Wow! This first semester has flown by! During the second semester, our classes will be covering all basic operations involving both integers (positive and negative whole numbers) and all basic operations of positive and negative rational numbers (fractions/decimals/percent) AS WELL AS applying all of this to our problem-solving.  We will be using these concepts to solve problems involving time, rate, ratio, density, speed, etc.  We will also begin our study of geometry concepts

 

I have noticed that there are some learning gaps over concepts mastered during the 4th through 6th grades in some students.   Students will be using these concepts on a weekly, if not daily, basis.  Because our 50-minute classes are used for the learning of our 7th grade concepts, what could be done to help those students with these learning gaps?

 

I am offering a few suggestions and hoping that one might fit into parent's schedules:

 

1st:  Check the parent portal.  At the top of each grade for your child is the concept covered.  If the grade is lower than you feel it should be, ask your 7th grader  to show you  the assignment and go over the concept with him/her.  ALL STUDENTS are given back their graded assignments and have possession of them.

 

2nd: Make use of the Math Lab.  Math Lab is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the mornings from 7:30 to 8:00 and in the afternoons from 3:45 to 4:15.  This would be a perfect opportunity for your 7th grader to have some help with those weaker concepts or help with homework.

 

3rd:  On Mondays, ask to see the previous week's Weekly Quiz.  These are VERY important quizzes because 'quizzes and tests' count 50% of a student's average.  The quizzes cover only what your math student has had for the current week, as well as any concepts from previous years that connect with the concept studied.  For example:  adding and subtracting of decimals has been covered since 4th grade.  Our classes have just finished studying all other decimal concepts (including multiplying and dividing of both positive and negative decimals), briefly reviewing the adding and subtracting part of decimals.  However, since so much time was spent on it in the past, it might appear on the quiz.  I always tell the class on Monday what we are going to be studying and what will be on the Friday quiz.  Students have all week to prepare.

 

4th:  This week, I am having a BOOT CAMP on fractions and decimals.  Concepts covered will be adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators and adding/subtracting decimals.  BOOT CAMPS are going to be on those previously mastered concepts from 4th through 6th grade.   This will be on Tuesday afternoons, from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. We will be covering those concepts from the past years that were included on the quiz.  Look at your 7th grader's quiz, was the grade reflecting his/her personal best?  If not, then you might want to consider letting them attend BOOT CAMP!  Depending on student participation, this might become a weekly activity.

 

5th:  Quizzes and tests are ALWAYS allowed to be corrected ONCE only.  So...if the quiz grade isn't what a parent thinks it should be, the student is allowed to correct it once only.  Which means definite and complete PERSONAL BEST!  Correction of quizzes may be done either at home or in the Math Lab.

 

6th:  Please encourage your student to give personal best every day!  Many students do this regularly--taking charge of homework responsibilities, learning responsibilities, asking questions many,many times during our class times together so that when the student goes home, he/she is prepared for the day.

 

I totally understand that KJHS is MUCH different than JAA--having now taught at both schools.  So much more responsibility and ownership of learning is placed in the 7th grader's hands this year.  I am looking forward to working with parents to make this a successful math year for our students!!

 

Please let me know how I can help!  I love working with the students--it is my favorite part of teaching!