We started this week diving back into finding patterns on a hundred chart when skip counting by different numbers. We each had a different number to skip count by on a transparency page and then we layered them on top of each other. Looking at the 2s and 4s, we noticed that they were all even numbers, “2s are basically 4s. The 4s are every other 2s.” Then layering the 8s transparency on top of that, the Temescalians saw that “8s and 4s have diagonal lines. 8s skip 1 group of 4s. 8s are all even. 4 groups of 2=8. 4 x 2 = 8.”
We did the same for 3s, 6s, and 9s. We found that “every group of 6 has two 3s in it. 3s have many different sized diagonals. 9s have 1 long one and 1 tiny one. Every 3rd 3 is a 9. 9 is a bigger number so that there will be fewer 9s on the hundred chart. 6 x 2 = 12 (Two groups of 6 is 12). If you count by 6s, you’ll get to a number you skip count by 12. Every 4th 3 is 12. Because 12 divided by 4 = 3.”
As we continue to think about skip counting, we hope to help the Temescalians see the connection between adding quickly and multiplication.
Another stepping stone for this understanding of the abstract concept of multiplication is creating arrays. A grid of squares that are equally shaped in rectangles or squares. I shared the story of needing to figure out the best way to arrange chairs at my wedding. In my telling, there were only 12 guests who were able to come. We talked about the different ways to arrange the chairs. 12 rows by 1 column (12 x 1), but that would be hard for the person in the back to see. 1 column by 12 rows (1 x 12) would be great, but those at the ends would not be able to see very well. We came up with the combinations of 3 x 4, 4 x 3, 2 x 6, and 6 x 2 as well. This exploration in multiplication was to help the kids see that there are many different ways to arrive at the same product. The Temescalians were paired up and given different numbers to find all of the possible arrays. As they were working, one Temescalian observed, “To find all the arrays, you just have to flip them!”
We wrapped up our small moments writing and started on a conversation about what we’re thankful for. We’ll be launching into our next writing piece on thankfulness. The conversation focused on things that you can’t buy and we brainstormed things like our family, love, our healthy bodies, shelter, not having to worry about food. As we continue into the holiday season, we’re encouraging the Temescalians to be thankful for what they have. We took turns in pairs to read to one another. We continued word study and some did some Dictionary Detective work.
To prepare for our field trip to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) on Thursday, we did some further exploration of the Ohlone culture by reading creation stories from the Ohlone, Greek myths, and Norse myths. In many cases, there were beings that just became who created the rest of the earth. The Ohlone creation stories began with animal gods living on water whereas the Greek and Norse myths centered more on celestial beings. We discussed the purpose of creations stories and Temescalians responded, “To have something to believe in. To explain why things happen.” This is a great starting point to begin to connect with a people who lived so differently from us today, but still have the same needs that we all must fulfill.
Our trip to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) began with a workshop with a woman of Ohlone descent. She spoke of how the land in the Bay area was before, the people who used to live in the area, as well as share artifacts and uses of things the Ohlone used long ago.
We split into 4 different groups and our docents took us through the 3 different galleries of the museum (Art, Natural Science, and History) to get a better understanding of how the landscape once was, see the elements of the natural world and how the Ohlone people utilized them, and look at artifacts from the Ohlone people such as ways they made their shelters, caught and prepared their food, and created baskets.
We learned so much from the trip, but this was just a taste of what the museum has the offer, as well as what we can learn about the Ohlone people. If you’d like to learn more, the museum has free admission on the first Sunday of the month. More information here.
Other views from our field trip:
We had our monthly assembly on Friday. It was quite a busy one! We announced the schoolwide agreements, introduced our mascot, the Bobcat, the middle schoolers put on a skit about what it’d be like to walk in others’ shoes, and we talked about different ways to conserve water and help our planet.
We had a very full week, but we were able to squeeze in some choice time as well!
On Monday, Jesus Sosa will be visiting and sharing his traditional Oaxacan woodcutting skills. He will be selling pieces in the Labyrinth (or Art Studio if it rains) from 3:00 – 6:00pm for $5, $10, $20 and up!
Please look at the Upcoming Events in the side bar to the right!
