January 10, 2016

Properties of Multiplication and Division


Well, it was fun being back at school this week…once I got over the initial shock! In math, we spent some time reviewing the properties of multiplication and addition. I used my TPT Properties Resource to review with my students. This resource includes the identity property (addition/multiplication), zero property, commutative property (addition/multiplication), associative property (addition/multiplication), and the distributive property. You can pick and choose the properties you want to focus on with your students. 

The first day I posted signs for four of the properties, passed out the equations, and sent students off to find the correct corner. Students helped each other, and the discussions were on target. The next day we did a quick “quiz, quiz, trade” to review the properties as part of our morning meeting. The following day students completed the properties review sheet for morning work, and we looked at some non-examples. On the review sheet, students had to fill-in-the blank to complete each equation and then color the examples following a key to identify the properties. Initially, some students were solving the equations, but you could hear the buzz as they realized they could use the associative and commutative properties to help fill in the blanks. 

We did not spend much time on the activities, but the short review seemed to help their understanding of the properties. The sorting cards/mat and exit tickets will be one of my stations next week. I hope you have a great week!