As we work through new math concepts, we have some tools in our toolbox to help us. One of the things we have, and cannot underestimate, is our prior knowledge in math. The concepts we have learned in K-6 can sometimes help us solve new problems without knowing the formal algorithms for doing so. When attempting to solve problems that are challenging, I always ask myself, "Is there anything I already know that can help me solve this new concept." Prior knowledge is important, as mathematics is truly a progression.
In 7th grade, we will work a lot on using math tools. We forget that drawings are tools to help us. The first two weeks of class have seen us focusing on number lines. A number line is a tool! I want to see our students using tools to "fix" math problems. A student who truly understands a new concept should be able to solve it in a variety of ways. A number line is a tool--but it's also proof. As a teacher, I am lucky to have a powerful tool in my toolbox. It is a program called i-Ready. This week your student is working on the diagnostic test. We are running a diagnostic on your student! The information I will receive allows me to know the individual abilities of each of my students. Using this information, I can differentiate, monitor growth, and check that your student is on track with grade-level objectives and goals. My expectation is that each student pass one math i-Ready lesson each week. Along with the lesson, your student will have a note-taking form. Notes are another tool that cannot be underestimated. Tools are only as useful as we make them. A hammer cannot fix something when it is sitting on a table. Our brains, math tools (drawings, number lines, graphs), class websites and communications, math help online, class notebooks, and the math teacher are all items we have at our disposable to help us be successful as mathematicians. It is how we use our tools that matters as we build our mathematical understanding.
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"I'm just not good at math." These words echo through my room each August from a handful of students who have decided that math is just not their thing. Time and experience in math has taught them frustration and closed their minds to mathematics. It's time for a change! How we talk about math can impact how we DO in math. One of the things we will talk about in class this year is "growth mindset." A growth mindset means that we believe in our ability to improve and encounter failure with resilience. We are working on the "Power of Yet." We may not be there...yet...but what a ride it will be on the journey to success. Please watch this video with your student and discuss how it could impact our math classroom this year! www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve Integers are all around us! We don't always think about them, but they are there. An integer is any positive or negative "counting" number. For example, 1, 2, 3 or -1, -2, -3. During this unit, students will understand the methods for solving addition and subtraction of integers. However, our goal is for students to also understand why there are rules, and what it means about the world around us. What are situations where you use negative numbers? Why is it important to learn? |
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