SOLs Covered: 7.CE.1 Contextual Problems with Rational Numbers; 7.PFA.2 Expressions
Math Topic: 04 Contextual Problems - Part 1 - Rational Numbers; 05 Simplifying Expressions
Daily Agenda: October 5-9, 2026
Upcoming Assessments: Unit 3 Expressions & Equations (Thurs. 10/29; Term 2 grade)
Important Note: Grade for my class close/lock at midnight Mon. 10/26
Greetings! This week's update will (hopefully) be on the short side because as the kids have probably mentioned, the HVAC system in my section of the building isn't working correctly and today it's been over 80° in my room since I got here before the sun rose, so it's been unpleasant feeling most of this week once the kids get in the room and downright miserable if you have to be up and moving at all. That's actually relevant for the first thing I wanted to mention this week: my class Amazon Wishlist.
I'll get back to the wishlist in a minute, but the kids might have also mentioned that I officially "opened" my class PBIS Rewards store, which I've previously referenced. As I mentioned last week, behaviors have been more problematic and after thinking over possible solutions, I decided to lean more heavily on the reward system. When I spoke with the kids last week during our review of my class expectations, I told them that their jobs right now are to be good students. I referenced my own job and how there are sometimes things I don't want to do or how I might rather do something else, but I have to follow the rules from my bosses even if I'd rather not because if I don't, I could lose my job and pay.
It's not that different for the kids but right now the only thing they're working for is grades and let's be honest, for some kids that's not much of a motivator. While I wish they all intrinsically had a desire to have the best grades and thus the best education possible, some students need to be pushed to that goal with other means. For that reason, students are "getting paid" for the various "jobs" I'm asking them to do. Got to class on time? Extra points. Silent line down the hall? Extra points. Working peacefully during independent work time? Extra points. There are so many ways the kids can earn points throughout class and some have taken it seriously from the beginning. Others finally started to see the value in when they got to "shop" for the first time.
This brings us back to the Amazon Wishlist. Items quickly "sold out" and I had to make a store run the next day to calm the masses, but I will also quickly go broke if I continue at this rate. If you are willing and able to help support these efforts, I will happily and gratefully accept whatever you can provide. If you would like to help, please don't feel restricted to shopping directly from the list on Amazon. The list can be viewed as suggestions/ideas for similar things. This kids have been just as happy with the Aldi brand items that make up most of the store items (they are surprisingly obsessed with the Aldi version of a pumpkin spice Oreo), so we don't care that they are the exact same items, flavors, amounts, or brands on the list. The only limit is to be mindful of major allergens, specifically peanuts as some people have severe reactions from just the smell. If you're unsure whether an item would be of interest, please feel free to reach out, but you can always ask your child if it's something they'd be interested in "purchasing" with their points.
Note that there are a couple items not for the store but still for classroom use. I mentioned the list earlier in regards to the temperatures because I have a fan/heater combo on the list as even when they fix the HVAC system, being at the very end of the line and the corner classroom with double the amount of windows means we're left a smidge warmer or colder than the rest of the rooms even at the best of times. I have a few small fans and one heater of my own in the room, but it's not enough to keep everyone comfortable on days like this, so we could use more. While they are one the list, they also could come from anywhere and we don't mind gently used ones, either combos like those listed or separate devices. Additionally, I have some backup Chromebook chargers on the list as there's always students needing to borrow and small supply carts to be used as student supply stations for each group. These are again things that if you have similar items at home you no longer need that could serve the job, we'll happily accept them.
This has gotten away from me and I feel like I'm probably rambling at this point because of the heat, so I'm going to wrap things up here. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns you might have. I'm also requesting that families look over students' current grades for all classes to ensure they are on the right track for 7th grade. As always, I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!