Finding the Circumference of a Circle

Who wants PIE??

 

Hands-on activities are the best ,especially for teaching math! I feel its important to not just teach the students the formula but rather teach the depth of knowledge that common core expects. If I were to teaching a sixth grade class on how to find the circumference of the circle, this is what it would look like:

First, I would place students in groups of five, but each student has their own set of supplies (math kit). I want them each to experience the activity, but I also want them to be able to ask questions amongst each other and compare their measurements. This helps students to realize that they can figure things out amongst each other and not rely solely on me.

Direct students to as-close-as-they-can place one end of the string on the edge of the circle and outline the circle with the rest of the string. Make sure students only go around the circle once. Here is a picture of what it should look like.

 

I would tell them to pinch the part of the string that touches the loose end on the circle. Make sure they understand that they are putting the string around the circle in order to “measure” the distance around the circle. You can’t measure it with a ruler because it is straight and the circle is round. Then I would have them measure the string using a ruler (cm).

Then, I would have them record the circumference on the chart such as the one listed below. Then, they would do the same steps for finding the diameter.

Once the students have found the circumference and diameter for each object, I would have them look at the relationship between them. This part of the lesson will simply be student centered ,where the students are discovering the relationship on their own. The idea behind it is that the circumference divided by the diameter would give you a estimate of 3.14 or in other words, pi.

As a result of this lesson, students will be able to understand the relationship between the circumference, diameter and pi. They will also discover the formula for the finding the circumference of a circle, which is:

C= π x d    (Circumference equals pi multiply by the diameter)

 

 Check out the SHOWME video link below.  I have completed for reteaching, absent students or simply students who need a refresher! ;)

How to find the circumference of a circle 

P.A.R.T of Me!

 I am truly passionate about teaching and learning. As a teacher, you will find me doing my P.A.R.T in the classroom and in the community.

P is for Perseverance

I  am always persistent on a student's ability to learn. I'm adamant in differentiating my instruction so all students can achieve at their highest potential.

A is for Accountability

Creating new and engaging lessons and activities to cater to student's diverse learning styles

classroom management.

A safe and secure learning environment where all students can learn.

Content knowledge and common core curriculum

I take responsibility for always being a leader and a good listener.

R is for Respect

Respect is essential in my classroom. Being a teacher, I know I am a role model. Therefore, I lead by example and students will see me displaying positive relationships with all students, staff, parents, and administrators.

T is for Trustworthiness

A healthy classroom environment is when positive relationships are established between students and teachers. I believe it is important for students to feel that they can trust their teachers. When there is trust in a relationship, then students are more likely to feel safe in their classroom and their attitudes towards learning increases.

Words Their Way

While I was Mrs. Bailey's classroom while she was on maternity leave, I managed 6 word study groups (3 groups in each class). During word study, the students would sort spelling words, discuss patterns and common elements, and practice spelling through a variety of activities. Sometimes, student would study word meanings, prefixes, suffixes, roots, and synonyms/antonyms.

Who's Ready For The PSSAs? We Are!

During WIN time, I worked with a small group of students who worked on the Read Naturally strategy. Read Naturally helped these students with fluency, phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary and comprehension. This program really motivated the students to work hard-and they did! The best part of this strategy is that the students develop a sense of confidence and as well as independence. They take the time to master a story, and progressing through reading levels at their own pace. This approach allows them to take ownership of their learning and responsibility for their success. The kids loved it and always looked forward to it during WIN time!

Say No to Bullying!

 

One of greatest components of my teaching experience thus far is being apart of the OLWEUS bullying prevention program at BIS. Recently, I was privileged to be apart of Miss Costello's bullying meeting during my daily substitute teaching experience. During this time, I was able to read and discuss with the class one of my favorite books, "It's OK to be Different" by Todd Parr. This story is really inspirational because it brings to light many differences among people in a fun and exciting way. Each page beings with "It's okay to..." and discusses a wide range of differences including, size, family type, ethnicity, disability, and body image. Overall, it promotes social acceptance among all people and gives children the chance to think about and recognize their unique differences.

Daily 5 in Action!

Guided Reading

During Daily 5, I meet with one of my guided reading groups. During guided reading, the students would work on a variety of skills to improve their oral reading, fluency, comprehension and prosody. While these students are working with me, the other students are doing The Daily 5.

 Read to Self

Here, a student is reading independently.

Read to Someone

I love seeing the kids together during Read to Someone! I think this is such a great component of D5. Sometimes the students will take turns reading their AR book to each other. They are so engaged in their reading!

 Other times, the students will read a magazine together such as "Times For Kids" like the students are doing in the picture above.

Word Work

Word Work allows students to work independently on their word study groups. This year we implemented Words Their Way into the classrooms. During Daily 5, students can practice spelling their words in a quiet setting. It's so quiet in the room-you can hear a pin drop! 

If I am not working with a group, I am available to help students one-on-one. This time gives me the opportunity to meet with a student who may need some extra practice or enrichment.

Work on Writing

These students love to write! I am constantly refilling the binder with paper because of the popular D5 choice. The students have a variety of topics to choose from and in turn allows them to express their creativity.

Listen to Reading

Listen to Reading is a great way to listen to fluent readers. They can follow along on the computer screen while reading a variety of stories. Recently, I found some great websites that offer stories for all levels such as Storia, Reading AtoZ, Reading Rainbow.