Absolutely Perfect!

Today, we continued building our learning community by reading and discussing a book by Kevin Henkes entitled Chrysanthemum. (Click on the links to learn more about the author and the book). While the story is simple, the ideas are significant. After reading, we spent time discussing the form and function of Chrysanthemum as a problem solver. While it was not initially obvious how Chrysanthemum could help us learn about problem solvers (form) and the problem solving process (function), as we dug deep into the words and actions of the primary and secondary characters, we discovered there was more to learn than we first thought.

Challenge: With the Learner Profile in mind, add a note to the Padlet identifying a trait exhibited by one of the characters and explaining how that trait was shown.

INQUIRER     KNOWLEDGEABLE    THINKER     COMMUNICATOR     OPEN-MINDED     CARING     BALANCED     RISK-TAKER     PRINCIPLED     REFLECTIVE

Made with Padlet

In addition to referencing the TASOK Learner Profile and seeking to apply what we learned to our interactions with others, we also took time to analyze the text, considering the main character, her community, and the conflict (internal and external). From an author’s point of view, Kevin Henke’s word choice is particularly powerful. In the days ahead, we will continue to analyze these and other texts through the layers of the literary analysis triangle. In addition, we will make connections to other stories, draw conclusions, and identify theme.

Throughout the reading and analysis of this text, it was easy to put ourselves in the shoes of Chrysanthemum, but how would the story have been told if Victoria was the main character? As a scholar, consider a different point of view.

 

Challenge: Write a letter from the perspective of Victoria to Chrysanthemum. Retell the events of the story, apologize for the actions of Victoria, and explain the lesson learned. As you write, think about what qualities of a learner each character needs to strive to grow. (Online version of an in-class task).


Challenge: Somewhere in your letter, strive to use a list of synonyms in the same way Chrysanthemum’s father did.

 

After pondering problems faced by Chrysanthemum, we prepared to ponder some problems of our own… place value problems.

What is the problem with this set of digits? (Note: This is not the same number we used in class.)

528439846271

This was the question posed to our inquisitive inquirers today.

After some discussion, it was determined that this set of digits:

  • was difficult to read.
  • has lots of numbers.
  • has no places.
  • has some repeated digits.
  • included no operations (+, -, x, ÷).

528439,846271

When a single comma was added, the following observations were made and questions posed:

  • There are not enough commas.
  • Is it greater than or less than a million?

Our brains were exercised further when the number was changed to look like…

528439,846.271

At this point, we were able to determine that the number is:

528,439,846.271

We discussed the purpose of place and the meaning of value. And, returning to our observation about repeated digits, we compared how they are different.

Once again, our scholarly multiple sources came in handy.

Place Value Chart

Place Value Chart (Currency Connection)

Quick Quiz: In this number, how are the repeated  twos, fours, and eights different? Jot your thinking in the padlet below.

**Be sure to include your initials in the title.**

Made with Padlet

Later this week, scholars, willing to learn, will puzzle about place value problems with their peers using Marcy Cook’s Math Tile Task Cards.

Sneak Peek: Give the example below a try.

Multiple Source: Marcy Cook Math

Tiling tasks used in class have been acquired from Marcy Cook Math. iPad apps are available through the Apple Store, if interested.

After conversing about Chrysanthemum’s qualities as a problem solver this morning, we continued to contemplate the form and function of problem solvers in our own writing. Using some of the information gleaned about China yesterday, we began to craft a character sketch of our detectives. The goal is to craft a description that will enable someone else to create a clear and accurate illustration. Questions for consideration included:

  • Does he / she have special abilities?
  • What are his / her distinguishing features?
  • What are his / her strengths and weaknesses?
  • Does he / she have a sidekick or any close friends?
  • What is his / her greatest ambition?
  • What is he / she afraid of?
  • What words best describe him / her?

 

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