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This website is a resource for students in my math classes.

– Mr. J



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  • To see information on a specific topic, go to the Index.
  • To see the notes or questions from a particular class, use the calendar below or the Recent Posts.

October 2026
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Recent Posts

  • Order of operations / multiplication symbols
    Todays lesson reviewed some of the finer points of order of operations. We also looked at various different division and multiplication symbols.
  • Order of operations: error analysis
    Today we resumed skill 12 – using the order of operations to simplify numerical expressions. We analyzed two expressions to find the errors and compared expressions and equations. In some classes we also conducted a thinking routine (connect, extend, challenge) to help think through this topic and connect it to prior learning.
  • How to do word problems: “3 Read” method
    Today we practiced another strategy to do word problems: Read the question three times. 1. What is happening in this story? (In one or two words, what is this about?) 2. What do I know? (Circle, write down, and draw what you know) 3. What does the question want me to show? (Underline the question, form a number sentence, estimate, solve)
  • Classwork
    Hi! No new content today. We practiced multiplying by powers of ten (Eureka sprint part A), reviewed homework expectations, practiced division, and practiced order of operations. Individual work time was for Zearn, conference, and finishing work in process.
  • Unit 4 Overview: Multiplication and Division
    Unit 4 is all about learning the standard algorithm for multiplication and division of whole numbers. We will come back to these skills when we apply the standard algorithm to division of decimals. Skills: Skill 9: I can multiply with the standard algorithm. Skill 10: I can divide with the standard algorithm. Lessons: Skill 9: Multiplication with the standard algorithm Skill 10: Division with the standard algorithm Division vocabulary Introduction to variables Extra practice: Download extra practice questions
  • Extra Practice Packets
    Please find below resources for extra practice, arranged by Unit. These questions are past STAAR questions which have been publicly released. Unit 1: Decimal Place Value Unit 2: Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers and Decimals Unit 3: Prime and Composite Numbers Unit 4: Multiplying and Dividing with Whole Numbers Unit 5: Simplifying Expressions with the Order of Operations Unit 6: Multiplying with Decimals Unit 7: Dividing with Decimals Unit 8: Conversions between units of measure Unit 9: AddingContinue reading “Extra Practice Packets”
  • Skill 11: meaning of grouping symbols
    Today’s lesson takes a closer look at two types of grouping symbols: parentheses and brackets. We learned that we always start by solving the operations which are inside the parentheses.
  • Homework
    Math homework has two parts: a weekly homework packet due Friday and a daily Zearn lesson, Monday through Thursday. Homework packets: Students should complete the weekly homework packet (provided in class, with an electronic copy below). Each homework packet covers work we have completed in class and should take about 30 minutes to an hour for the week (not per day). Homework is due on Friday. If students have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Zearn: InContinue reading “Homework”
  • Unit 5: the order of operations
    Today we begin Unit 5 in which we learn how to complete mathematical operations in the correct order. To start, we had some fun with the “Gold Trading Story” to discover the importance of correct order of operations. We then spent some time learning about the order of operations and ways to remember it. We finished with examples and a review of our objectives (skills) which we will master in this unit. Note that this Friday is ourContinue reading “Unit 5: the order of operations”
  • Introduction to variables
    In this last part of our week on division, we are introducing the concept of using a variable (or letter) to represent an unknown in an expression (a number sentence). This is the start of more formal algebraic concepts and a cool milestone! We also looked at examples of variables in our daily lives.
  • Division vocabulary
    Today’s lesson focused on learning and reviewing the vocabulary of division.
  • Skill 10: Division with the standard algorithm
    Today we started one of my favorite topics – the standard algorithm for division. We will revisit this topic multiple times this year, as it is a really important skill. We started by examining how this ancient algorithm works and how we use it. We saw how fast and accurate it can be!
  • Decimal addition review
    For warm up today, we completed an error analysis of rounded decimals. Our lesson was a brief review of adding decimals.
  • Announcements and new class jobs
    Hi 5th graders, today we had a whiteboard lesson practicing the standard algorithm for multiplication. So, no lesson notes today. Instead, we have announcements and new job rotations. See you tomorrow!
  • How to read the Renaissance 360 Universal Screener
    Hello Families, On Friday I sent home the results from the Renaissance 360 Universal Screener for Math. The Renaissance Screener helps to gauge progress against grade-level skills (though not student math ability). We use the results to see where students need extra support or additional challenge. More info about the test is below or at the Renaissance website. If you didn’t receive the Renaissance results, please let me know.  We will take Renaissance again in December / January. Sincerely, Mr. JohnstonContinue reading “How to read the Renaissance 360 Universal Screener”
  • Skill 9: Multiplication with the standard algorithm
    Today’s lesson starts us on Unit 4. We are learning Skill 9: I can multiply using the standard algorithm. We learned how this algorithm works and it’s benefits in speed and accuracy.
  • Unit 3 Overview: Prime and Composite
    Here’s a summary of what we covered in Unit 3, prime and composite. This is the first unit of entirely new material for 5th grade. Yay! Skills: Skill 6: I can identify factors and multiples. Skill 7: I can identify prime and composite numbers up to 100. Skill 8: I can use divisibility rules. Lessons & mini-lessons: Prime and Composite: all about factors and multiples Skills 6 and 7: using factors and multiples to find primes up toContinue reading “Unit 3 Overview: Prime and Composite”
  • Skill 8: using divisibility rules
    To wrap up unit 3 on prime and composite, we learned some of the divisibility rules which can help us know whether a number is divisible by another number. Today we did the rules for 2 and 3. We will come back to these tomorrow and in the week ahead. It’s best to practice these over time!
  • How to complete our class jobs
    Hello 5th Graders, We have some important jobs to do in our class. I’m glad I have you to help me! The videos at the links below will show you what’s expected of each job. Watch the video for your job and let’s get to work. It takes all of us to make a great classroom. -Mr. J Class jobs Class care Lost and found Books bins Sweeper Mail box and mail folders Calm Corner Sanitizer Resident artistContinue reading “How to complete our class jobs”
  • Skill 7: Tips for finding prime and composite
    This lesson focused on how we can use general rules or patterns to help identify prime and composite numbers. We also started building a visual summary of the primes to 100. We will come back to that summary every couple of days.