Post date: Nov 5, 2018 8:03:22 PM
MSM2 Periods 1 & 2
SOLs Covered: 7.12 & 8.17 Solving Equations (with Properties)
Math Unit: 9 Properties of Real Numbers; 10 One- & Two-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Oct. 29-31, 2018 & Nov. 1-2, 2018
Upcoming Assessments: 2.01 Two-Step Equations, Combining Like Terms, & Distributive Property Quiz (Mon. 11/12)
Math 7H Period 4
SOLs Covered: 7.12 & 8.17 Solving Equations (with Properties)
Math Unit: 9 Properties of Real Numbers; 10 One- & Two-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Oct. 29-31, 2018 & Nov. 1-2, 2018
Upcoming Assessments: 2.01 Two-Step Equations, Combining Like Terms, & Distributive Property Quiz (Mon. 11/12)
And that's a wrap! Well, of the first term at least since we still have three terms to go, but we've had an excellent start to the school year. It's been a busy work day for me, so I'm going to keep this short so I can get back to some of the other tasks that need to be knocked out before the end of the day.
We started last week with a quiz on order of operations and evaluating expressions. The kids overall did really well with this, which was a needed boost to their confidence after the trickier quiz they took the previous week. On Tuesday I gave the kids a "catch up day" and let them work on any of their missing/incomplete work for my class, old quiz corrections (i.e. error analysis), ALEKS extra credit, and (if all work was finished for my class) they could even work on assignments for other classes. For the handful of kids that had everything finished before the end of the block, they had a few games they could play together in class.
The rest of the week was used to prepare for all of our upcoming algebra work. Algebra can be very daunting to the kids, so I like to start by reviewing the properties and easier equations before we get into the trickier stuff. I've got a few tricks up my sleeves to make it easier for the kids to understand (ask the kids about those diva variables!) and I think the kids are already feeling better about algebra than they maybe have in the past. One of my tricks to help with modeling equations is to bring food into the mix. I have an activity I call "Sweet Algebra!" planned for the week of November 12th that involves Teddy Grahams and mini marshmallows, but because I'm super cautious when it comes to food allergies, I require the kids to get permission slip signed to ensure everyone is safe to participate. The kids were given the permission letter on Friday and will need to have it in by this Friday (11/9) in order to participate. Failure to bring the permission slip by that time will mean the students have to draw the problems out that the rest of the kids will be using the cookies and marshmallows to model. If students do have an allergy to any of the supplies, I have a spot on the letter for parents to recommend possible substitutions and I will do my best to accommodate for these. If parents/guardians would like to help by providing some of the needed materials, the kids and I would be most appreciative, but it is in no way required in order to participate.
Well, I'm going to wrap things up here but as always, please let me know if you have any questions. Hope everyone has a great week!