Math 7H Blocks 1 & 2
SOLs Covered: 8.7 Geometric Transformations; Math 8 Strand 1 (Numbers & Number Sense) Review of SOL 8.1-8.3
Math Unit: 23 Geometric Transformations; Math 8 SOL Review
Daily Agenda: March 28-31 & April 1, 2022
Upcoming Assessments: SOL Quiz - Strand 2 - Computation & Estimation (Thurs. 4/14)
MSM2 Block 4
SOLs Covered: 8.7 Geometric Transformations; Math 8 Strand 1 (Numbers & Number Sense) Review of SOL 8.1-8.3
Math Unit: 23 Geometric Transformations; Math 8 SOL Review
Daily Agenda: March 28-31 & April 1, 2022
Upcoming Assessments: SOL Quiz - Strand 2 - Computation & Estimation (Thurs. 4/14)
Howdy! We've made it to spring break! I'm getting a head start on this since my break will be starting off with the Curtis Elementary parent pick-up since "Aunt Kimmie's Taxi & Babysitting Service" has been called upon and I have to leave at a decent time to go pick up booster seats and such first, but the final bits should also cover 4th block for today as long as all goes as planned, though yesterday proves to "expect the unexpected" at any given point. I have to speak on that unexpected tornado warning first since I have to brag about how amazing my 4th block students were yesterday! They were absolute rock stars and the best behaved on the hall, so much so that a couple teachers came up to me and complemented them on their behavior. I wrote the whole group a positive referral for being so awesome during a less than comfortable situation!
While some kids were ahead of the game on Monday, we started the week by wrapping up the final regular unit quiz before dedicating the rest of the week to our first bit of SOL review. I've broken down our review weeks to cover each of the five math SOL strands (aka categories): 1 Numbers and Number Sense; 2 Computation and Estimation; 3 Measurement and Geometry; 4 Probability and Statistics; 5 Patterns, Functions, and Algebra. The kids were given a pretty massive review packet that covers all five strands and contains practice problems we are going over in class each week to go with the strand and included additional little notes, tricks/tips, and Desmos calculator reminders. At the end of the week, the kids have a formative check followed by a quiz the last day. Unlike those of the past, paper copies are not being given for these as we are treating each as if they were "mini SOL tests" and since the kids can only have blank paper, one writing tool (pencil or pen), and two additional colors (highlighters, colored pencils, or markers) for the actual SOL test, we're preparing for that through these.
The first attempts for both the checks and the quizzes are being done completely independently without any notes or help for the same reasons. I'm doing the second attempt on the formative checks with the kids and then answering questions one-on-one as needed for the quizzes. As I've told the kids, the five quizzes combined essentially add up to equally a practice SOL test, so their first attempts should give them a general idea of what to expect out of the actual SOL test. The final day of review before our SOL test in May will encompass any final questions and fine-tuning things. Our test is currently scheduled for May 10th, though there's always a slight chance of things being adjusted as needed, but I'll be sure to keep folks updated if that does happen.
This week was all about the Numbers and Number Sense strand, so we reviewed comparing and ordering real numbers, the real number system, and squares and square roots. We took the first of the strand quizzes today and the kids have done amazingly well with it so far today thus far. At this point I haven't seen my 4th block yet, but I expect them to do just as well based on our work throughout the week. I set up the first ALEKS SOL review assignment as well and discussed it with the kids; at this point, they can either continue with their learning path, completing five topics each week as they have in the past OR they can complete the SOL review assignment, which can be accessed from the menu in the top left corner of the ALEKS window. This week I also introduced the kids to the vocabulary review activity I mentioned in last week's update since I finished. It is being used as the first extra credit opportunity of the term, specifically going into the formative category, but I think the kids genuinely like it (as I said last week, some of these kids are really into Wordle, so I hit the teacher jackpot with this!). I'll present a summative extra credit opportunity after spring break, though I can already tell you that it will be additional JLab practice for those that are interested.
That should cover all of this week's math as well as give everyone an idea of what to expect throughout the next month. Before I close this out, since it will still be Ramadan when we return from the break I also wanted to let any families who will be observing this month know that I have offered up my classroom as a spot that fasting students can spend the lunch period if it makes them more comfortable as I have my planning block at that time. Dr. Strittmatter has let the rest of the staff know this is an option, but please let me know if there's anything else I can do to aid students in their observation throughout the month. Ramadan Mubarak!
My final class should be getting here soon, so I'm going to close things out here, but I hope all the kiddos get to have an amazing spring break and that families get to hopefully spend a little of that time together.