Those Pesky Algorithms

I've been taking the AVMR 2 course which is focused on the place value and multiplication and division assessments for the AVMR program. During our first day, our instructor, Jenni Scholla, showed us the video below of Ma and Pa Kettle trying to sort out a bill they owe using the algorithms for division and then multiplication. What ensues is a comedy act that isn't too far of a stretch from what many of our students do when given the standard algorithms without the proper understanding behind them. In searching for the Ma and Pa video, I also stumbled upon the Abbot and Costello video that demonstrates the same mathematical misunderstandings. These might be fun to watch yourself or share with your students. I bet there would be some good conversation about the errors in their thinking! Enjoy!

On a different note...

Top 10 Choice Mentor Texts - If you're looking for new books to add to your classroom library, check out this list from the Two Writing Teachers.

10 Math and Science Choice Mentors - Here is a list from the Two Writing Teachers focused on math and science mentor texts.

Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused Attention Practice - Check out this post from Edutopia with some ideas for brain breaks and focused attention practice. Great for those long indoor-recess days!