"Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithms: it is about understanding."
~ Mark Paul Thurston
If your child uses their time effectively in the classroom, homework will be minimal from me. I design each period so that time is given to work on the required tasks. This is done so I can work with students directly, assist and move forward when needed. However, if a task is not completed at school it is expected to be for the next time we meet. Due to the uncertainty of this year, this policy could change but I will communicate this with students and parents if a change needs to be made.
It is also recommended that students practice math facts at home. By being able to recall facts quickly it will help them to focus on new topics that are presented. It is also recommended that students review the work we have been doing in class through Google classroom at least once a week to ensure understanding and retention.
Students will be assessed on their ability to solve problems, their ability to communicate their thinking in math, what strategies they use to solve problems, and their ability to apply what they know to new situations (ex. using the area of various shapes in a real-life context). But please note that getting the right answer (knowledge and understanding) is the smallest piece of a child’s assessment in math.
I will be using many different approaches to assessing your child this year. Some of these methods include observation, conferencing, and product completion. It is important to note that what I am able to send home with your child is a small part of what is being assessed. If I ever have any concerns about your student I will make sure to contact you and likewise, if you ever have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me using either method listed below.
You will notice that we will cover topics more than once during the year. I will be using recursive teaching to allow students to recall and master topics that will be important for grade 9 math. If a student struggles with a topic in the fall, they may find that when they go back later in the year and try it again, something has clicked and they understand it better.
Many people have mixed feelings about math but the truth is, everyone is capable of learning math. It is a skill like any other that needs to be nurtured and practiced in order to get better. These are the key messages that I want to reinforce with students:
Everyone is capable of doing math. There is no such thing as a “math brain”, everyone is capable of learning the math if they work hard and are resilient. This is also known as having a growth mindset.
If you're not struggling then you're not learning. It may seem counter intuitive but it is an important message to students and teachers alike. If someone is always getting the right answer the first time then they are not learning. We need to struggle and get some wrong answers in order to learn and grow.