What an amazing first quarter the Sandpipers have had! Everyone has settled into the daily routine and has adjusted to "Middle School" life quite well. The holiday season has begun and with it many after school activities and family obligations. However, students are still expected to come to class each day prepared, with supplies and completed work, and ready to learn. Keeping Skills Sharp and ADD6 will continue as weekly homework and classwork assignments. ADD 6 is an excellent resource to introduce skills and concepts taught at a later date. Students will have a "heads up" or basic understanding when we begin, and will grasp the concepts with ease.
During the first quarter the Metric System was introduced. Students have been hard at work creating a mnemonic to help them convert measurements in the Metric System. Before Thanksgiving break the students will create a comic book illustrating their mnemonic and their understanding of how to convert within the Metric System.
The main area of study during the second quarter will be fractions. Multiplication is key component needed in order to be successful during the fraction unit. I will be giving a weekly timed multiplication test. Many students have already met or exceeded expectations, and many are very close.
Thank you for your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Grading Policy
65% = Class work, projects, and quizzes
25% = Tests
10% = Homework
Many students have the idea that due to its small percentage, homework does not affect their grade. It can mean the difference between an A and B. Your child will usually have only one homework assignment per week. Keeping Skills Sharp is handed out on Monday and is due Friday at the beginning of class. Class work is a very large percentage of your child’s grade. ADD 6 will be a weekly class work assignment, however,not the only one. I prefer to assign more class work than homework so I can assess how students are grasping the specific goal they are learning at the time. Tests and quizzes are very important as well. The tests given in my class will be in an “EOG” format. This means that I will use EOG type questions on the test, so students become comfortable with assessments that are similar to the EOG.
Math Binder &Composition Book
Organization is a very crucial skill for students to learn in middle school. Not only is it beneficial in middle school, but prepares them for the rigorous academics of high school. All of your child’s work will be kept in their math binder. Several times during each quarter the binder will come home for you to review their work. A signature sheet will be added to the binder for any questions or comments you may have.
Each day your child will be adding to their math notebook that will help ensure their success in my class. A composition book is a necessity for this task. Students need to learn how to correctly take notes. It is imperative that all students take notes and copy examples during class. Your child’s composition book is a perfect study tool for tests and quizzes.
Discipline
Students are expected to adhere to all behavior expectations set forth by WRMS. These expectations can be found in detail in your child’s agenda. In my classroom I have instituted the “M&M Manners” program. Each class is in competition with each other to fill their M&M jar first. Classes earn a scoop each day for cooperation, wise choices, and overall behavior. When the jar is full the class earns a party!
Second Quarter Activities
Divisibility Rules
Factors and Prime Factorization
Greatest Common Factor/Least Common Multiple
Fractions, Fractions and More Fractions
-convert decimal to fraction -compare and order -mixed numbers and improper fractions -add and subtract with like denominators -multiply and divide fractions -solve fraction equations (variables) -add and subtract with unlike denominators
Second Quarter Goals and Objectives
Goals in blue will be addressed this quarter
Strands:
Number and Operations, Measurement, Geometry,Data Analysis and Probability, Algebra
COMPETENCY GOAL 1:
The learner will understand and compute with rational numbers.
Objectives 1.01 Develop number sense for negative rational numbers.
Connect the model, number word, and number using a variety of representations, including the number line.
Compare and order.
Make estimates in appropriate situations.
1.02 Develop meaning for percents.
Connect the model, number word, and number using a variety of representations.
Make estimates in appropriate situations.
1.03 Compare and order rational numbers.
1.04 Develop fluency in addition,subtraction, multiplication, and division of non-negative rational numbers.
Analyze computational strategies.
Describe the effect of operations on size.
Estimate the results of computations.
Judge the reasonableness of solutions.
1.05 Develop fluency in the use of factors, multiples, exponential notation, and prime factorization.
1.06 Use exponential, scientific, and calculator notation to write very large and very small numbers.
1.07 Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation,estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.
COMPETENCY GOAL 2:
The learner will select and use appropriate tools to measure two- and three-dimensional figures.
Objectives 2.01 Estimate and measure length,perimeter, area, angles, weight, and mass of two- and three-dimensional figures, using appropriate tools.
2.02 Solve problems involving perimeter/circumference and area of plane figures.
COMPETENCY GOAL 3:
The learner will understand and use properties and relationships of geometric figures in the coordinate plane.
Objectives 3.01 Identify and describe the intersection of figures in a plane.
3.02 Identify the radius, diameter,chord, center, and circumference of a circle; determine the relationships among them.
3.03 Transform figures in the coordinate plane and describe the transformation.
3.04 Solve problems involving geometric figures in the coordinate plane.
COMPETENCY GOAL 4:
The learner will understand and determine probabilities.
Objectives 4.01 Develop fluency with counting strategies to determine the sample space for an event. Include lists, tree diagrams, frequency distribution tables, permutations,combinations, and the Fundamental Counting Principle.
4.02 Use a sample space to determine theprobability of an event.
4.03 Conduct experiments involving simple and compound events.
4.04 Determine and compare experimental and theoretical probabilities for simple and compound events.
4.05 Determine and compare experimental and theoretical probabilities for independent and dependent events.
4.06 Design and conduct experiments or surveys to solve problems; report and analyze results.
COMPETENCY GOAL 5:
The learner will demonstrate an understanding of simple algebraic expressions.
Objectives 5.01 Simplify algebraic expressions and verify the results using the basic properties of rational numbers.
Identity.
Commutative.
Associative.
Distributive.
Order of operations.
5.02 Use and evaluate algebraic expressions.
5.03 Solve simple (one- and two-step)equations or inequalities.
5.04 Use graphs, tables, and symbols to model and solve problems involving rates of change and ratios.
