12/15/14 - Updates :)

All math classes are taking their Math MAPS test this week.

The students are also working on finishing their independent and dependent variables project.  The students are producing great work :)

Study Island:  I will be giving students their login information soon.  The students will be given a pre-test over the 6th grade math standards.  I have also created some assignments for after the holiday break.  We will be having some lab days to work in Study Island.

No ESS this week.  ESS will begin again on January 12th.  

Stay Well :)

12/9/2014 - Field Trip

We had a great field trip to the movies today.  The kids had great manners and received several compliments for their good behavior.

Reminder:   Math Maps testing starts this Thursday

HAVE A GREAT EVENING!  :)

12/8/2014 - Update on Projects and Reminders

Independent and Dependent Variables Project
Today the students starting working on a project that focuses on dependent and independent variables.  The students were given class time today to work on the project in the library.  The students were given the details and examples for the four requirements.  Also a grading rubric was given to the students detailing what is required to receive full credit.  The project will be counted as a test grade.

Upcoming MAP Math Test
Students will be taking their winter math map tests on Friday, December 12th through Tuesday, December 16th.  Please ensure your students are rested and have a good breakfast. :)

Being Prepared for Class
Students are required to bring their math binder and pencil to class.  Students cannot have gum or drinks in class.



P.O.D.
The Problem of the Day scores are related to the daily problems posted as bellringers on the board each day.  If a student is absent they are required to borrow and copy another student's P.O.D.

12/1/14 - Inverse Operations and One-step Equations

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!

General Math
Today we focused on what inverse operations are.  The students completed a Frayer Model with notes.  All students mastered identifying inverse operations today :)  Tonight's homework was a review of translating expressions into phrases.  Most students completed it during class.

Accelerated Math
Today we worked on inverse operations and using inverse operations to solve one-step equations.  We always learned how to use substitution to check our answers.

On the homework, problems 1-9 can be answered mentally (without showing work).  However for problems 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23 ALL steps and checks must be shown in order to receive credit.  I have explained to the students that being able to show the steps is critical in order to solve more difficult equations with multiple steps.

These videos are very helpful and shows the steps just as we did in class.  On the check......the only addition step is I asked the students to re-write the original equation before substituting in the answer for the check.

11/19 - Grades are updated!

Grade Reports
Every student will be receiving a math grade report tomorrow along with any missing homework assignments and/or missing ERQ.  If your student has a POD (Problem of the Day) for a week they can borrow another students' to copy.

No name assignments will be recycled.  The students have been warned about this multiple times.  Today I had 4 assignments turned in the late bin without a name.  I will give 80% late credit on all completed homework assignments.  Students MUST show their work in order to receive credit.  The students are all aware of this policy.

If your student returns the grade report with a parent or guardian signature by this Friday, November 21st they will receive EXTRA CREDIT,


General Math Updates
Today we continued to work on translating mathematical expressions into phrases and phrases in mathematical expressions.  The students completed a matching task that allowed them to cut and glue the matches.  They seemed to enjoy it :)  If the students did not finish the activity they are to finish it tonight for homework.

The students will have a quiz on Friday.  The unit exam will be next Tuesday.

Accelerated Math Updates
Today we continued to work on substituting given values in expressions and translating between mathematical expressions and phrases.  The students will be having their unit exam this Friday.  The exam will cover:

• Combining like terms
• Substituting values for variables in expressions
• Translating phrases into mathematical expressions
• Translating mathematical expressions into phrases

Grades Updates

I will be updating grades this evening in Infinite Campus.  I will post a message once I have them all posted.  Stay warm tonight :)

11/13/14 - Combining Like Terms

All the students have worked very hard this week.  On Monday, the students completed an extended response question on multiples.  We have also been working on substitution and combining like terms.  We will continue to work on these concepts tomorrow.

Simplify Algebraic Expressions Using Distributive Property

Combining Like Terms

Combining Like Terms Game

11/6/14 - Update

Reminder:  All students must show their work to receive credit for math homework.

Periods 1 & 2
We continued to make great progress today.  Almost all students have mastered rewriting addition problems by factoring out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).  The students were given a notes sheet with a detailed example to keep for their reference.  The students had 6 problems for homework tonight.  Tomorrow we will be taking a quiz.

Periods 4 & 5
Today we started working on using distributive property to distribute factors after we did some fun station work.  The students caught on very quickly.  The students have 12 problems that are due tomorrow and a review that is due Monday.  The students received both of these assignments on one page today.  Tomorrow we will be taking a quiz.

Period 6
Today we started working on using distributive property to distribute factors.  The problems included both positive and negative integers.  The students caught on very quickly.  The students have 24 problems that are due tomorrow and a review that is due Monday.  The students received both of these assignments on one page today.  Tomorrow we will be taking a quiz.

Helpful information:  Khan Academy Video

11/5/14 - Distributive Property Update

We are still working on factoring out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) using distributive property.

Periods 1 & 2
The students had 2 problems for homework tonight.

Periods 4, 5 & 6 
The students in these classes did not have any homework.

General Updates
I am working on posting grades.  Many students have not been completing homework.  Please check Infinite Campus to see your student's current grade.

Tomorrow we will be working in small groups rotating in stations.  We will be completing an extended response question before the end of this week as well.

Our next unit will be on expressions and equations.  We should be starting it in all classes at some point next week.

Please remember that ESS is offered after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 4:10.  ESS has been very helpful for many of my students in the past.

10/29/14 - Updates

All classes will have a quiz on Friday.  The quiz will cover least common multiple (LCM), greatest common factor (GCF) and prime versus composite numbers.

The unit test will most likely be next Friday.

1st & 2nd Periods
Today we worked on solving real world problems using LCM and GCF.  Period 1 homework was problems 2, 4, 6, 13, and 14.  Period 2 homework was problems 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 16.

4th, 5th and 6th Periods
We started working on factoring out GCF for addition problems using distributive property.  Periods 4 and 5 did not have homework.  6th Period had 6 problems.

10/27/14 - GCF/LCM Update

General Math
Most students continued to work on GCF and LCM.  The students were to complete their remaining practice problems for homework.  Most students worked on more GCF and LCM practice.  However, some students were able to move on to solving real world problems using GCF and LCM.  Tomorrow we will work on solving real world problems using GCF and LCM and possibly start on distributive property.

Video: How to find GCF using factor trees


Video: Finding GCF using a list of factors


Video: Finding LCM of two numbers

Accelerated Math
Today the students worked on solving real world problems using GCF and LCM.  The students were to complete the remaining word problems for homework.  Tomorrow we will be starting to work on using GCF with distributive property.

All Classes
Target Test Date for LCM, GCF, and Distributive Property is this Friday, October 31st

Extra Practice: GCF Game

Extra Practice: LCM Game

10/20/2014 - Prime Factorization

All Classes

Today we started our new unit on Greatest Common Factors (GCF), Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Distributive Property.  The students completed a graphic organizer on prime and composite numbers. We practiced using factor trees to find prime factorization.  The students had to finish the practice problems for homework tonight.

In all classes we watched a catchy video with a song to help students remember how to use factor trees for finding prime factorization

In Infinite Campus you will notice a new category named "Formative Assessment".  This category has zero impact to your student's grade.  Today the students completed an exit slip asking them to find the prime factorization of a number.  I entered the formative assessment results as an assignment with zero value in Infinite Campus.  I report using the following letters:  A - Absent; Y - 100% mastery; P - Partial understanding; N - Did not understand concept.  All students that did not receive a "Y" will participate in a small group re-teaching session during the next class.  At the conclusion of the class the student will be re-assessed to see if they mastered the concept.

10/09/2014 - Update before Fall Break

This week the students finished presenting their integer projects.   Many of the projects were very impressive!  Thanks to all the support at home on these projects.

The link below is a presentation recorded by one student teaching how to add and subtract integers:

Adding and Subtracting Integers

Upcoming Events:

• Explorers bowling field trip tomorrow
• Fall break next week - No school

After Fall Break we will be starting our Factors and Multiples Unit.

10/07/2014 - Unit Test Tomorrow

All classes will be taking the Coordinate Plane Unit test.

10/2/2014 - Friday

General Math - Integer Timeline Projects Due

Accelerated Math - Homework - Quadrants
Quiz tomorrow

10/1/14 - Quadrants and Integers

General Math
We learned about the four quadrants on the coordinate plane.  We took good notes for the students to use as a reference.  The students were to finish their practice for homework.

Timeline Integer Projects are due Friday.

Accelerated Math
We worked on adding and subtracting integers.  The students will be creating their own 10 integer addition and subtraction problems tonight and solving them.  The problems should be a mix of positive and negative integers.  Also the graphing mystery picture is due tomorrow.

Integer operation projects are due Monday.

09/30/2014 - Mystery Pictures

Reminder:  All work must be shown in order for students to receive homework credit.

General Math
All classes worked on a mystery ordered pair picture.  This assignment was homework if it was not finished in class.

Integer timeline projects are due this Friday, October 3rd.

The next unit test will be next Wednesday, October 10th.

Accelerated Math
The students have some more integer operation practice due tomorrow.

A mystery graphing picture was also assigned and is due on Thursday.

The students had 30 minutes of class time to work on these assignments after we did a few examples on the board.  I walked around and helped students with any questions.

The students will have a quiz this Friday, October 3rd.  The quiz will cover integer operations (add, subtract, multiply, and divide) as well as graphing on a coordinate plane.

The integer operations projects are due on Monday, October 6th.

The next unit test will be next Wednesday, October 10th.

09/29/14 Update

The Multiple Choice results from Test 2 have been posted in Infinite Campus.  ALL CLASSES had an average above 80% for the multiple choice portion of the test.

General Math
Today in general math we started on our graphing unit.  The students did some independent research on ordered pairs.  After a few minutes we discussed their findings as a whole class.  Then we practiced/reviewed how to plot ordered pairs on a coordinate plane.  The students' homework was to finish their practice.  Most students were able to finish their homework in class.

Integer Timeline Projects are due this Friday, October 3rd.

Games for Extra Practice - Ordered Pairs Graphing

http://www.brainpop.com/games/gameovergopher/

http://www.mathplayground.com/locate_aliens.html

http://hotmath.com/hotmath_help/games/ctf/ctf_hotmath.swf

Accelerated Math
Today in accelerated math we also reviewed ordered pairs and graphing on a coordinate plane.  The students took notes and practiced graphing and assigning ordered pairs in class.  We reviewed the graphing practice during class.

Next we discussed and took notes in our foldable on multiplying and dividing integers.  After a few examples the students started on their homework on multiplying and dividing integers.

Those students that did not receive a 100% (3 out of 3) on T2LT4 - adding/subtracting integers will be completing more practice for homework tomorrow night.  On Friday we will be taking a quiz that can replace the score on T2LT4.  It is very important that all the students in accelerated math can master integer operations.

The integer projects are due on Monday, October 6th.

Games for Extra Practice - Integer Operations

http://www.mathnook.com/math/bike-racing-math-integer.html

http://www.math-play.com/multiplying-and-dividing-integers-game.html

09/24/2014 - Integers Unit Test Tomorrow

All classes will have a unit test covering integers tomorrow.  

Math ESS (after school tutoring) is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 4:10 pm.  Please send a note with your student if they have permission to stay.  

General Math (Periods 1, 2, 4 & 5)

Project
On Friday, September 26th the students will have a whole class period to work on their integer timeline project.  The students will need a poster board to put their timeline on.  Today we went over the requirements.  Tomorrow I will actually be giving the students a copy of the project requirements.

The final project is due by Friday, October 3rd.  This grade will be counted as a project grade in the Test/Quiz/Projects.  The project will be worth 15 total points which is equivalent to a test grade.  The students will have the scoring rubric.  We also discussed the requirements to receive 100% in class.  This Friday will be the only class time allotted for completing this project.  If the students do not complete the project this Friday they will need to finish it at home.

Upcoming Unit
The upcoming unit will be focused on graphing using a coordinate plane.  The students will learn how to solve real world problems by graphing ordered pairs on a coordinate plane.

Accelerated Math
On Friday, September 26th the students will have a whole class period to work on their integer operations project.  Some students will need a poster board to put their timeline on.  However the students have a total of 9 options for their project. Today the students received a copy of the project options and grading rubric.  The students only have to complete one of the nine projects.

The final project is due by Monday, October 6th.  This grade will be counted as a project grade in the Test/Quiz/Projects.  The project will be worth 25 total points which is equivalent to a test grade.  This Friday will be the only class time allotted for completing this project.  If the students do not complete the project this Friday they will need to finish it at home.

Upcoming Unit
The upcoming unit will be focused on graphing using a coordinate plane.  The students will learn how to solve real world problems by graphing ordered pairs on a coordinate plane.  In addition, we will continue working on integer operations (including multiplication and division.)

Grades Report

I have updated the grades with everything I have from the students at this point.  Tomorrow I will be sending home detailed grade reports.  Students will receive extra credit if they return them signed by a parent and/or guardian.

Signatures for students with A, B, or C are optional.  Signatures for students with a grade of D or F are required.

09/28/2014 - Integers Update

All classes will have a quiz on integers tomorrow.  The quiz will cover absolute value, opposites, ordering integers, and graphing integers on a number line.

General Math
Today we practiced solving real-world problems using integers with pair partners.  Most classes were able to finish the practice and discuss the solutions prior to the end of class.  The only exception was 4th period.  Most students finished but not all...so tonight the homework for 4th period is to finish that practice.

I wanted to give you a heads up that next week we will be doing an integer timeline project.  Details about the project will be given to the students next week.  The students will need a posterboard for this project.  The students will have time in class to work on the project.

The students were given the opportunity to take their short answer and extended response answer home to re-do prior to receiving a score for the Unit 1 Test.  The students were warned that they HAD to return it in order to receive any credit.  I have several students that have not returned their responses even after reminders. Once I have entered all scores for those I have received  I will be entering zeros and marking these as missing.

Accelerated Math
Today we started on adding integers.  We added notes to the Integer Operations foldable.  We also started practicing adding integers with the same sign and integers with different signs.  The homework for today was three real world word problems.  Tomorrow after the quiz we will be continuing to practice on adding and subtracting integers.  

As we continue to work on integer operations the students will be assigned an "Integer Tic-Tac-Toe Project".  The students will select one of the nine projects to complete.  The details and project options will be given to the students next week.

09/16/2014 - Integers

Today all classes took a Pre-Test over Integers.  In most classes we were able to start on the Integers unit.  I have summarized today's activities and homework by period below:

1st period
All students took the integers pretest.  

2nd period
All students took the integers pretest.  We started on opposites, the opposites of opposites, integers on number lines, and integers for real world situations.  Homework:  Front side of Practice sheet

4th period & 5th period
All students took the integers pretest.  We started on opposites, the opposites of opposites, integers on number lines, and integers for real world situations.

Homework:  Front & Back side of Practice sheet  

(Most students finished the homework in class.)

6th period
All students took the integers pretest.  We started on opposites, the opposites of opposites, integers on number lines, integers for real world situations and absolute value.

Homework:  Two sheets of Practice Front and Back

(Most students finished the homework in class.)

09/15/2014 - Wrap-Up Unit 1

General Math
Today the students were on a normal schedule.   We discussed and reviewed the scoring requirements for short answer and extended response questions.  We also reviewed some examples and discussed how the responses would be scored and why.  The students have an opportunity to complete a self-reflection as homework tonight.  The students also were given their short answer and ERQ responses to edit before tomorrow since this was their first Unit Test.  Normally the students will not have the opportunity to revise their responses for full credit.  The final version returned tomorrow will be scored and recorded for Unit Test 1.

Tomorrow the students will be completing a Pre-Test for Unit 2 - Integers.

Accelerated Math
Today we discussed and reviewed the scoring requirements for short answer and extended response questions.  We also reviewed some examples and discussed how the responses would be scored and why. The students then completed a self-reflection on the short-answer and extended response questions.  I will be reviewed these self-reflections and scoring the responses this week.

Tomorrow the students will be completing a Pre-Test for Unit 2 - Integers.

If your student would like to purchase an App for extra integer practice, the following App could be used:  Integer Operations Practice App

Additional Practice

Additional Math Practice by Standard

09/08/2014 - Test Tomorrow

All math classes will be taking the unit test on decimals & fractions tomorrow.  Today we played a Jeopardy review game to prepare for the test tomorrow.

Extra Practice - Games

Today we worked on dividing fractions using both calculations (KFC) and models.  Monday we will be reviewing for our unit test on Tuesday.  I have listed some games that might be helpful for students that need or want to practice more.

Dividing Fractions


Decimals: Choose Add, Subtract, Multiply, & Division

09/04/2014 - Dividing Fractions & Upcoming Unit Test

Today your students worked on dividing fractions.  They learned and practiced dividing fractions using both a calculation and a model.  All classes took notes and an example of each type of problem.  Periods 2, 4, 5, & 6 have homework that is due tomorrow.

Video: Using models to divide fractions by fractions

Unit Test
We will be having a Unit Test on Tuesday, September 9th.  The test will cover adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals and dividing fractions with and without models.  On Monday, we will be reviewing for this test.

Math MAP Exams
The students will be begin taking their Fall Math MAPS exams on Wednesday, September 10th.  If your student has math during 1st or 5th period they will take their Math MAP exam on Wednesday, September 10th.  If your student has math during 2nd or 6th period they will take their Math MAP exam on Thursday, September 11th.  If your student has math during 4th period they will take their Math MAP exam on Friday, September 12th.

09/02/14 - More Decimals Practice

This week the students are on an alternative schedule due to the Reading MAP testing.  Today my math periods 1 and 5 had a block schedule (almost 2 hours) and 4th period had a class that was normal (50 minutes).  We continued to work on decimal problems.  All students worked very hard today.  

The Math MAPs testing will be next week.

No Homework for tonight :)

08/28/2014 - Dividing Decimals

Quiz Tomorrow - Multiplying and Dividing Decimals

General Math
Today we reviewed last night's homework and worked on more decimal division problems.  All classes were able to start on tonight's homework.

Accelerated Math

Today we reviewed last night's homework and started a shopping spree activity.  The students have some fun homework for tonight that should only take a few minutes to complete.

Missing Homework/Absences

I just wanted to let everyone know about my homework/grading policy.  Several students did not have their homework completed yesterday :(

All make up work (late and absent) is turned in to the pink labelled bin in the front of the room.  I normally only enter these scores once weekly.  So if your student has told you they turned something in but you cannot see it in Infinite Campus yet, please do not be alarmed unless it has been more than a week.

Absences
If a student has an excused absence the student will receive full credit once the completed homework has been turned in.  I do mark the assignment missing but will typically also add comments that the student will receive full credit once the homework has been turned in.  If your student is absent on Friday they will need to turn in their P.O.D. for the week once they return.

Late/Uncompleted Homework
Homework is graded primarily on completion.  So if a student has given their best effort and showed their work (and its completed on time) they will receive 100% credit.  Students MUST show all their steps/work to receive homework credit.  In addition, they must have the homework on the due date unless another arrangement has been made.  I do accept late work but the student will only receive 80%.

If you have specific questions please just let me know.

08/27/2014 - Dividing Decimals

I was very proud of the behavior my students displayed for my substitute yesterday.  They were very respectful and on-task.  :)

Today we worked on dividing numbers with decimals.  Some students remembered how to divide decimals from 5th grade.  However, many students seemed to struggle with long division of whole numbers.  The students have less than 10 problems to complete for homework tonight.

Dividing by multi-digit decimal video

Dividing Decimals Game for Extra Practice

Dividing multi-digit numbers

08/25/2014 - Multiplying Decimals

Today we are learning and practicing multiplying decimals.  The students completed notes on how to multiply decimals in their foldables.  We then practiced a few problems before they begin their homework.  The students need to complete the "Multiplying Decimals" sheet for homework.  It should be about 9 problems since we did a few of them in class.  We worked examples using both the traditional and lattice methods for multiplication.

This is a short video that may provide some additional help on multiplying decimals:

Multiplying Decimals Video

This game could be used for extra practice on multiplying decimals:

Multiplying Decimals Practice Game

If your student needs more practice multiplying whole numbers, this game should give them some extra practice:

Multiplying Whole Numbers

08/21/2014 - More Decimals

Quiz Tomorrow for all Math classes - Review from Minute Math, adding decimals, and subtracting decimals

Grades for this week will be posted after the quiz.  

General Math
The students checked and corrected homework problems on adding and subtracting decimals today.  Then we used stations to practice and review adding and subtracting decimals.

Accelerated Math
We started practicing multiplying decimals.

Extra Practice 

http://www.math-play.com/decimal-math-games.html

08/20/2014 - More Adding/Subtracting Decimals

Today in all classes we reviewed the homework from last night.  :)  For all assignments the students must always show their work.  They can either show it on the sheet with the problem if it will fit or on their own paper.  We also discussed that calculators cannot be used to do homework unless I have specify instructed them to use calculators.

We will have a Quiz on Friday that includes a few review problems (from Minute Math) as well as adding and subtracting decimals.

General Math
We had another great day :)  Tonight the students will be completing some more practice problems for adding and subtracting decimals.  Most of the students did have time to start their homework in class.  And in some classes we were able to practice some real world problems using decimals.  Some students had worked ahead on it last night.  These students had time to double check their work using inverse operations.

Homework - Adding and Subtracting Decimals (back of last night's homework sheet)

Accelerated Math
We had a very busy and exciting day today.  After reviewing homework the students worked on some real-world addition and subtraction problems.  We will be starting on multiplying and dividing decimals tomorrow.  No homework for tonight  :)

08/18/2014 - Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Today we had a GREAT DAY!  We worked on adding and subtracting decimals.  We completed a foldable on decimal operations.  Periods 1, 2, 4, and 5 have a Frayer Model on decimals to complete for homework tonight.  Period 6 has a Frayer model and some practice problems.  All classes had time to begin their homework.

Decimals

Today in all classes we began with the Problem of the Day (P.O.D.) and Minute Math. My students learned the procedure of entering class, filling out agendas, and beginning on the P.O.D. posted. We will be working on adding and subtracting decimals tomorrow. Next we will be learning multiplication and division with decimals. We will be having our first quiz this Friday. The quiz will include some problems from the minute math for this week and some decimal operation problems.

1st Week

Welcome to 6th grade math! This week we focused on school wide expectations for the first two days. Today we focused on my classroom expectations and putting together the student's math binder. If your student did not have their binder today they took notes on how to label their 5 tabs so that they could put it together at home. All students received a letter from me and a class syllabus. If they have a parent or guardian sign their name on them to show they showed them to you they will receive extra credit. I will be looking in binders on Monday to check for signatures. We had a great week :)

All About Mrs. Insko

Welcome to 6th Grade Math

I want to welcome my new students to 6th Grade Math.  This year this blog should be a helpful resource for both students and their parents and guardians.  I am very excited about this year!  I look forward to meeting each of you in person.