SOLs Covered: 7.PFA.2 Expressions
Math Topic: 05 Simplifying Expressions
Daily Agenda: October 12-16, 2026
Upcoming Assessments: Topic 5 Expressions (Thurs. 10/29; Term 2 grade); Unit 3 Exp. & Equations (TBD)
Important Note: Grade for my class close/lock at midnight Mon. 10/26
Good afternoon! I'm keeping today's update brief as I have quite a bit to do before calling my work day complete, but today it's for the best possible reason! I previously mentioned our "rough patch" and how after reviewing my expecations with the kids, I fully implemented the reward system and "shopping" with their points to the class. They kids have fully embraced it and while a good chunk of that stems from their desire to buy treats for themselves, most of them are thinking a little deeper about it now, though that's coming in various forms and for various reasons.
As I mentioned, it has already become very expensive for myself, so I had to increase the "cost" of items; after some students started whining and complaining about the increase, I was able to talk about the financial side of things and concepts like inflation and supply-and-demand. They then had to think about spending their points more strategically, some even thinking towards the future as they also had to start paying the "rental fee" for chargers or "buying" a new copy of worksheets they'd lost. Students have thus started showing more responsibility for their belongings and since they also get "paid" to keep the classroom supplies neat and orderly, they're taking better care of my materials and all around being more mindful. Tardies to class have drastically decreased as that's another thing they can get "paid" for each day. Most importantly, both for the time it will save in class as well as for my own sanity, behaviors and attention have greatly improved.
As I mentioned, it has gotten very expensive, so if you are willing and able to help, here's my class Amazon Wishlist. As I said last week, you can buy directly from the list if you want to contribute or use that as an idea list and purchase the same or similar items from anywhere (brands/amounts are not important) and send to/drop off at school. If you are unable to buy yourself (which I 100% get even if the best of times, but especially with the current economy) but think you might have friends/family willing and able to help, please feel free to share the list. A huge thank you to the Townsend and Ellis families as well as to some of my own family and friends for their contributions! The kids were soooo excited when they logged into my PBIS Rewards store and saw the new additions.
In regards to this week's math, the students found themselves with a new way to earn points as we've been using math manipulatives for some of our work in the form of algebra tiles. The point component goes back to the tidying element previously mentioned, but also using them appropriately and by actively particpating in during activities. The kids were intimidated by the work at first as they heard "algebra" and started to worry, but most realized that adding the element of the tiles can make aspects easier. This week we were only working on combining like terms, which will include an introduction to the distributive property next week, but something that can be tricky at first glance became much easier when they were able to literally manipulate the terms using the tiles. Again, this work will continue into next week and will greatly help their understanding when we do get around to solving equations.
Well, that became much longer than I set out to write, but it covers the highlights with extra attention to the students' favorite part of the week. I'm incredibly proud of how the students have responded and while I know some of it is due to their own desire to get treats for themselves, I can see that they're thinking about why I have the expectations I do. They can see how much better they are compared to some of the classes around us, they're seeing how the work is easier when they've given their full attention, and they're reflecting on their own actions as a result of both.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Again as there are only two weeks left this term, 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. Hope you all have an amazing weekend!