Honors Pre-Algebra + Math 8

Math taught well is interesting!

We talk about how these concepts we’re learning pertain to real life (Mortages? running your own business? car loans? discounts at stores? architecture? It’s all there in math!)

Along the way we’ll play math games to pique curiosity, learn to look for patterns, and for the sheer joy of solving a good math puzzle.  I also introduce puzzles to help students become familiar with math vocabulary and to lay a foundation for more complicated problems.

Modeling

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 get to build expressions using x, x², y, y², 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.   They can factor quadratic expressions using blocks, simplify complicated looking expressions, even multiply polynomials and divide them.

After modeling problems, we then solidify our ability to simplify expressions, begin factoring expressions, and solve basic equations through traditional pencil and paper practice problems and games.  

Some math concepts need time to sink in so we explore them in the form of games and small snippets weeks before we dive into that topic fully. This builds prior knowledge so students aren’t overwhelmed by new vocabulary and new concepts all at once.

Students do review problems with every homework set to help them remember what they’ve learned to keep skills sharp. We also play review games to keep our math vocabulary and problem solving skills current.

For at home reinforcement, I have curated videos on most topics so 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. This also means parents and 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.

This class has three different levels of homework available to students.

Basic homework is 10-15 problems per day over four days (students can spread it out over more days if they like.)

SQUARE homework adds one or two more complicated problems. Overall it takes a bit more time and may have more problems assigned each day. Students get bonus points for tackling square work.

PENTAGON homework problems are for students who want a more in-depth pre-algebra course. These harder problems are very challenging. Students get bonus points for tackling pentagon work.

Students in this class will not only master math concepts, they’ll also learn how to study for tests, take useful notes, and keep an organized binder. These are great skills for learning how to be a good student, not just a good learner (those two things aren’t always the same.) Grades will be based upon homework completion and tests.

HOMEWORK

Homework assignments are posted on the Math 8 + Honors Pre-algebra HW page on our Farm School on Mt. Helix website each week. On the HW page students will find links to videos, answers to even problems not in the back of the book, and study tips. Students are also given a HW sheet each week to cross of problems as they complete them.

Homework is 60% of grade with an optional 5 to 10% bonus on each homework assignment for attempting SQUARE or PENTAGON problems (these are the honors problems.) Homework gets full credit if

All problems are attempted,

Work is shown,

Work is organized, legible and in pencil

Problems have been corrected using the answers in the back of the book to correct work

Missed problems have been re-attempted

List of HW problems students want to review in class is on the top sheet of each assignment

Proper heading: Full Name, Date Due, HW # (Week 1, Week 2),

TESTS AND QUIZZES

Tests and Quizzes account for 30% of grade.

Some tests have partial credit while others, usually shorter quizzes, are simply right or wrong with no partial credit. We typically have one test per 1-3 chapters. On all tests, students submit test corrections which also go in the test grade category. It is in the figuring out one’s errors that the most learning happens! Most tests are take home tests so we can use our class time for direct instruction, working lots of problems, and review games. Some are open book, while others are only open HW/CW and notes. Students may retake up one test and drop their lowest quiz score. I want students to learn strategies for doing succeeding on each type of test. And each assessment gives me different information about student comprehension and mastery.

CLASSWORK AND NOTEBOOK ORGANIZATION

Classwork and Notebook Organization accounts for 10% of grade. Students learn how to keep a table of contents, store their notes, store their returned homework and tests. This vital organizational skill sets them up for success.

I provide time in class for students to stay organized. (As a parent of students with executive functioning challenges and a middle school/HS teacher since 1996, I understand both the challenges of staying organized for students with ADHD and the value of learning coping strategies so one CAN stay organized.)

Pacing & Semester Length

We move at a moderate to quick pace. This is an honors class.

Students have time to internalize concepts. This gives us time for students to both learn new math concepts AND how to be an excellent math student (formatting homework properly, showing work, keeping an organized math binder).

During the second semester we increase the number of new concepts we explore each week as students’ capacity to absorb new math content increases.

Each semester is 14 weeks long.

Small class size of 12 to 18 students

Given our small class size we have time to students to ask questions and build friendships. We also have recess class during which students can have downtime to play and socialize.

Our classes are also big enough for kids to find other kids they connect with.