Several parents have asked about the tape diagram strategy that has been on the homework the last few nights. This is a strategy we have been learning in class -- using the Read, Draw, Write strategy. First they should read the entire problem. Next they should go back and re-read and draw a picture to help them solve. Finally, they should write the answer as a statement. Please see the picture below for how to solve a tape diagram. Please also note how I re-write the answer at the end as a statement. It is essential that students understand what they are trying to solve for and to label their answers. Thank you so much to the families who reached out to me about this -- it is valuable feedback for me, and we will certainly continue practicing how to solve tape diagrams in class. Here is a link to a video about tape diagrams from the Eureka website: http://greatminds.net/maps/math/video-gallery/solving-word-problems-with-tape-diagrams Although it talks about third, fourth, and fifth grade tape diagrams, it is the same process we use. It will also give you a chance to see how they will be able to apply the strategy moving forward!
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help!
Example problem 1 - Finding the Whole: Bob has 27 legos. Javier has 30. How many do Bob and Javier have together? Draw a tape diagram to help you solve.
Example problem 2 - Comparing Two Quantities: Line M is 30 centimeters long. Line P is 42 centimeters long. Draw a tape diagram to show how much longer line P is than line M.
Smiles,
Ms. Petzold
