Post date: Nov 22, 2019 9:16:18 PM
MSM2 Periods 1 & 4
SOLs Covered: 8.18 Solving Multi-Step Inequalities
Math Unit: 12 Inequalities
Daily Agenda: Nov. 18-22, 2019
Upcoming Assessments: 2.02 Inequalities Quiz (possibly Wed. 12/4)
Math 7H Period 3
SOLs Covered: 8.18 Solving Multi-Step Inequalities
Math Unit: 13 Inequalities
Daily Agenda: Nov. 18-22, 2019
Upcoming Assessments: 2.02 Inequalities Quiz (possibly Wed. 12/4)
Howdy! As promised in my quick update yesterday, here's my usual Friday update. This week saw us continuing our algebra work, but this time with inequalities, both solving and graphing. I was really hoping to knock the whole unit out before break so we could just review upon returning before taking the quiz, but it just wasn't possible. We need a little more time working on everything before assessing the unit, so I pushed all of multi-step inequalities until after break. Since I was moving things anyway, we reviewed everything we'd already worked on (solving one- and two-step inequalities and graphing their solutions) yesterday and then focused on finishing up all the work up to that point. We'll review again when we return from break since the kids will have been out an entire week at that point and will likely need a refresher before we step it up a notch with multi-step inequalities.
I was out for a PBIS training on Wednesday and as I mentioned yesterday, I decided that today should be a game day. This was both as a reward for a getting a great report from the substitute as well as wanting to further build our positive classroom community vibes. Students who had missing or incomplete work continued working on that, getting help and guidance from me when needed, and were invited to join in on the fun once they'd finished. It was great getting a chance to see the kids unwind a little and just be kids, but I was honestly touched by how on-task the kids still working were and the fact that they didn't complain about not being able to play right away. They realized they'd put themselves in that position by not getting their work done earlier and they were working hard to remedy that.
On the same note of getting caught up on work, I wanted to make sure parents/guardians were aware that the kids have been given an opportunity to wipe out a missing ALEKS week. While students cannot typically go back and complete past weeks due to the nature of the work, I provided an optional assignment that was left with the substitute. It was left partially as extra incentive (a.k.a. a bribe) to behave for the substitute, but also as a chance for kids who have a new or renewed drive to keep themselves on track the rest of the term to wipe the slate of one "bad" week of ALEKS. I told the kids that if they have the paper finished by the end of fall break, it can completely replace one missing week of ALEKS. For those who don't currently have a missing week, I'll save their paper in case a time comes up in the future when they might need it. If they never end up needing the replacement, I'll reward them with 100 Lambie Points instead (that's enough for two scrunchies!). I've since decided that as long as the paper is turned in before winter break, I'll take it.
In closing out our week, we ended as we usually do with something I just call "circle time" when talking to the kids. In the education world they are referred to as "restorative circles" and they are used for building strong classroom communities. Our circles are all pretty lighthearted but it made my heart happy to hear the responses to today's prompt. I asked them to finish the statements "something money can't buy that I'm grateful for is..." and "something that comforts me that I'm grateful for is..." Their responses of family (sometimes specific family members, but often just the all encompassing word), friends, and pets brought even more positive vibes to our day.
On that note, I'm going to start wrapping things up here. Teachers will be in on Monday and Tuesday next week for conferences, so please still feel free to email with any questions. You can of course email even after that, but I'll be a bit slower responding while off as I plan to fully enjoy the time with my family. I hope everyone is able to enjoy some time with your families next week as well!