Knowing that this chapter is our most challenging I am sending the tests home with an extra credit option. Every missed problem can earn a half credit back when resubmitted with the correct answer. Students should pay extra attention to the word problems. I have found that drawing a picture is very helpful, as well as finding the important guide words like times, in each, half etc. 

I would also like to stress the continuing importance of learning multiplication facts. Though multiplication is not our focus right now, everything in math will be easier if they really have their facts down. We will be doing multiplication with equivalent fractions and with perimeter and area. Students need to be practicing their facts regularly, whether with flashcards, apps, etc.