Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 21 (Grade 5 Math): Volume Problem Solving—Additive Volume

5th graders apply additive volume by decomposing composite right rectangular prisms into non-overlapping parts. Students calculate partial volumes using V = l × w × h or V = B × h, add them for total volume, and justify decompositions with labeled sketches, units, and reasonableness checks.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 20 (Grade 5 Math): Understanding Volume—Cubes to Formulas

5th graders explore volume conceptually by packing unit cubes into rectangular prisms, counting layers, and deriving the formulas V = l × w × h and V = B × h. Students connect visual models to formulas, label cubic units correctly, and explain why the volume formulas work in real-world contexts.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 19 (Grade 5 Math): Measurement Conversions Within a System

5th graders convert between like metric and customary units of length, mass, and volume while solving real-world, multi-step problems. Students use ratio tables and unit reasoning, justify factor choices, and check reasonableness through benchmarks and estimation.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 18 (Grade 5 Math): Line Plots with Fraction Measurements

5th graders create line plots with fractional scales (½, ¼, ⅛) to display measurement data. Students analyze the plots to solve problems using addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions while emphasizing units, accuracy, and reasonableness in real-world contexts.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 17 (Grade 5 Math): Fraction Division Applications & Reasonableness

5th graders interpret quotients and choose between fraction multiplication or division in real-world problems. Students model, label, and justify solutions using units, benchmarks, scaling, and inverse reasoning to ensure accuracy and conceptual understanding.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 16 (Grade 5 Math): Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers

5th graders divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions using models like tape diagrams, number lines, and counters. Students interpret quotients in real-world contexts, explain why results make sense, and justify reasoning with units and structure.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 15 (Grade 5 Math): Fraction Multiplication in the Real World

5th graders apply fraction multiplication to real-world problems, using models like tape diagrams, arrays, and number lines. Students write matching equations, label units, and justify answers with benchmarks, scaling logic, and clear reasoning.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 14 (Grade 5 Math): Scaling with Fractions

5th graders interpret multiplication as scaling—understanding how factors less than, equal to, or greater than 1 shrink, keep, or enlarge a quantity. Students predict and compare product sizes using benchmarks, unit fractions, and reasoning without computation.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 13 (Grade 5 Math): Multiplying Fractions—Models and Meaning

5th graders multiply fractions by whole numbers and by other fractions using models like equal groups, arrays, and number lines. Students connect visuals to the rule of multiplying numerators and denominators, reason about product size, and justify results with clear explanations.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 12 (Grade 5 Math): Fractions as Division

5th graders interpret fractions as division by modeling a ÷ b with equal-sharing and measurement contexts. Students use tape diagrams, number lines, and area models to show how whole-number division creates fractions or mixed numbers, explaining units and remainder meaning clearly.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 11 (Grade 5 Math): Subtracting Fractions & Mixed Numbers

5th graders subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators using equivalent fractions and models. Students rename when needed, estimate with benchmarks, and solve word problems using clear unit reasoning and precise explanations.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 10 (Grade 5 Math): Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators

5th graders add fractions with unlike denominators using models and equivalent fractions to find common units, simplify results, and explain reasoning clearly.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 9 (Grade 5 Math): Writing & Interpreting Numerical Expressions

5th graders learn to use parentheses, brackets, and braces to write and interpret numerical expressions. Students translate between word statements and equations, analyze structure without computing, and explain how grouping symbols change meaning with precision and reasoning.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 8 (Grade 5 Math): Decimal Division—Reasoning with Place Value

5th graders divide decimals by whole numbers and other decimals using models, place-value reasoning, and estimation. Students connect visual strategies to written algorithms, scale by powers of ten for efficiency, and justify decimal placement with precise, real-world explanations.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 7 (Grade 5 Math): Decimal Multiplication—Models to Algorithm

5th graders multiply decimals by whole numbers and other decimals using area models, arrays, and algorithms. Students estimate to predict product size, justify decimal placement with place-value reasoning, and solve real-world problems with precision and clear mathematical communication.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 6 (Grade 5 Math): Whole-Number Division—Up to 2-Digit Divisors

5th graders divide multi-digit numbers using area and partial-quotients models before mastering the standard algorithm. Students estimate, align place values, interpret remainders in context, and explain reasoning with precision and real-world problem-solving clarity.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 5 (Grade 5 Math): Multi-Digit Multiplication Fluency

5th graders master multi-digit multiplication using the standard algorithm, supported by area and partial-products models. Students align place values, estimate for reasonableness, and solve multi-step real-world problems with precision, structure, and clear mathematical communication.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 4 (Grade 5 Math): Decimal Operations—Add & Subtract in Context

5th graders add and subtract decimals to hundredths using models, estimation, and real-world problems. Students connect visual strategies to standard algorithms, align decimals precisely, check with inverses, and explain reasoning for accuracy and reasonableness.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 3 (Grade 5 Math): Reading, Comparing, and Rounding Decimals

5th graders build deep decimal understanding through reading, writing, comparing, and rounding to thousandths. Students use place-value charts, number lines, and models to justify reasoning, explain magnitude, and choose appropriate precision in real-world contexts.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 2 (Grade 5 Math): Place Value Patterns & Powers of Ten

5th graders explore digit shifts when multiplying or dividing by powers of ten, using place-value reasoning and exponent notation (10ⁿ). Students model patterns, correct misconceptions like “add a zero,” and explain results with precision across whole and decimal numbers.

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Grade 5 Math Units

Unit Plan 1 (Grade 5 Math): Building Our Math Community & Problem-Solving Norms

5th graders build a collaborative math community while mastering place value, estimation, and self-checking routines. Students explore digit shifts by powers of ten, justify reasonableness, and engage in rich discourse that strengthens accuracy, confidence, and mathematical communication.

The Admin Angle

The Admin Angle: Why Administrators Shouldn’t Require PLCs

Mandated PLCs often create contrived collegiality—structured meetings that stifle authentic growth. This article offers a research-backed alternative: teacher-led collaboration rooted in student evidence, feedback cycles, and job-embedded learning that drives real results.

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Grade 6 Math Units

Unit Plan 36 (Grade 6 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition

6th graders demonstrate mastery across all math strands—ratios, number system, expressions, geometry, and statistics—by solving integrated real-world problems. Students model, calculate, and present claims with clear reasoning, evidence, and precise mathematical communication.

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Grade 6 Math Units

Unit Plan 35 (Grade 6 Math): Number System Power-Up—Rationals & Coordinates

6th graders master fraction and decimal operations, compare rational numbers using absolute value, and apply coordinate reasoning to reflections and grid distances. Students build fluency, model problems visually, and explain results with precise reasoning and units.

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Grade 6 Math Units

Unit Plan 34 (Grade 6 Math): Geometry Power-Up—Area, Surface Area, Volume

6th graders deepen geometry fluency by finding area through composition/decomposition, calculating surface area from nets, and determining volume with fractional edge lengths. Students use diagrams, coordinate grids, and clear units to justify and communicate their methods.