Memorizing Multiplication Facts Starting With the Times 3 Facts

Dear Third Grade Families,

          An important part of the third grade math program involves memorizing the multiplication facts. Students have learned the x 0, x 1, and x 2 facts, and now it is our goal to memorize the x 3 facts.  We can do it!   

          We call the x 3 facts "Doubles Plus One More Set Facts" because students have learned that they can use a Double (x 2 fact) to solve a x 3 fact.  For example,  if I know that 2 x 8 equals 16, then I know that 3 x 8 is just one more set of 8, and 16 + 8 = 24. 

2 x 8 = 16, so

3 x 8 = 16 + 8 = 24.

          Please let me know if you have any questions about this multiplication strategy. It is a different way of learning multiplication facts than the way that many of us learned growing up, but the strategies make sense.  The goal is to use known facts to solve unknown facts.  

          Please help your child to practice the x 3 facts this week.  Review the     x 0, x 1, and x 2 facts, too!

                                                                   

Sincerely,

Keelin M. Simpson

Field Trip to the Flynn Theater

Dear Third Grade Families,

          We will be going on a field trip to the Flynn Theater on January 27^th, 2017.  Our class will be viewing the performance of Brazil’s Bale Folclorico.  The Flynn writes, “Balé Folclórico brings to life the rich culture of Bahia, a region of northern Brazil influenced by enslaved Africans as well as Portuguese, Spanish, and indigenous Native American cultures. From Samba to Capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines martial arts and dance), this troupe of over 30 exuberant performers fills the theater with thrilling folkloric choreography, joyous song, explosive percussion, and feisty, irrepressible energy!”

We will be leaving school at approximately 8:45AM.  We should be back at school around 10:45 AM. 

There are a few tickets available for family members to chaperone this field trip.  If you would like to chaperone, please email me as soon as possible.

                  

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                            Keelin M. Simpson

                                                            kmcgrath@sbschools.net