Welcome to Ms. Jesseau’s Grade 4 Class

When we make good choices, we all achieve success.

Learning Strategy - Math Centres

I will be experimenting with a rotational system for math centres that combines curriculum content and problem solving as well as whole group instruction this year.  I have grouped the class into six (sometimes mixed-ability and sometimes homogenous) groups which will rotate through a range of activities over the course of the six days.  Any student who completes their work can then go on to complete fun and enriching bonus activities.

As the students become familiar with this system, they will all knew exactly what is expected of them and they will be able to get to work quickly and independently.  The main benefit of this system is that two groups will receive targeted instruction each day from either myself or Ms. Wilson, our support teacher. In other words, your child will receive small group instruction once every third day.

This system will allow me to tailor instruction to the individual group’s needs.  Allowing me to modify the curriculum as required, without the students realizing that everyone is not working on exactly the same material. These small groupings will also mean that students will turn to one another if they get stuck on something, and so they will be engaging in shared mathematics. Centres take a lot of pre-planning but I think the teacher effort results in more enriched learning for all members of the class. I think the kids will really enjoy the math program this year.

The purple group will be working with me today at station #1.  We will be working on measuring and identifying angles using a protractor.

Group 2 - Orange

The orange group will be working at station #2. On your own or with a partner, apply logical reasoning to eliminate clues and find the correct angle of measurement described. Don’t forget to explain your thinking using the WIN strategy.

Group 3 - Green           

The green group will be working with Ms. Wilson at station #3.  She will be showing you how to construct triangles using information on side lengths and angle measurements. Bring your protractors and rulers to the back table.

Group 4 - Blue

The blue group will be working at station #4. Your assignment is the ’putting it all together’ question #7on page 167 of your Math Makes Sense textbook.  Don’t forget to record your answers using the WIN strategy and identify which problem solving strategies you used.

Group 5 - Yellow

The yellow group will be working with manipulatives at station #5. You will be using pattern blocks and your protractors to find which combination of blocks produces an angle of exactly 110°. You may do this alone or in a group. Record your answer using the WIN strategy.

Group 6 - Red

The red group is working at station #6 today. You may select any of the math board games from the activity shelf.  Your group may work in the hall, but please do so quietly!

Station 1

Station 2

Station 5

Station 4

Station 3

Station 6