today we finished our review of multiplying decimals by all powers of ten.
no homework other than finishing the habits of mind self-check and any missing work
Thursday, October 29, 2009
prealgebra, thursday oct 29
today we practiced our long division -- using decimals.
From the response of the students, it is clear that this review is needed.
We will continue on this topic Monday but will take a break tomorrow and have a problem-solving workshop activity.
There is no homework but any missing work is now overdue.
From the response of the students, it is clear that this review is needed.
We will continue on this topic Monday but will take a break tomorrow and have a problem-solving workshop activity.
There is no homework but any missing work is now overdue.
Algebra, thus oct 29
reviewed what we'd been learning all week about slope and the slope-intercept form of that linear equation.
the assignment today was, again, scored on effort -- those who hadn't done it before class earned 1/2 credit by completing it during our review.
I haven't received any other late assignments this week.
The assignment is a THQ (take-home-quiz) -- items 54 - 62 on page 258 of the textbook --
this is due on Monday because we have a problem-solving workshop tomorrow.
the assignment today was, again, scored on effort -- those who hadn't done it before class earned 1/2 credit by completing it during our review.
I haven't received any other late assignments this week.
The assignment is a THQ (take-home-quiz) -- items 54 - 62 on page 258 of the textbook --
this is due on Monday because we have a problem-solving workshop tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
7th grade on Wed, Oct 28
both classes successfully completed our review of adding and subtracting decimals today.
no homework -- we are completing our work in class.
any extra credit or missing assignments must be turned in tomorrow (thursday).
no homework -- we are completing our work in class.
any extra credit or missing assignments must be turned in tomorrow (thursday).
prealgebra, Wednesday
continuing our work on decimals -- students had to demonstrate mastery of multiplication of decimals without using a calculator. This is an important basic math skill and students are showing they can put in the effort to succeed. This class has the best grade average so far this quarter!!
Algebra wednesday
Are we graphing !! today we reviewed what we'd learned yesterday and added: finding the x- intercept and y-intercept by looking at the graph and we learned how to identify slope and intercept from an equation that is in slope-intercept form (boy is this easy -- so easy students miss it because they try to make it harder than it is)
the assignment is to finish page 54 from ASG (that's the Algebra Survival Guide) -- the handout we've been working with in class.
again -- grades for the assignment due today are based on effort -- zeros indicate no effort. these can be made up (for 1/2 credit) by doing the assignment tonight and getting it to me tomorrow.
the assignment is to finish page 54 from ASG (that's the Algebra Survival Guide) -- the handout we've been working with in class.
again -- grades for the assignment due today are based on effort -- zeros indicate no effort. these can be made up (for 1/2 credit) by doing the assignment tonight and getting it to me tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
7th grade, tuesday
we switched from working with integers to working with decimals today
this means we formed new groups and we updated our folders for the first time this quarter
students need to get missing and/or extra credit work on integers to me by Thursday.
this means we formed new groups and we updated our folders for the first time this quarter
students need to get missing and/or extra credit work on integers to me by Thursday.
prealgebra, tuesday
moving forward with more work with decimals -- today we finished dividing by any power of 10
we moved into multiplying decimals that are not just powers of ten.
I insist that all students develop skill with multiplying using the lattice method -- ask to see it at home :)
no homework -- everyone needs to get any missing or extra credit work to me by Thursday
we moved into multiplying decimals that are not just powers of ten.
I insist that all students develop skill with multiplying using the lattice method -- ask to see it at home :)
no homework -- everyone needs to get any missing or extra credit work to me by Thursday
Algebra on tuesday
we checked the answers on yesterday's assignment, but the gradebook only shows full credit for trying this assignment -- zeros mean the student just didn't do it (but can receive half credit for trying it tonight)
in class we worked with our individual dry erase graph boards and learned how to calculate slope if we are given two points by graphing and without graphing (a slightly tricky calculation)
we also learned how to graph a line if we are given one point and its slope
tonight's assignment, chapter 6, section 1 (again), page 287 - 288, items 28 - 44 (just evens)
in class we worked with our individual dry erase graph boards and learned how to calculate slope if we are given two points by graphing and without graphing (a slightly tricky calculation)
we also learned how to graph a line if we are given one point and its slope
tonight's assignment, chapter 6, section 1 (again), page 287 - 288, items 28 - 44 (just evens)
Monday, October 26, 2009
7th graders on Mon, Oct 26
this is our final day focusing on integers. We had one review sheet on adding integers (the key to it all) for everyone to complete -- it is called Puzzle 39.
There are two extra credit options: Puzzle 10 (on the back of Puzzle 39) and/or finish your integer brochure.
I also let each student know about any missing work -- it must be completed this week to avoid a zero in the gradebook.
Tomorrow -- on to decimals!!
There are two extra credit options: Puzzle 10 (on the back of Puzzle 39) and/or finish your integer brochure.
I also let each student know about any missing work -- it must be completed this week to avoid a zero in the gradebook.
Tomorrow -- on to decimals!!
prealgebra assignment - monday 10/26
on the handout covering dividing decimals by powers of ten -- the 0.1, 0.01, & 0.001 side
the entire right hand column is homework
we also let individual students know about any missing work -- it is due by Friday or will be scored as a zero.
students were reminded that extra help is available from 3:20 - 4:00
the entire right hand column is homework
we also let individual students know about any missing work -- it is due by Friday or will be scored as a zero.
students were reminded that extra help is available from 3:20 - 4:00
Algebra - monday's assignment
in the textbook, chapter 6, section 1, page 286 & 287, the even items 2 - 24 -- all about SLOPE!
Friday, October 23, 2009
7th grade on Friday
Today we reviewed our work with integers and had a very low-key quiz.
We should finish with integers on Monday -- then on to decimals!
We should finish with integers on Monday -- then on to decimals!
Friday in algebra
Well -- these absences are destroying my lesson plans this week -- there were 5 students out today -- 5 yesterday, 3 wednesday, 4 tuesday, 5 monday.
I let the students have today to continue to work on our function lab notes and quiz and our problem solving workshop handout. On the bright side -- it has been a good way for students to review basic equation solving skills and gain an overall understanding of function families :)
Those who haven't completed them today need to find time between 3:20 & 4:00 to get caught up.
We will be moving on to new material next week!!
grades will be up-to-date by Monday -- you will be able to check powerschool to see what is still missing.
I let the students have today to continue to work on our function lab notes and quiz and our problem solving workshop handout. On the bright side -- it has been a good way for students to review basic equation solving skills and gain an overall understanding of function families :)
Those who haven't completed them today need to find time between 3:20 & 4:00 to get caught up.
We will be moving on to new material next week!!
grades will be up-to-date by Monday -- you will be able to check powerschool to see what is still missing.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
7th grade thursday, oct 22
we spent time in class working on more complicated problems -- adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers which requires students to "shift gears" in order to get the correct answer each time.
then we did some work on mixed operations problems - do you have an Aunt Sally? to get these correct you need to "please excuse my dear aunt sally".
I think it's time for a couple of quick quizzes on these integer operations tomorrow (we'll review first).
Parents: by this time, students know if they "get it" or not -- if not, they need to be encouraged to come for some extra help from 3:20 - 4:00. We will not just trust them to make this decision -- some will be told they need to come in.
then we did some work on mixed operations problems - do you have an Aunt Sally? to get these correct you need to "please excuse my dear aunt sally".
I think it's time for a couple of quick quizzes on these integer operations tomorrow (we'll review first).
Parents: by this time, students know if they "get it" or not -- if not, they need to be encouraged to come for some extra help from 3:20 - 4:00. We will not just trust them to make this decision -- some will be told they need to come in.
Prealgebra class -- decimal secrets revealed!
One team won the prize (special pencils) from our warm-up!!
Students shared the secrets of working with decimals:
for adding and subtracting, here they are (in the order you need to use them):
1. make it an up & down problem, not sideways
2. line up the decimals, including in the answer
3. add zeros if you need them to make the numbers line up
4. keep the decimal point in the same place, don't move it
5. work from right to left (in other words, from the smallest place value to the greatest)
then students practiced adding and subtracting until they could get 5 items in a row correct -- almost everyone did it on the very first try!
We ended up by sharing secrets for multiplying -- they are different than adding & subtracting:
1. make it an up & down problem (instead of sideways)
2. the decimals don't move in the numbers you start with, but it does move in the answer
3. work from right to left
we are starting to refine these secrets by multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000 -- we'll continue tomorrow.
No homework -- we are doing a very good job during class and don't need it!
Students shared the secrets of working with decimals:
for adding and subtracting, here they are (in the order you need to use them):
1. make it an up & down problem, not sideways
2. line up the decimals, including in the answer
3. add zeros if you need them to make the numbers line up
4. keep the decimal point in the same place, don't move it
5. work from right to left (in other words, from the smallest place value to the greatest)
then students practiced adding and subtracting until they could get 5 items in a row correct -- almost everyone did it on the very first try!
We ended up by sharing secrets for multiplying -- they are different than adding & subtracting:
1. make it an up & down problem (instead of sideways)
2. the decimals don't move in the numbers you start with, but it does move in the answer
3. work from right to left
we are starting to refine these secrets by multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000 -- we'll continue tomorrow.
No homework -- we are doing a very good job during class and don't need it!
Algebra class today
We still have many students out -- but we forge ahead. Today students worked with the quiz on function families -- others turned in their notes on this topic -- and most have completed (or almost completed) their problem-solving workshop packets. We will review and finish all of these tasks tomorrow in class -- any of them not completed by then will mean a student should plan to come for one-on-one help after school (3:20 - 4:00)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
7th grade classes
Welcome to the blog!! I'm learning as I go -- check back frequently to see what I've learned.
This quarter, our work focuses on computation and algebra skills and concepts. We started by having each student complete a basic skills check so that our approach can be individualized.
Based on these results, each class was divided into small groups focusing on our first topic -- integers (those positive and negative numbers). Most students like working in small groups and having a student who is already good at a topic volunteer to serve as leader helps them reinforce and expand their knowledge, too. So far, we have covered adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with integers. We have had in-class and homework assignments and today (Wednesday, Oct 21) will spend time reviewing what we know how to do and preparing a brochure with the rules and examples of each.
Note to parents: There have been many absences and I have adjusted the lessons accordingly -- we spend multiple days on a topic and I accept late work and/or substitutes for the original assignment. PowerSchool is up-to-date and there are many blanks. If you are concerned, please check with me on an individual basis -- it may be a good idea to have a student come for some special catch-up time after school (3:20 - 4:00). This is available virtually every day. My direct email is crichardson@ics-charter.org
This quarter, our work focuses on computation and algebra skills and concepts. We started by having each student complete a basic skills check so that our approach can be individualized.
Based on these results, each class was divided into small groups focusing on our first topic -- integers (those positive and negative numbers). Most students like working in small groups and having a student who is already good at a topic volunteer to serve as leader helps them reinforce and expand their knowledge, too. So far, we have covered adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with integers. We have had in-class and homework assignments and today (Wednesday, Oct 21) will spend time reviewing what we know how to do and preparing a brochure with the rules and examples of each.
Note to parents: There have been many absences and I have adjusted the lessons accordingly -- we spend multiple days on a topic and I accept late work and/or substitutes for the original assignment. PowerSchool is up-to-date and there are many blanks. If you are concerned, please check with me on an individual basis -- it may be a good idea to have a student come for some special catch-up time after school (3:20 - 4:00). This is available virtually every day. My direct email is crichardson@ics-charter.org
8th grade, Pre-algebra class
Welcome to the blog!! I'm learning as I go. Check back frequently to track my progress.
Second quarter we focus on computation and algebra skills. We have started with a basic skills check to see what students are already good at. Our first topic was integers (positive and negative numbers) and we have worked in small groups on several assignments -- adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and doing combinations of these in the same problem . The final assignment asked students to create a small brochure summarizing the rules they use along with two examples for each of these tasks.
Note to parents: All the completed work on the integer unit has been graded and entered in PowerSchool -- students have been informed about any missing work and have been told what they should now do to substitute for missing items. If they need extra help -- tutoring is available virtually every day from 3:20 - 4:00
We have just formed our new small groups which will start working tomorrow (Thursday, Oct 22) -- the new topic is decimals.
Second quarter we focus on computation and algebra skills. We have started with a basic skills check to see what students are already good at. Our first topic was integers (positive and negative numbers) and we have worked in small groups on several assignments -- adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and doing combinations of these in the same problem . The final assignment asked students to create a small brochure summarizing the rules they use along with two examples for each of these tasks.
Note to parents: All the completed work on the integer unit has been graded and entered in PowerSchool -- students have been informed about any missing work and have been told what they should now do to substitute for missing items. If they need extra help -- tutoring is available virtually every day from 3:20 - 4:00
We have just formed our new small groups which will start working tomorrow (Thursday, Oct 22) -- the new topic is decimals.
8th grade, Algebra I class
Welcome to the blog!! I'm learning as I go -- first I'll include what we have been doing this Quarter. Later, I'll learn how to add links to useful websites, ways to interact, interesting problems (for bonus points), etc.
This quarter, Algebra class focuses on the standards concerning solving equations and inequalities, linear equations and graphing. This information builds on what students have done in earlier years, so should not be as "weird" as some of the math last quarter. That also means that grades should be as high or higher !!
During the first week, we visited a website (www.Shodor.org) and explored the function machine activity. We also spent several days investigating different types of functions: radical, cubic, quadratic and linear -- we graphed them by hand and using a graphing calculator (free on line and my personal one in class). We debriefed our information and made notes about the characteristics of each function family.
It is now Wed, Oct 21, and we have spent 2 days in a problem solving workshop that is covering some basic equation-solving skills (so we have a good starting point on this critical topic).
What about grades?
the function lab grade is worth a total of 20 points -- everyone did a nice job of working on this and has earned 10 of these points. The other 10 are based on the quality of their notes (from our debriefing session). So far, 13 students have shown me their notes so they have a grade. Everyone else needs to show me their notes by the end of class tomorrow.
We will have a quiz on the function families (notes may be used!) before the end of this week.
The problem solving workshop will be graded in two parts -- the first involved completing a series of math puzzles and is worth 70 total points; the second is a "chapter 1 test" from another good algebra book I like to use -- worth a total of 25 points. These will be scored and entered before next Monday.
Note to parents: we have been having more than the usual amount of absences and I have altered my lesson plans accordingly -- students have longer to work on items and we spend more time in class on them. However, if they are slipping, they may need to come for some extra help to catch up -- tutoring is available almost every day from 3:20 - 4:00.
This quarter, Algebra class focuses on the standards concerning solving equations and inequalities, linear equations and graphing. This information builds on what students have done in earlier years, so should not be as "weird" as some of the math last quarter. That also means that grades should be as high or higher !!
During the first week, we visited a website (www.Shodor.org) and explored the function machine activity. We also spent several days investigating different types of functions: radical, cubic, quadratic and linear -- we graphed them by hand and using a graphing calculator (free on line and my personal one in class). We debriefed our information and made notes about the characteristics of each function family.
It is now Wed, Oct 21, and we have spent 2 days in a problem solving workshop that is covering some basic equation-solving skills (so we have a good starting point on this critical topic).
What about grades?
the function lab grade is worth a total of 20 points -- everyone did a nice job of working on this and has earned 10 of these points. The other 10 are based on the quality of their notes (from our debriefing session). So far, 13 students have shown me their notes so they have a grade. Everyone else needs to show me their notes by the end of class tomorrow.
We will have a quiz on the function families (notes may be used!) before the end of this week.
The problem solving workshop will be graded in two parts -- the first involved completing a series of math puzzles and is worth 70 total points; the second is a "chapter 1 test" from another good algebra book I like to use -- worth a total of 25 points. These will be scored and entered before next Monday.
Note to parents: we have been having more than the usual amount of absences and I have altered my lesson plans accordingly -- students have longer to work on items and we spend more time in class on them. However, if they are slipping, they may need to come for some extra help to catch up -- tutoring is available almost every day from 3:20 - 4:00.
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