The first entry was a simple one for prime and composite numbers. I photocopied a hundred chart onto a longer rectangle so that the sides could fold together and meet in the middle. Under each of the flaps we wrote the definition for prime and composite numbers. We then colored our number chart to show the prime and composite numbers. We boxed the perfect squares and wrote a definition for perfect square under the sticky note (under the hundred chart).
Since we covered the numbers from 1 - 100, for the proof I asked them to identify the numbers from 101 - 120 as prime or composite. For the reflection I asked students to write about the relationship between prime and composite numbers. If you look at the student work below, you can see that this student seems like she didn't quite get the concept from looking at her journal. When I asked her about it, she realized she made a mistake when working quickly, and she should have written that some "odd" numbers are also composite. She also missed quite a few numbers in her proof. I had her go back and add to her work after our conference.
In case you missed it, I did a blog post this week with some fun lesson ideas for prime and composite numbers. You can read about it below or click HERE.
Our next entry was on prime factorization. For this one we decorated our page to look like a tree (to help them remember to use factor trees for prime factorization). For our examples I wanted to use the same number twice to show students that it didn't matter what set of factors they started with, the prime factors will be the same in the end. We also included a definition for prime factor on the page.
For the proof I asked students to find the prime factors of two different numbers. As they were making their factor trees, I heard students remarking that factor trees reminded them of a Christmas Tree. (LOVE this - so much so that I might rearrange the order I teach my math units so that this unit falls before Christmas). Another student said he'll remember prime factors because of Optimus Prime - because the factor tree reminded him of opening up a transformer. :) I was loving their discussion so much I told them what they were already doing was reflecting on the lesson. So, for the reflection today I left it open for them - they could show their learning in any way they wanted.
I do have a copy of the factors and multiples quiz I use near the end of this unit available for FREE at my TPT store. Click HERE to download a copy.
Happy Sunday!!!
Jen
I love your post. Thanks for sharing and the quiz is great. I will be using it in my classroom. I am curious on what you have planned for Pi day on Thursday....
ReplyDeleteThank-you! We are always on spring break during Pi Day, so I've never had to plan for the day. I could have a lot of fun with it, though. We'll just have to settle for some real pie here at home. ;)
DeleteI've been using your Interactive Math Journal resource this year with my class and the kids love it. They always get excited when it's time to add a new tool, and I see them pulling out their journals to help them during other activities all the time. Thanks for putting all that work into it and continuing to update about how you use them. Best resource I've bought on TpT, hands down!
ReplyDeletehttp://sweetrhyme-purereason.blogspot.com/
Thank-you so much!!! I'm always SO happy to hear that other students are benefiting from the journals! They have been the best thing to happen to my math class.
DeleteDon't you just love to overhear conversations like that? It makes me so happy to hear my students reflecting on what they are learning :)
ReplyDeleteLove the simple idea for Prime and Composite numbers. I just might have to do that for review when I get back from my March break! Even though I like you am on break, I am going to celebrate Pi Day with my class but on the 18th. If you would like to see some of the ideas we are going to use just pop over to my blog at http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/2013/03/huge-pi-day-celebration-and-freebies.html. Also, be sure to link up with the Blog by Province linky (I was inspired by the American Blog by State linky) at http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/p/blog-by-province.html. Hope you will consider linking up!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the break...I hear that more snow is coming on Thursday:(
Teachingisagift
Jen! You do some AMAZING things with math!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in awe!
ReplyDeleteLove this! We are working on factors and multiples right now, and I love the prime number flapbook idea! I LOVE the Optimus Prime discussion that your kids were having too!!! I may have to use that one ;) I am usually much more cheesier than that and we talk about how prime numbers have a "private party", where only the #1 is invited. SO CHEESY! :) Thanks for the amazing ideas as always!
ReplyDeleteYoung Teacher Love 5th Grade Blog
I love your math journal posts! The pictures are so helpful in describing exactly what you are doing. Your math journals sound like a great resource for students! Prime/Composite numbers and Prime factorization are two of my favorite topics!
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog and it's awesome! I am a first year teacher in Ontario and have seen many great ideas here!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a blog or link where you describe how you started up your Math Journals and how you use them? Thank you!
I love reading your blog and am always interested in the ways you find to teach maths especially your maths journals. I am really interested in starting these next year. I posted a blog post today about it. Hope that you don't mind me using your blog as inspiration :-) Janette
ReplyDeleteI do have a copy of the factors and multiples quiz I use near the end of this unit available for FREE at my TPT store. Click HERE to download a copy.
ReplyDeleteI looked everywhere for the quiz but could not find it! :(
Can you help?