**Note: This is a continuation of Mastery Math Series: Summer Review for Rising 5th and 6th graders Parts 1 and 2, in which we took a close look at numbers 0-12, their properties, relationships and multiples (multiplication facts 0-12). Students are welcome to join Part 3 without having completed Parts 1 and 2 , but should already be familiar with 0-12 multiplication facts and finding factors.  If you feel like your student could use more practice with 0-10, please sign them up for Part 1 first. If your students would like to learn tips and tricks for 11's and 12's and be introduced to finding factors, please sign up for Part 2. If they're ready to dive deeper into division and fractions, then this is the class for them!!!
 
Does your student struggle to just “get through” assigned math problems? Or maybe they’ve learned the prescribed steps to find an answer, but are bored by the calculations because they have no idea what they’re actually doing or why? Too often, math is approached by students (and unfortunately some teachers!) as something to just memorize and “get through” to get an answer. This is doing our students such a disservice, as it inevitably leads to frustration, boredom and a feeling of wanting to give up on math. But math is all around us--it’s about problem solving, creativity, and looking at things from multiple perspectives. Math should be relatable, meaningful, satisfying and fun!

This is exactly my aim for this Mastery Math Series. In Part 3 of this 5th/6th grade summer math review, we'll take 4 days to look closely at the relationship division and fractions, and how they both are all about finding equal shares. We'll practice finding fractions of numbers and then move to common factors which are key in being able to understand and manipulate fractions. Through interactive, relatable problem solving I will (re)introduce foundational math concepts including number sense and properties, the four basic operations, place value, factors and multiples, divisibility, and fractions as division problems. Students will gain a deep understanding of numbers and how they relate to each other, and really start to “see” these relations and how to approach problems using this sight and understanding. We will reinforce and practice these concepts through fun songs, games and puzzles.  At the end of the week, I will provide personalized links to games and activities so that students can continue to practice throughout the rest of the summer!

Now is the time to ensure your student makes the necessary connections to unlock a deep understanding (and joy!) of the foundational math concepts they will need next school year and beyond! Studies have shown that a 5th grader’s understanding of important concepts such as division and fractions, as well as fluency in multiplication, are key indicators of their success in middle school, high school and beyond.  Let’s set our kids up for success!

Here’s what our week will look like:

Day 1: Division as finding equal shares
--how many fish can go in each tank?
--how much fish food should we feed them?
--Revisiting the Underwater Donut Cafe!

Day 2: More Division practice and finding factors 
--Dividing is just the opposite of multiplying (If you know a multiplication fact, you know the related division fact too!)
--Equal share problems
--Dividing to find factors

Day 3: Fractions as Division Problems
--What fraction of the fish are in each tank?
--How many days will 3 cups of fish food last?
--Splitting Donuts at the Underwater Donut Cafe

Day 4: Divisibility, Common Factors, and more fractions
--Discovering divisibility rules for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10
--Dividing Donuts activity! (sharing parts of donuts (fractions)
--Review and practice!