Post date: Nov 13, 2020 9:20:40 PM
MSM2 Block 1
SOLs Covered: 8.15 Multi-Step Equations
Math Unit: 11 Multi-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Nov. 9-13, 2020
Upcoming Assessments: 2.01 Multi-Step Equations with Combining Like Terms & Distributive Property Quiz (Tues. 11/24)
Math 7H Blocks 2 & 3
SOLs Covered: 8.15 & A.4d Multi-Step Equations
Math Unit: 11 Multi-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Nov. 9-13, 2020
Upcoming Assessments: 2.01 Multi-Step Equations with Combining Like Terms & Distributive Property Quiz (Tues. 11/24)
Greetings! We've made it through our first hybrid week! I don't know about you, but it's left me mentally exhausted; trying to work with kids both in the room for the first time while remembering to keep up with the kids joining us virtually was a little more mentally taxing than I thought it would be, so I'm going to try to keep this update quick again.
This week we talked practicing the first two steps in solving multi-step equations, combining like terms and distribution, both separately and together. The kids were a little thrown at first, but with a few different approaches, they all have found something that works for them. While some don't like using the algebra tiles to model the work but instead like to tackle them with "old school" paper and pencil, some prefer the tiles. Some like my silly analogies (you're a grocery store employee who has to separatie all the different types of apples into the appropriate bins in the produce section) and others prefer the more straightforward approach (5x and -3x are alike but nothing like 7xy or 8x²). We then moved onto a little more work with the distributive property, reviewed back in Unit 9 with the other properties. Again, students are of differing opinions on whether they prefer to do the work with or without algebra tiles, but as I've told them, I ultimately just want them to be able to solve the equations, so as long as their prefered method helps them do that, I'll be happy.
We'll move onto applying these two skills into solving "full-blown" multi-step equations next. In anticipation of kids needing a little extra time than next week will provide (losing Wednesdays as an instructional day cuts into things a little) and looking ahead at Thanksgiving week (only two days of school), I've extended our work into the following week and have thus pushed the quiz to the last day before the fall break (November 24). I figured it would be best to adjust the plans rather than try to start a new unit and then be out for five days.
Again, students have been encouraged to check out StudentVUE/ParentVUE and ensure that they take care of any currently missing work so they can stay ahead of things in the second quarter. Again, I'd like to ask parents to do the same. I've entered grades for everything that has been submitted at this point (4:18PM on 11/13), so what you see on SVUE/PVUE is the most up-to-date information. If something says "missing" but the student thinks they've done it, they are encouraged to both double check the assignment itself (many are still forgetting to hit the submit button) and to check the feedback left on the "unofficial grades" page on our Canvas class. If all looks well in both areas (I'm human, so I do still make mistakes), I ask that the kids message me about it and/or resubmit the assignment.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!