What to Expect in Mrs. Swab's Class
What can I expect in Mrs. Swab's math class?
What can I expect in Mrs. Swab's math class?
During math class, my goal is for you to THINK about math, not MEMORIZE math. I try to help math make sense to kids, see real world connections, and build self-confident, responsible 7th graders. I hope to build mathematical and social skills that will lead to success in the future...after all...you won't be in 7th grade forever!
During math class, my goal is for you to THINK about math, not MEMORIZE math. I try to help math make sense to kids, see real world connections, and build self-confident, responsible 7th graders. I hope to build mathematical and social skills that will lead to success in the future...after all...you won't be in 7th grade forever!
What should I bring to class?
What should I bring to class?
Most importantly, a positive attitude! I know math isn't everyone's favorite class, but come in with the attitude that you CAN DO IT!
Most importantly, a positive attitude! I know math isn't everyone's favorite class, but come in with the attitude that you CAN DO IT!
We won't be using lockers this year, so make sure your backpack is stocked with the usual pencils, colored pens/pencils, and erasers. A stylus is an excellent addition this year. We will do a lot of writing math work on our iPad. A stylus makes it so much easier for kids and teacher!
We won't be using lockers this year, so make sure your backpack is stocked with the usual pencils, colored pens/pencils, and erasers. A stylus is an excellent addition this year. We will do a lot of writing math work on our iPad. A stylus makes it so much easier for kids and teacher!
How much homework will I have?
How much homework will I have?
You will have math homework almost every night. It will either be on paper or digital. Please see my agenda posting in Google Classroom for the daily assignment.
You will have math homework almost every night. It will either be on paper or digital. Please see my agenda posting in Google Classroom for the daily assignment.
There are two types of homework in 7th grade. Sometimes you will have traditional homework that practices skills learned class that day. Please look back at the corresponding lesson notes for guided examples that we did together in class to help you. Sometimes you will have preview homework that is a watching a video, taking notes, and doing 3-5 practice problems to get ready for the next day's lesson.
There are two types of homework in 7th grade. Sometimes you will have traditional homework that practices skills learned class that day. Please look back at the corresponding lesson notes for guided examples that we did together in class to help you. Sometimes you will have preview homework that is a watching a video, taking notes, and doing 3-5 practice problems to get ready for the next day's lesson.
What if I don't understand my homework?
What if I don't understand my homework?
Or mom and dad don't either...
Or mom and dad don't either...
I understand that sometimes homework can be a struggle at home. I have a middle schooler, too. Math homework is never worth hours of frustration, family arguments, and tears!
I understand that sometimes homework can be a struggle at home. I have a middle schooler, too. Math homework is never worth hours of frustration, family arguments, and tears!
Here are some tips to help:
Here are some tips to help:
1) Check the Google Classroom agenda posting for that day to make sure it is the correct assignment.
1) Check the Google Classroom agenda posting for that day to make sure it is the correct assignment.
2) Look back at the notes completed in class to see how the problem was done correctly. If it is a video, watch it again. Don't forget you can pause and re-play as many times as needed.
2) Look back at the notes completed in class to see how the problem was done correctly. If it is a video, watch it again. Don't forget you can pause and re-play as many times as needed.
3) Ask a parent, sibling, friend for help, if possible.
3) Ask a parent, sibling, friend for help, if possible.
4) Search the math concept or title of the worksheet on the internet. Perhaps you will find helpful explanations, examples, or videos.
4) Search the math concept or title of the worksheet on the internet. Perhaps you will find helpful explanations, examples, or videos.
5) Email me if you still don't get your homework. Most of the time a few minutes of instruction will clear up the confusion.
5) Email me if you still don't get your homework. Most of the time a few minutes of instruction will clear up the confusion.
6) Come see me for help! This is the most important one. I am here to help whenever I can, before school and after school, too.
6) Come see me for help! This is the most important one. I am here to help whenever I can, before school and after school, too.
How will I be graded?
How will I be graded?
We have two types of grades here at CCMS.
We have two types of grades here at CCMS.
Proficiency grades generally consist of any assignment done by the students at school. Some examples of proficiency grades are bell ringers, class activities/work, quizzes, tests, iXLs, and Study Islands.
Proficiency grades generally consist of any assignment done by the students at school. Some examples of proficiency grades are bell ringers, class activities/work, quizzes, tests, iXLs, and Study Islands.
Responsibility grades are just that, your responsibility, like being being prepared for class or homework.
Responsibility grades are just that, your responsibility, like being being prepared for class or homework.
What if I fail a test?
What if I fail a test?
Before every test or quiz, we will complete a mirror image study guide. Students will get to check their answers on that study guide with an answer key.
Before every test or quiz, we will complete a mirror image study guide. Students will get to check their answers on that study guide with an answer key.
If anyone fails any test or quiz, they can take a re-test or re-quiz within 6 school day to earn up to a 70%. They must come see me to make an appointment and have completed their study guide.
If anyone fails any test or quiz, they can take a re-test or re-quiz within 6 school day to earn up to a 70%. They must come see me to make an appointment and have completed their study guide.
What if I miss a day?
What if I miss a day?
For every day that a student misses school, they have one day to make up missing work.
For every day that a student misses school, they have one day to make up missing work.
If you are home sick and able to do some work, start by checking out your teacher's daily agenda in Google Classroom. If you can, do some of the assignments to stay on top of it. I love it when kids come to me and say "I saw this assignment on Google Classroom. I tried/did it, but I still have questions about____." That shows responsibility!
If you are home sick and able to do some work, start by checking out your teacher's daily agenda in Google Classroom. If you can, do some of the assignments to stay on top of it. I love it when kids come to me and say "I saw this assignment on Google Classroom. I tried/did it, but I still have questions about____." That shows responsibility!
What if I'm in Algebra I?
What if I'm in Algebra I?
My additional expectations for my Algebra I students are to prepare for the Keystone exam in the spring. We will be practicing for it all year long, so don't worry about it now. Keep up with your work, ask questions, and you'll do great.
My additional expectations for my Algebra I students are to prepare for the Keystone exam in the spring. We will be practicing for it all year long, so don't worry about it now. Keep up with your work, ask questions, and you'll do great.
Since Algebra I in 7th grade is a prerequisite of Algebra II in 8th grade, Algebra I 7th graders must maintain an 85% average to be recommended to advance to Algebra II in 8th grade. If you or your teacher feels you need another year of Algebra I, you will repeat Algebra I in 8th grade. Algebra I in 7th or 8th grade does not count towards your HS GPA nor your four math credits in HS.
Since Algebra I in 7th grade is a prerequisite of Algebra II in 8th grade, Algebra I 7th graders must maintain an 85% average to be recommended to advance to Algebra II in 8th grade. If you or your teacher feels you need another year of Algebra I, you will repeat Algebra I in 8th grade. Algebra I in 7th or 8th grade does not count towards your HS GPA nor your four math credits in HS.