Welcome to grade 9

We started off the term with skyscraper puzzles.

In random groups of 4 or 5 we worked on solving these puzzles. Each row and column contain a skyscraper of height 1,2,3,4. Also, each edge has a number which indicates how many buildings are visible from that point of view. After a few false starts we were all on task and striving to complete the puzzles.

Some groups even mastered a 5×5 puzzle!

We debriefed the task together talking about how important it is to work as a team to solve these puzzles because each person has their own perspective and can see different information from each position around the puzzle board.

We also talked about perseverance and how to keep working even when frustrated. We talked about strategies to manage our emotions, like taking a break, taking a breath, getting some water, looking from a new direction, doing some pushups, asking a friend or working together with someone who knows more. All of these skills are very transferrable to math problems, where we need to lean in and enjoy the productive struggle.

We are off to a great start in grade 9!