fluent in, and the ones they need more help on.  As much as that sweet 2nd grade sibling might want to get a jump on their multiplication facts; using their older sibling’s Reflex account is not the way to do it.  Thank you so much for your help.

                                                                 Mrs. Jones

Friday, September 14, 2012

What A Great Start!

We are having a great year.  The kids are engaged, and we are getting a lot done.  The kids really embraced the challenge of decimals this week, and they are doing a great job.  This is a new concept for many of them, and we will review it all year to help cement their understanding.

On Wednesday I gave the students a quick check to see if they are really understanding decimals.  I wanted to clear up any misconception, and increase their understanding.  On Thursday and Friday I reviewed the quick check with all my students individually or in small groups.  I feel confident that all my students are on their way to being very successful with this concept.

I sent the quick check home with the students today.  Please have them explain to you what we are doing, and please sign it.  The students will receive 5 bonus points on the quiz for doing this . :-)  We will have a short quiz on Monday that will very much resemble the quick check.  I've also posted a 10 minute video on the blog that reviews some of what we've discussed in class.

On Monday I will send home the Topic 1 pretest the students took at the beginning of the topic.  We use this to guide our teaching, and it will serve as a review for the actual test that we will take on Wednesday.  The students are to correct it for homework Monday night, and we will review it in class on Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday's test.

Thanks for all your help!
 
                                                Mrs. Jones