Embedded Files
course overview
course overview
South Portland math teachers use the OpenUp Math curriculum, which is Common Core aligned, problem based, and incorporates the 5 Mathematical Practices.
Grade 6 math begins with a unit on reasoning about area and understanding and applying concepts of surface area. It is common to begin the year by reviewing the arithmetic learned in previous grades, but starting instead with a mathematical idea that students haven't seen before sets up opportunities for student to surprise themselves with the connections they make. Instead of front-loading review and practice from prior grades, these materials incorporate opportunities to practice elementary arithmetic concepts and skills.
The story of this mathematics course is told in nine units. Each unit has a narrative that describes the mathematical work that will unfold in that unit. Activities within lessons also have a narrative, which explain the purpose of the activity, its place in the learning sequence, and what students are doing.
Class materials:
Class materials:
Students will be expected to come to class with the following items. Failure to be prepared for class will affect the student's HoW grade.
Pencil (bring lots!)
Planner
Silent reading book
3-ringed binder with 4-5 tab dividers (Notes, Homework, Classwork, Assessments, Resources)
iPad (charged)
*Recommended items: simple calculator, lined paper, pen, waterbottle
Homework - Practice problems
Homework - Practice problems
Spending time practicing math skills outside of the classroom is important, but it's critical that it's done in a distinctive manner. Practice should be deliberate, not repetitive. Deliberate practice is important for teaching and learning, because it increases the likelihood that students will permanently remember new information, increases student facility, increase ability to transfer practiced skills to new and more complex systems, and much more.
In place of daily "skill and drill" homework assignments, math students will be expected to complete practice problem assignments. The length of the assignments can vary (2-3 questions), and can be completed during WINN time or at home. Completion of extra practice assignments tie into weekly Habits of Work scores.
Students are expected to come in with completed assignments on the due date.
If practice problems are taking longer than 20 to 30 minutes to complete at home, please have your child stop doing it for that night and encourage them to come in with questions the next day! Please feel free to send an e-mail if there are any questions!
How HoW Scores are reported in Mr. Risbara's class
How HoW Scores are reported in Mr. Risbara's class
Mr. Risbara keeps a daily record of Habits of Work for each student.
Weekly In-class HoW reports on Jumprope convey if the student is regularly coming to class with necessary materials (math binder/folder, charged iPad), if the student is engaged with the lesson (effort during in-class activities, staying on task, if needing redirects), and if the student is being respectful to peers and teachers (contributes positively to the classroom).
If students are receiving scores of 1 or 2, this could be contributing to poor content grades and possible behavior/organizational issues.
Daily homework assignments are entered into Jumprope individually, so parents know what work is or isn't getting done outside of class, and students know if the work they're doing is quality. Assignments marked as "Missing" can be turned in one week after it's due for full credit. If not turned in on time, the M is replaced with a score of "1".
For more information on Content and Habit of Work scores, check out the Grading section of this website
For more information on Content and Habit of Work scores, check out the Grading section of this website
online resources
online resources
OpenUp Family Materials (link) - Materials geared towards parents understanding what is going on in class, and the methods being taught. Also includes practice problems & answers that you can do with your student for extra practice. A great resource if you are having a hard time helping your student with homework!
Khan Academy (link) - Khan Academy is a great resource for students. They have partnered with Illustrative Math, the creator of our 6th Math curriculum, to create videos and practice exercises tied directly to what we are learning in class. This resource is helpful for reteaching, getting caught up on missed lesson, extra practice, extra help on homework, and more. The URL above brings you directly to the 6th Grade Illustrative Math page. Students can also login with their Google for Education account so they can receive credit on any practice done outside of the classroom. Parents can also watch videos or do practice problems without an account at home.
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