Decimal Standards

Students have completed some basic units on algebra concepts and graphing and statistics. On Monday, we will begin our first of two units on decimals. We will first take some time to review basic place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. At the conclusion of this review we will introduce these skills using decimals.

I insist that the students read decimals correctly naming their value. For example, we read 1.25 as one and twenty-five hundredths and not one point twenty-five. By reading it using the correct value it reinforces the value as well as establishing it's relationship as a fraction. Sixth graders often have a difficult time realizing that decimals and fractions are the same. Reading a decimal correctly is the first step to having a better understanding of the concept.

The state standards we will cover state that by the end of this unit your child is expected to be able to:

Compare and represent on a number line decimals to the hundredths.
Use estimation to decide whether answers are reasonable in decimal problems.
Use mental arithmetic to add or subtract simple decimals.
Add and subtract with money in decimal notation.
Select and apply appropriate methods for estimating results of rational numbers.
Decide whether a solution is reasonable in the context of the original situation.

Up-Coming Events

Today we completed the last new lesson in our graphing and statistics chapter. Students will do an informal cooperative learning session tomorrow to prepare for their test on Friday. Every student spent time in class filling out a vocabulary sheet. The best way to study vocabulary is to hand it to another person and have them say the word on the list and the student supply the definition from memory.

Kids love to say they studied, but what they have usually done is read the list over several times. They trick themselves into thinking they know it, but when the paper is no longer there to refer to they haven't committed it into long term memory. Think of how many times you have done that. I do it every time I make a grocery list. Take the list away and I can't remember a single thing I'm out of!

The test they are taking over this unit will be their last grade for the six weeks. Report cards will be distributed in homeroom on Oct. 7th. Attached will be information regarding parent teacher conference sign-up. This is done much different than you are used to in elementary. Teacher conference times will fill up quickly and you will only see one core class teacher.
Have your child return their slip immediately to their homeroom teacher on Monday. Don't forget to then check with your child to see if he/she did indeed turn it in. You might be surprised how many of those end up at the bottom of a back pack never to be seen again!

Chapter Projects

Students have spent the last few days learning about tables and graphs. Today they turned in the first part of their chapter project. In part one, students chose a topic that they were interested in and surveyed 40 - 50 people regarding their topic. The topics they chose were mostly about favorite sports, subjects, hobbies, etc. They then took their data and organized it in a frequency table.

For the rest of this week, in class, we will take the data they collected and display it in a bar graph and then discuss ways to make their graphs misleading. We will use our class time this week to further investigate graphing and statistics. Since this is ISTEP week our class atmosphere will be relaxed and no homework will be given.

Open House

Tonight was open house. It went well. The topics that were discussed pertained to class policy, organization and expectations. I am looking forward to the student's taking their first math test tomorrow. The majority of the parents here knew about the test and had seen their student studying before they left! That is good news!

I will grade their tests over the weekend. Mid-terms will be sent home with the students on Monday. They will also have their math tests to take home on Monday!

Thoughts on a Friday

After a busy week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some positive things that I am seeing in class. Students are no longer having trouble getting into their lockers or getting to class on time. Ninety percent of my students can follow the daily routine without prompting and those that still need reminders are polite and move into the routine quickly. Small class size and student attitude contribute to this success. Overall, this has been a positive start to the school year!