Ms.

Kelly’s 4th
Grade Newsletter
October 3, 2023 Volume 1, Issue 1

Welcome Parents!
Hello parents and guardians, welcome
to my weekly math newsletter! I have
created this newsletter to help keep you
updated on all the wonderful things
your students are learning in the
classroom and how we can extend that
learning at home.

This week, I will be focusing on two

applications: “SplashLearn” and
“Prodigy.” Both of these can be
accessed as websites or apps on an
iPad or similar device. I hope to provide
you with information on how these
resources can be used at home in
addition to what we’re doing with them
in the classroom. There are so many
amazing technology tools out there that
have really enriched my classroom and Contact Me!
I hope to share them with you as well!
kellyall@bc.edu
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you
123-456-7890
want more information or clarification!
 SplashLearn
SplashLearn is a free website and app, which can be
accessed via iPad or similar tablet, that provides
curriculum-aligned games and questions for students. This
app provides countless activities for all math content K-5
including a focus on rational numbers such as identifying
and comparing fractions and understanding decimal
place value. Content is divided based on grade level, but
within the student portal, the experience is designed by
teachers in accordance with curricular guidelines.

We have been working on fractions in class and just started

a new unit on identifying equal fractions. SplashLearn
utilizes many different representations of fractions which
helps students to visualize how equal fractions may
appear. For example, students identify fractions on pie
charts and segmented squares (pictured to the right) as
well as on number lines. The questions utilize language I
use in class such as numerator, denominator, and equal or
same which helps students familiarize themselves with our
specific classroom goals. SplashLearn also gives feedback
to help the student learn from their mistakes rather than
skip through. They accomplish all of these things while also
making it incredibly fun and student-friendly! There are a
variety of games, characters, and direct rewards (such as
collecting coins). Students seem really engaged in the
classroom and love sharing their progress!

As an educator, I really appreciate SplashLearn for

providing so many unique technological tools that I feel
confident about students utilizing both in and out of the
classroom. Additionally, because I can monitor student
progress and provide individualized plans and goals for my
classroom, I think it’s a great resource that allows for
continuity between the classroom and home.
 Prodigy
Prodigy is a free website and app that aims to provide
practice with state-specific math standards through an
interactive gaming style. It can be accessed on iPads, similar
tablets, or through a computer monitor. This application,
similar to SplashLearn, can be tailored and monitored by the
teacher in order to maximize its use in and out of the
classroom, but, in general, provides access to all K-8 content.
This includes rational number practice, such as comparing
and finding equivalent fractions and decimals, which is
particularly helpful in our class.

Students’ accounts can be connected to teacher profiles

and, thus, specific class and state standards. Right now, their
account will be focused on fractions, specifically finding
equivalent fractions. Questions vary but often provide an
image such as a fraction strip or pie chart and a question
about identifying the fraction or finding one that’s the same.
It also provides the correct answer and chances to try that
question again if the student chooses the incorrect response.
One of my favorite features in Prodigy is its use of a toolbox,
pictured to the left of the screen. Using online technology
allows more access to manipulatives and representations
such as base ten and fraction manipulatives as well as
“pens” to write and draw with, all of which Prodigy provides.
This feature can be hard to find in online applications, but
allowing students multiple ways to solve a problem is crucial!

Prodigy is an excellent applet for both in and out of the

classroom; however, it is important to note that it is not
sufficient on its own. Prodigy relies on a quest-style game
which may sometimes have more gaming than
mathematical solving happening. I believe that balance is
key though, and to have students using their math reasoning
while enjoying a game is excellent! I hope you consider using
this at home; I use it in the classroom as students enter in the
morning or if they have completed a task early - they love it!