6th and 8th Grade Math
With Ms. Watkins
January 8, 2016
Happy New Year!
Office Hours (math help after school)
Monday's 3:15-4:00 in room 403 with Ms. Watkins
Wednesday's 3:15-4:00 in room 401 with Miss Brockman.
This is a time when students may come in and begin their homework, work on reassessment, or just receive additional help with math. All middle school students are welcome to come to either or both office hours.
Expectations:
- Work on math material first.
- Keep voices down so that everyone can focus on their own material.
- If a student wants or needs a snack, it must be nut free.
Middle School Math Reassessment Policy
6th Grade Math
This week the focus was on ratios, rates, and proportions. On Monday we talked about ratios and rates. We spoke about equivalent ratios and how a rate is a specific type of ratio and compares things with different forms of measurement. On Tuesday We talked about unit rates and how to calculate them. After this students were able to work on an activity lane where they calculated unit rates for different items. Wednesday our focus turned to proportions which is when two ratios are equal. Students worked collaboratively to identify if two ratios formed a proportion and solve for a missing piece of a proportion. At the end of class Students were able to practice solving percent problems using proportions. Thursday we reviewed ratios, rates, and proportions with a connect 4 game (unfortunately neither team was able to connect 4). Today they took their 5.1-5.4 quiz.
Next week I will talk about other applications of proportions such as similar figures, scale drawings, maps, and percents. On Thursday there will be review for the chapter 5 test and on Friday they will take their chapter 5 test.
There have been several times that I assign watching a video as part of the homework. This will continue throughout the year. I have talked with the class about the importance of watching the video and taking notes. If your child is having trouble accessing the video please arrange for them to come to school right at 7:40 so that they can watch it in my room on one of the school computers.
8th Grade Math
This week we began the linear and exponential relationships unit. On Monday students watched short videos and make graphs of the events they were watching. On Tuesday we were in the computer lab and students created graphs on student.desmos.com that related to carnival rides and filling glasses with water. For the first part of Wednesday's class I talked about functions and graphing. The remaining part of Wednesday's class as well as Thursday were taken up with catholic high school placement test practice tests. On Thursday students were able to share with me what topics they wanted more review/information about. Friday was review. Students were given individualized packets of information related to what they requested. Also on Friday I spoke with students individually and in small groups about material they had questions on.
On Monday I spoke about how the class will be changing with the two groups. I asked everyone to consider several factors some of which were: performance so far, amount of time they currently work on math homework, their goals, and extracurriculars. Students were able to let me know which group they wanted to be in and provide reasons for their. I wrote back with their group placement and gave them their assignment sheets on Wednesday. If you have not seen which group they are in please ask them. Please let me know if you have any questions. Next week on Monday is when the standard pace and accelerated pace groups will be different. As a side note I will also separate my newsletter for each group so that you can focus on what your child is learning. As we begin this process if you have any questions or concerns please let me know.
There will be several times that a video will be assigned as part or all of the homework for the rest of this year. If your child is having difficulty accessing or watching the videos please arrange for them to come to school right at 7:40 so that they can watch it in my room or in their homeroom on one of the school computers.