Post date: Oct 25, 2019 7:44:45 PM
MSM2 Periods 1 & 4
SOLs Covered: 7.12 Properties (Review) & One- & Two-Step Equations
Math Unit: 09 Properties; 10 One- & Two-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Oct. 21-25, 2019
Upcoming Assessments: 1.05 Translating, Properties, & One- & Two-Step Equations Quiz (Mon. 10/28)
Math 7H Period 3
SOLs Covered: 7.12 Properties (Review) & One- & Two-Step Equations
Math Unit: 09 Properties; 10 Laws of Exponents; 11 One- & Two-Step Equations;
Daily Agenda: Oct. 21-25, 2019
Upcoming Assessments: 1.05 Translating, Properties, & One- & Two-Step Equations Quiz (Mon. 10/28); 1.06 Laws of Exponents (Form. Assessment Tues. 10/29)
¡Buenas tardes! It's been a packed week with lots of algebra that has been (hopefully) lots of fun! That might be hard to believe but as you've probably noticed by now, I take a different approach to teaching math than what you might be used to. For instance, when we were reviewing the properties of real numbers at the beginning of the week, I referred to the identity property as the "selfie" property (with lots of hamming it up the entire time). When we later in the week moved onto solving one- and two-step equations, I compare the variable to a diva and how we need to set the stage for the diva so she can shine (draw a line done from the equal sign). We put a spotlight on her (highlight so we remember what we're trying to isolate) and call security to take away the crazy fans (inverse operations). Some problems had paparazzi that just make a mess of everything, so we have to have them removed (fraction bars used as grouping symbols). We also worked with poor little SAD MEG (that's GEMDAS backwards) to help her find her ex; yes, she should just get over the relationship, but we're good friends and we're trying to be supportive. The honors class also worked with laws of exponents (an Algebra I HS topic) and we dealt with some frenemies who apparently need a little help working on their conflicts (negative exponents get bumped to the other table, a.k.a. other side of the fraction bar).
All of this silliness is what makes up "math story time" and actually keeps us laughing through most of class and (fingers crossed!) will help those moments stand out enough for the kids that it will stick with them for the long haul. Based on a message a former student sent me through my class Instagram this week (@MsLambieMath if you haven't checked it out yet), the goofiness seems to do it's job and they'll be able to both remember the knowledge learned as well as fondly think back on their time in my math class. I cried a few happy teacher tears at that... then I think I cried a few real ones when I realized he's now an adult and I'm apparently much older than I realize most days.
After quizzing on Monday (as well as Tuesday for the honors class), we'll be continuing our work with algebra, starting on the trickier multi-step equations. To help with this, I do a "Sweet Algebra" activity that uses Teddy Grahams (both regular and chocolate) and mini marshmallows (both regular and the colorful fruit-flavored ones) to model equations. I'll send a letter home next week about this, but if folks are willing and able to help by donating the supplies, it would be very much appreciated.
Again, many thanks to the folks who have been sending in donations for the class snack bar! This is the first year I've done something like this, but I didn't anticipate it being as popular as it is, though I probably should have considering how much they love food activities. I greatly appreciate the help with making this happen (who can focus on math when you're hungry?) and the kids definitely appreciate the treats!
I'm going to wrap this up here so I can make copies for Monday's quiz but as always, feel free to reach out if you any questions. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!