Clip 14/41: Standard 3: Construct Arguments & Critiques Using Decimals Day 1A
Overview
Elementary students can construct arguments using concrete referents such as objects, drawings, diagrams, and actions.
Erika Isomura works with her 5th graders to develop their understanding of how decimals work. She begins her lesson having her students work in pairs to do a “calculate and check” mental math decimal task, using calculators to check, then evaluating their work with symbols and writing (e.g. “We disagree because,” “I have a question because”).
She reminds her students to do the mental math, then first discuss what they got “in their brains,” and then check with their calculators. As the pairs work, Erika circulates around the classroom and probes their thinking (e.g. “Did you agree? Did that make sense?”) This clip also relates to standard 5 (use appropriate tools strategically).