Fraction Friday
Today we learned about unit fractions. 
A unit fraction is the base unit of any fraction and always has a numerator of 1; for example, 

14

15

123

 are all unit fractions. Every fraction can be decomposed into unit fractions. For example, 

34

 is 3 one-fourth units (so one fourth is the unit fraction and we are thinking about 3 of them).

The fraction one and three-fourths. This number can be decomposed using a unit fraction.one and three fourths

seven one-fourths units

With your group you placed unit fractions on a number line.  Some very good strategies were shared today. Visually dividing the area into fifths if your unit fraction was one-fifth helped you decide where your fraction should be placed on the number line. Many groups new intuitively knew that sixths are smaller than fifths and fifths are smaller than fourths and fourths are smaller than thirds and thirds are smaller than halves. One student showed how you can use your hands to tell approximately where the unit fraction belonged on the number line.

The next group of fractions placed on the number line were not unit fractions. But our goal was to decompose fractions into unit fractions to help us place them in the correct place on the number line. So instead of saying three fifths, think three one-fifths. Visually divide the number line into five parts and count one fifth at a time. 

Something to think about..... why are all unit fractions less than 1?

We will continue unit fractions next Friday. 

STEMS Challenge
Our Friday STEMS (Science Technology Engineering Math) challenge involved building a paper chain. Each group had two pieces of paper, 30 cm of masking tape, one pair of scissors and  ruler, to use to construct the longest chain. Our winners of the challenge determined the longest chain could be made by making each strip as thin as possible. The thinner the strips, the more strips can be made, the longer the chain. All groups showed excellent teamwork. 

Kindergarten Buddies

We met our Kindergarten buddies and had a dot-astic time! Everyone did a wonderful job guiding their buddies. A few of you learned that you need to keep a close eye on them....... they can disappear in a flash!

Cross Country

It was too hot to run on Friday. If you get the opportunity and have permission from a parent, try to run some time this weekend. Cross Country permission forms and information letters about meets and times were sent home Friday. 

School Messenger / Class Blog

A parent asked an excellent question, "Do we check the blog, School Messenger or both?" 

The purpose of School Messenger is to send you short messages. It is very similar to "Remind" which was used by many teachers in the past. I did try to send a few group and individual messages with photographs using School Messenger. Please let me know if you received a photo and message. You cannot receive any messages if the office does not have an e-mail on file. 

The blog delves deeper into the curriculum and exactly what we are learning or studying at school. Links for support, extra practice, test review questions and on the occasion, digital games are posted on the blog. The blog is to support student learning.

Reminders:

• Gym clothes at school for practice on Monday
• School Mass: Tuesday, September 18th @ 9:30 am at St. George Parish
• Meet and Greet Night: Thursday, September 20th @ 4:15 pm - 6:00 pm
• Picture Day: Thursday, September 20th 
• Off-Uniform: Friday September 21st
• Terry Fox Run: Thursday, September 27th
• PD Day: Friday, September 28th