SOLs Covered: 7.NS.2 Comparing & Ordering Rational Numbers
Math Topic: 03 Compare & Order Rational Numbers
Daily Agenda: September 22-26, 2025
Upcoming Assessments: Unit 2 Rational Numbers Summative (Fri. 10/3)
Greetings! As the kids can tell you, I've not been feeling the greatest this week (don't worry, nothing contagious at this point, but the bug I had over the weekend progressed into a full-blown sinus infection), so I'm eager to get home as soon as possible this afternoon for a nap, so I'm sending this out early. That being said, I have to say how proud and thankful I am for this group of kiddos! They've taken it easy on me all week and been extra mindful of their behaviors and I'm beyond grateful for it!
The week was filled with practice comparing and ordering a variety of rational numbers: integers, fractions (proper and improper, including negatives), mixed numbers (including negatives), decimals (including negatives), percents, and values that can be simplified to any of those. These are all number formats that many students have struggled with since elementary school, so I've spent a lot of time reviewing with them the necessary skills to work with each, especially as this is a non-calculator standard for the SOLs. We've practiced using the number line, using the student-made number line hung in the front of the room to help us visualize where they are in comparison to each other. We've reviewed converting improper fractions into mixed numbers. We've practiced dividing and modeling for converting fractions into decimals/percents. We've practiced lining up our place values to ensure we're accurately comparing the values (many are working under the false belief that the longer the number is, the greater it's value, but this myth carried over from elementary doesn't work for negative values and many decimals). These are all skills that students should continue reviewing throughout the year as they are foundational and used in all areas of math. We'll continue working with them next week when we start working on contextual problems involving rational numbers (a.k.a. word problems, the bane of most students' existence!).
To help students with continuing their practice on these and other foundational skills, I've set them up with a Duolingo school account. That might seem bizarre for their math teacher to be doing so, but Duolingo actually added a math course this year, which I've worked through to evaluate. I've become a big fan of it and thus wanted the kids to have access to it as well. Unfortunately, we discovered after I gave it to them that the math course is only available on iOS and Android devices through the app at this time, so I can't use it in class. I have encouraged the kids to still keep it in case they have a personal device at home they can access it through as well as so they can practice using the Intermediate English course to improve their reading skills as it will help in all subject areas as I've previously mentioned. I have also told the kids that at times they've completed all their work for me and might find themselves with extra time in class, I'm okay with them practicing any of the other language programs, especially if they're taking it for one of other electives this year.
That should more than cover everything for the week and hopefully (despite my allergy meds) make sense, but please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!