Post date: Nov 20, 2020 7:20:21 PM
MSM2 Block 1
SOLs Covered: 8.15 Multi-Step Equations
Math Unit: 11 Multi-Step Equations
Daily Agenda: Nov. 16-20, 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. 16-20, 2020
Upcoming Assessments: 2.01 Multi-Step Equations with Combining Like Terms & Distributive Property Quiz (Tues. 11/24)
Happy Friday, folks! I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted this week and I'll again try to keep this a fast update. I've been saying that each week but still tend to get a little carried away, but I'm legit needing a nap!
As previously promised, we worked on solving multi-step equations all of this week. The kids have done a fairly good job with it overall, but many get tripped up since multi-step equations can take so many forms and their personal struggles fall in different areas. Some students are struggling with remembering the steps; for this made an "algebra quick notes" card that I encourage them to keep out as a guide while their working. Some kids are struggling with negative coefficients; for this I recommend "putting a coat" (parentheses) around the coefficient as an additional reminder that we're multiplying it and will thus need to divide by it to remove it. There are a few other smaller issues, which I've tackled on a case by case bases as they pop up; if students are still struggling and haven't reached out in some format (during live class or messaging me with questions), I remind you that I can't help you if you don't "speak up" in someway, so please let me know if you have questions.
For all students, no matter the struggle, I want to encourage that they write the problem and their work/steps out somewhere. I don't care where they're writing it (paper, real or virtual whiteboard, typed out in a doc, written on their desk... in the classroom that is using a dry-erase marker... they were warned not to start writing on the furniture at home without permission!), but some of these problems are too complex to try to work out in their heads. Those struggling the most are also "fighting" me on the need to write it out. I also recommend using different colors to distinguish their steps (ex. underlining or highlighting the terms you're working with at that time) as some are struggling with keeping track of what they're doing on each line.
We'll spend all of Monday reviewing before taking the quiz on Tuesday. Most of Tuesday will thus be completed asynchronously, but I'll have kids log into the Google Meet to get some last minute reminders/tips and to go over any last minute questions. I'll then stay online until the middle of the block for any kids who need to pop back online with questions or tech issues and will be reachable via email for the rest of the time (or with a raised hand for all the kids still in the room with me of course).
I know I've yet again gotten carried away, but I again want to encourage students to check their MP2 grades on 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 (2:16PM on 11/20), 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!