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• Warm up puzzles and turn in homework

• Review challenging homework problems as a group

• Bingo, jeopardy, or specific math game or direct instruction to review and deepen pre-algebra foundations.

• Updating notebook table of contents and time to work on foundational concepts — classwork problems

• Brief recess

• New Algebra concepts - deduce patterns, modeling a new algebraic concept (such as factoring a polynomial) with algebra tiles to intuit the rules, then direct instruction and note taking.

• Time to work independently or with a partner on new algebra concepts. Sometimes time to start homework.

• Practice quiz or real quiz to enhance recall

• Discussion and practice of smart studying techniques

We use Algebra Lab Gear manipulatives to give students a visual and kinesthetic foundation for understanding algebra as well as review games and direct instruction.

Students build expressions using x, x-squared, y, y-squared, xy manipulatives and base-ten blocks.

This hands-on and visual-geometric foundation enables students to make the leap from concrete to abstract thinking which is at the heart of algebra thus facilitating a deeper conceptual understanding rather than simply a rote memorization of algorithms.

Students learn to factor quadratic expressions using blocks, simplify complicated looking expressions, even multiply polynomials and divide. After modeling problems, we then apply these skills to traditional pencil and paper problems. Student comprehension increases significantly when students can model problems with algebra tiles first, then work with paper and pencil representations. The subsequent transition to abstract manipulation of terms in expressions in equations becomes intuitive after using Algebra Tiles.

Games make learning fun!

Some math concepts need time to sink in so we often play math games to introduce new concepts.

Games help students become familiar with math vocabulary and to lay a foundation for more complicated problems. Then when we delve into the hard topics they feel familiar and students have the tools to handle them.

We also use games to review old material, pique curiosity, and for the sheer joy of solving a good math puzzle.

Students with a solid and deep pre-algebra foundation succeed at algebra.

Therefore, we review & deepen pre-algebra foundations then preview difficult algebra topics before diving directly into new material.

REVIEW: 60% of the algebra sections in our textbook are a review of pre-algebra concepts we studied the previous year. The other 40% builds directly upon that pre-algebra foundation. That means students need to be rock solid on pre-algebra to master algebra. Therefore, our class spends time deepening student mastery of pre-algebra concepts to solidify our algebraic foundations.

Weekly in-class review helps students keep their math vocabulary and problem solving skills current. Classwork pre-algebra review takes the form of

• games,

• direct instruction,

• practice problems and

• micro-quizzes.

Homework also includes review problems to keep skills sharp.

DEEPEN: We use a combination of Art of Problem Solving pre-algebra problems, algebra tiles work, and custom handouts to deepen our understanding of fundamental pre-algebra and algebraic concepts.

Review Problems

Students do review problems with most homework sets to help them remember what they’ve already learned.

Class time to practice tricky problems

After I introduce a new concept, students have time to practice those types of problems. Student can also volunteer to show their peers how they approached a problem. This helps solidify their understanding as they develop the vocabulary (and confidence) to teach concepts!

Curated Video Library

I have a curated library of online videos for at home reinforcement covering most topics. Students may watch demonstrations of how to solve similar problems once they get home if they need more reinforcement or they need to watch a slightly different explanation of how to tackle a problem.

Parents students aren’t stuck sifting through dozens of mediocre or partially relevant videos while looking for a good one! I’ve already found the best videos pertaining to our homework sets to save time.

I hope so!

I purposely make time for students to build friendships. That’s what I wanted for my own kids when I started Farm School: deep social connections and rigorous academics.

Short brain breaks during class and a lunch recess following Tuesday’s class means time for students to chat and socialize.

Having math buddies makes learning more fun. Being part of a community matters, especially to middle school and high school students!