Foster Bulldogs Math Content Connection:
Several weeks ago we introduced our families to the Read-Draw-Write Math Problem Solving Process. We focused on the Read portion, but Draw is another key piece to the Read-Draw-Write problem solving process that Foster students are using across all grade levels. As students read and re-read the math question or word problem, they can determine what can be drawn that is related to what they have read. We might refer to these drawings as math drawings, models, or representations. As students re-read a story problem in chunks, they might draw and label a model to represent the relevant parts of the story problem. They can then use their model to determine what is unknown and write and use equations to find a solution. Drawing isn’t about artistic ability, it’s about making thinking visible. When students can see the relationships in a problem, they are more confident and accurate in solving it.
The most common model students are often encouraged to draw during Read-Draw-Write is a strip diagram. Strip diagrams help students show relationships between numbers in a clear, visual way. Attached is a picture of some strip diagram examples from different grade levels.
When supporting your child with problem solving at home, you can ask them the following questions: What do you visualize? Can you draw and label something to represent the problem? What conclusions can I make from my drawing?
Encouraging your child to draw before jumping straight to an answer builds strong problem-solving habits that will support them across all math topics.
In a few weeks we'll share information on one more portion of the problem solving process, Write. At that time families will have a description of all 3 portions, Read-Draw-Write, since Read was shared several weeks ago.
For a Read refresher:
The Read portion is not something students do just once and then move past, it is used throughout the entire problem-solving experience.
Students are taught to read the problem all the way through first to understand the situation. As they work, they often go back and re-read the problem in smaller chunks to support their drawing, reasoning, and solving. This helps students slow down, make sense of the math story, and avoid jumping straight to calculations.
When reading word problems, students are encouraged to ask themselves questions such as: What is this story about? Who or what is involved? What information is given? What are we being asked to find? These questions help students build understanding and set themselves up for success as they move through the rest of the problem-solving process.
Families can support this process at home by encouraging children to slow down and read math word problems carefully. Ask your child to explain the problem in their own words before solving, or have them point out important information in the story. Helpful questions to ask include: What is happening in the problem? What numbers matter? What are you trying to find? Remind your child that it’s okay, and often helpful, to reread the problem more than once. This habit builds confidence and helps students become thoughtful, independent problem solvers.
Several weeks ago we introduced our families to the Read-Draw-Write Math Problem Solving Process. We focused on the Read portion, but Draw is another key piece to the Read-Draw-Write problem solving process that Foster students are using across all grade levels. As students read and re-read the math question or word problem, they can determine what can be drawn that is related to what they have read. We might refer to these drawings as math drawings, models, or representations. As students re-read a story problem in chunks, they might draw and label a model to represent the relevant parts of the story problem. They can then use their model to determine what is unknown and write and use equations to find a solution. Drawing isn’t about artistic ability, it’s about making thinking visible. When students can see the relationships in a problem, they are more confident and accurate in solving it.
The most common model students are often encouraged to draw during Read-Draw-Write is a strip diagram. Strip diagrams help students show relationships between numbers in a clear, visual way. Attached is a picture of some strip diagram examples from different grade levels.
When supporting your child with problem solving at home, you can ask them the following questions: What do you visualize? Can you draw and label something to represent the problem? What conclusions can I make from my drawing?
Encouraging your child to draw before jumping straight to an answer builds strong problem-solving habits that will support them across all math topics.
In a few weeks we'll share information on one more portion of the problem solving process, Write. At that time families will have a description of all 3 portions, Read-Draw-Write, since Read was shared several weeks ago.
For a Read refresher:
The Read portion is not something students do just once and then move past, it is used throughout the entire problem-solving experience.
Students are taught to read the problem all the way through first to understand the situation. As they work, they often go back and re-read the problem in smaller chunks to support their drawing, reasoning, and solving. This helps students slow down, make sense of the math story, and avoid jumping straight to calculations.
When reading word problems, students are encouraged to ask themselves questions such as: What is this story about? Who or what is involved? What information is given? What are we being asked to find? These questions help students build understanding and set themselves up for success as they move through the rest of the problem-solving process.
Families can support this process at home by encouraging children to slow down and read math word problems carefully. Ask your child to explain the problem in their own words before solving, or have them point out important information in the story. Helpful questions to ask include: What is happening in the problem? What numbers matter? What are you trying to find? Remind your child that it’s okay, and often helpful, to reread the problem more than once. This habit builds confidence and helps students become thoughtful, independent problem solvers.
K-5 Foster Bulldog Families: Guess what?!? The date to order a 2025-2026 Foster Super Kids Day T-shirt has been extended to Monday, 2/23!!!! To place an order for the $14 shirt go online to: https://foster2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
We can't wait to see all of our Foster Bulldog Families Thurs. night!
K-5 Foster Bulldog Families: Guess what?!? The date to order a 2025-2026 Foster Super Kids Day T-shirt has been extended to Monday, 2/23!!!! To place an order for the $14 shirt go online to: https://foster2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Mrs. Keller came out to see her Bulldogs tonight!
Our PTA always makes the best posts. 🐾 Pet Shoutout 🐾
Molly helps make our school feel calm, safe, and welcoming every single day. We love having her on campus! 💛
K-5 Foster Bulldog Families: Tomorrow is the final day to purchase the 2025-2026 Foster Super Kids Day T-shirt. Orders will NOT be accepted after the 20th. To place an order for the $14 shirt go online to: https://foster2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Foster Bulldogs, please be sure to check out the Bulldog Bulletin for lots of important information: https://humbleisdtx.edurooms.com/engage/fe/newsletters/feb-17-2026-bulldog-bulletin
We had a great tour of our new building this morning. Bulldog teachers and staff are ready for this building to open and for our Bulldogs to enjoy this beautiful new campus.
The 2025-2026 Foster Super Kids Day T-shirt is on sale until February 20th. No late orders will be accepted, so don't delay. To place an order for the $14 shirt go online to: https://foster2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Valentine wishes from the best PTA💌❣️💌❣️
Roses are red 🌹
Bulldogs are sweet 🐾
Happy Valentine’s Day—
you’re the BEST kids I’ll ever meet! 💘
Love, Spike ❤️
#valentines #fosterelementary #roses
The 2025-2026 Foster Super Kids Day T-shirt is on sale until February 20th. No late orders will be accepted, so don't delay. To place an order for the $14 shirt go online to: https://foster2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Spike's Showcase is coming up on February 26th at Kingwood Middle School. Make plans now to attend this special evening showcasing our Bulldogs and all of their hard work.
Don't forget the Mental Health and Wellness Fair is coming up on February 19th.
Happy National School Counselors week. Mrs. L'Esperance goes out of her way for all of our Bulldogs. She truly is the best, and we are so lucky to have her and Molly!
Don't forget about our Friendship parties this Friday.
Foster Families, check out the Bulldog Bulletin for lots of information: https://humbleisdtx.edurooms.com/engage/fe/newsletters/bulldog-bulletin
📚Foster Bulldogs had a great time today participating in the Foster Battle of the Books Competition! 📚
Attention Bulldog Families! The Foster Super Kids Day Tee Shirt Sale is currently underway! This year’s tee shirt orders can be placed online at https://foster2026.itemorder.com/
I hope that everyone chooses to order a shirt this year. We have a fun Super Kids Day logo and everyone always looks great out there on the day of our Field Day event wearing their tees! The deadline to order is Friday, February 20th …… so don’t wait, order today!
Save the Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 K-5 Foster Super Kids Day at Hidden Hollow (more info. on the days schedule, volunteering, and permission for your child to attend will be shared after the February break)
I hope that everyone chooses to order a shirt this year. We have a fun Super Kids Day logo and everyone always looks great out there on the day of our Field Day event wearing their tees! The deadline to order is Friday, February 20th …… so don’t wait, order today!
Save the Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 K-5 Foster Super Kids Day at Hidden Hollow (more info. on the days schedule, volunteering, and permission for your child to attend will be shared after the February break)
Thank you to Willow Creek Elementary's Career Day and the Atascocita Fire Department for sharing what it means to be a Firefighter. Our first grade Bulldogs loved the presentation.
