1. Mathematics in 6 th Grade is an active pursuit…

2. Mathematics in 6 th Grade at the Northwest School Is the first of a two-year Pre-Algebra/Pre-Geometry course Is not a packaged “6 th grade math” program Is not “tracked,” but we offer differentiated instruction Pre-assessments Open-ended problems/projects Assignment options

3. What do we (the Northwest School math department) mean when we use the term differentiation? In each course we offer, we have identified the essential topics of study. For each topic, we use formal and informal assessments to identify the level of understanding each student has of the topic. Some students need to be introduced to the topic, some need practice and refinement, and others are ready to look deeper into these topics.

4. Mathematics in 6 th Grade at the Northwest School Consists of: Basic skills review/practice/enrichment Fractions/Decimal computation Number Sense Number facts – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division Place value Units of Study Problem Solving and Mathematical communication (Problems of the Week – POW)

5. Basic Skills Instruction:

6. How much is a million? 0 1,000,000,000,000 Understanding numbers – for example:

7. How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000? (average one number every 2 seconds) A little bit more than 23 days How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000,000? (average one number every 2 seconds) About 63.5 years How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000,000,000? About 63,000 years

8. Units of Study Data Organization, Analysis, and Graphing Number Theory and Relationships (divisibility, factoring, integers, exponents, roots, etc …) Ratio—Proportion—Percent Similarity Probability Algebraic Thinking/ Formulas Geometric Concepts

9. Problem Solving/Mathematical Communication – Problem of the Week

10. Some Common Problem Solving Strategies: Act Out or Use Objects - use labels or objects to “act out” the scenario Make a Picture or Diagram – this helps you get a sense of the “big picture” Use or Make a Chart or Table - make sure this is organized and includes labels Make an Organized List - make sure this includes labels as well Guess and Check – keep a written record so you can see when you are getting close Use or Look for a Pattern – use a table to look for relationships (factors, multiples…) Work Backwards – start from the ending statement and work back Use Logical Reasoning - use if… then… statements Make it Simpler - can you use smaller numbers than correct at the end? Brainstorm - think “outside the box!” You’ll notice no algebraic formulas on this list. This is on purpose.

11. - Account for how your brain works. Be intentionally open to learning. - Establish a process for solving problems. - Use multiple approaches and ways to solve problems. For example, visualize problems and solutions, draw a picture. - Look for connections….ask and apply. - Look for patterns….ask and apply. - Find mathematical equivalence. Mathematical Habits of Mind

12. - Ask why of yourself and others. - Represent mathematical ideas in a variety of ways. - Communicate your thinking both verbally and in writing. - Attend to precision and check your accuracy. - Persevere. Tinker, try stuff, be willing to make mistakes and don’t erase them. Take a risk. Mathematical Habits of Mind continued

13. Text: Glencoe’s Pre-Algebra Student log-in: c20fe2a022 This information will be provided to students when they receive their books

14. Homework We believe that students need to practice or review material at home. Students can expect homework 3-4 days a week for about 15-20 minutes each time. There will often be time to start the homework in class. Students will need to work on projects at home as well.

15. Resources and Help: Teacher Pages – Use these for checking on due dates, downloading documents, and contacting us. These pages are especially helpful when your child is absent. Homework Support – BY APPOINTMENT Before School: Sue in Lower Floor Math After School: Erica and/or LP in Carson on Wednesdays.