Embedded Files
Assessment (Tests & Quizzes)
Chapter TESTS and Quizzes will be given online and/or via paper/pencil. Students must show their thinking! Each problem is assessed using the standards based progress.
Assessments may be retaken to show mastery once proof of further study is given.
Tasks
Students will be given a math tasks. These tasks are often open-ended meaning there is no one correct answer, instead students will be challenged to think deeply and creatively then justify their thinking using manipulatives, pictures, graphs, tables, models, etc. Finally students will loop their thinking to an equation. Students may at times bring these tasks home. Please refrain from showing your child how to solve the problem. Unlike the teaching prevolent when we were students, students are encouraged to think "outside of the box" rather than memorize a procedure. Procedures are tools not math. These problems are specifically meant to be discovery based. Mastery is based on proving their thinking not necessarily on a correct answer.
Journals
Math journals via SeeSaw are two fold in purpose. First, new procedures taught will be added to our journals. Students are encouraged to refer back to their journal to refresh any skills that have become rusty.
Second, students are expected to write about their mathematical thinking or use Seesaw to orally explain their thinking. Students will be asked essential questions to show their mathematical growth. Answers will require words, examples, and pictures to help students accurately show what they are thinking.
Iready's Personal Path / IXL
We will be using Iready again this year. Iready is a great resource for both filling in gaps of procedures that students have not mastered, and for offering enrichment to students ready to go ahead. Students may use class time, or home, to work on their personal path which will be evaluated in August, December, and May. Specific assignments may be used to support concepts being taught in class.
Along with Iready, we will be piloting the IXL program.
Basic Math Facts
Like unto fluency enabling reading comprehension, fluency in math facts enables better mathematical understanding. Students who have to spend time figuring out a multiplication fact lose precious time that could be spent on gaining higher thinking skills. We will spend time playing games, singing songs, and playing computer games. Students who need extra practice are welcome to take any practice sheets home. A large variety of games are available online for free practice and can be found by googling math facts. Flash cards can be another strategy for memorizing math facts.
Practice
Assignments are corrected daily and individual help is given throughout class time. Any work not completed in class can be taken home for extra practice.
Although math practice does not always show mastery, new math skills not practiced are seldom mastered. The skills we learn in 6th grade are the foundation for math taught at higher levels in high school and college.
The Utah Common Core states that students should be able to find an answer using a variety of methods, justifying their thinking through words and examples. The same work habits apply at home as at school. Students are expected to highlight numbers, important words, and the question for story problems. They are also expected to show their thinking. Work, including handwriting, not kept neat and organized will not be corrected.
Students are encouraged to work individually, with partners, and in small groups. This gives students the opportunity to talk about their work and practice justifying their thinking. Huge benefits are gained from discussing their thinking. However this sometimes leads to more visiting than math, and students can lose their privilege of working together.
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