Lattice Addition Lesson # 2

I finally finished my geometry puzzles!!!!! I haven't uploaded yet, but here's a preview.

Lattice Addition Lesson # 2
Here is how to add 3 three digit addends

Now we add along the diagonals

Here is what 3 two digit addends looks like

I made another practice sheet.  Here it is...

 

I'll upload the practice page to TpT tomorrow (it seems glitchy tonight)
Next lesson, I'll use video (except I hate my voice - I sound like I'm twelve). 

 

Lattice Addition!

I have been working on my geometry puzzles but I need a break, that baby is intense! 

So, I am sure that this topic will spark some debate since so many folks have an opinion on math strategies.  Keep in mind, my philosophy is I feel it is important to give students LOTS of tools for the toolbox, especially in math since they will be challenged at some point.  My goal is to teach students to be problem-solvers, that way they are learning a life-long skill. 

That brings up the first strategy I show students, Lattice.  Yes, I show it to middle school students too.  Lattice multiplication is the first lesson I teach during the first week of school in sixth grade.  I know you are thinking...gosh they should be able to multiply by sixth grade.  News flash....Some still can't.  I start with this lesson because some of my high kids struggle some since it's not the "standard way", but my struggling learners find success (on the first day of school), which I find very important.  Before I show y'all how to multiply using Lattice, I will show Addition using Lattice since many of my followers are primary teachers. 

Let's start with an easy one...
78 + 84

1.  Write the addends in the lattice.

2. Add the columns.  Write the tens digit in the upper left triangle and the ones digit in the lower right triangle. 

3.  Add diagonally starting on the right side.  If a tens digit occurs, regroup it into th next diagonal.  Write the sum in the blank.

I know many of you are thinking this may confuse them more than help them.  Well, I would not show all my kids this if it is a year that they are first exposed to the algorithum.  I teach the standard way, but when I am in small group and students are still struggling - I teach them this method.  I figure it can't hurt if they have been struggling for some time with the standard way.  My goal is to teach kids that there are many ways to solve a problem (or as mom says, "To skin a cat!")

Here is a practice sheet, click on the image to download this Freebie!

Next time, 3x2 and 2x3. 

Place Value is the key!

I apologize for being such a slacker this week.  I had a very sick baby and was home for a few days, but it's hard to blog holding a sick baby all day.  I have been working hard on a new center activity called On The Case, Hunting For Tens Addition Center

Another great math center activity to help students grasp place value (which we all know is the key to future math success!)  The idea started in my head since going to another Singapore Math training.  The first set of cards are single-digit addends, which show the students which number to break down to easily find a ten.  The second activity involves double-digit addends (without regrouping) using what is referred to as branching method.  I usually just think of it as place value method, since the students break down the addends into tens and ones, and then add.  This method does make addition of large numbers become mental math.  The next game I'm working on is Comparing Fractional parts - my fifth grade teacher requested it. 

I'm done Christmas shopping!  I know I can hardly believe it myself, but this might be bad.  I tend to get done early, but then I find "the gift" after I already bought a gift.   Then I end up buying "the gift" because it's so perfect.  Anyway...I love this time of year.  My family goes looking at Christmas lights every Friday evening until Christmas.  BTW...we dress in our jammies before we go, and sometimes we take snacks (usually chocolate ones).  Our work Christmas party is this Friday at the principal's house.  We always do a white elephant exchange, and last year - someone gave a ream of paper.  No joking there.  We were having issues with hoarders at our campus and as soon as paper would come in (six cases mind you), they would be gone the next day.  We couldn't figure out which team (we thought we knew but could never verify it to be true).  So we basically would order one case per grade level and label them when they came in, and then teachers would have to divide up paper amongst the team and drag paper to the copier EVERY time.  Teachers HATED it, and I did too.  I don't blame them.  This year, they have copy codes.  They hate that too, but less than last year.  Anyway - the copier paper last year was the funniest item.  We had some horrible pink Christmas flamingos too.  I got a singing hat.  This year - I got some pretty funny items.  I won't disclose yet since a few of my teachers read my blog. 

Gotta go...baby crying.