Wow! It's been awhile, here's what's happening in 6th grade math.

We have completed our unit on basic fraction concepts. We will apply these concepts in chapters six and seven when we: estimate, add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions.

Forty-nine students have proven that they exel in this area. They will be eligible for enrichment activities for the remianing lessons in chapter six. These students will have the option of completing an enrichment lesson or the regular lesson. I hope that you will encourage your student to work on the enrichment, but I will not force them. This is a privaledge they should accept. As long as they choose the enrichment lesson they will not have to complete the regular classroom assignment. These students will take the regular test over chapter six along with everyone else on December 15.

We spent three days this week practicing how to visualize and/or draw fractions. We then made estimates. This is an abstract concept and very difficult for some students at this age. We spent a day discussing "real life" situations that occur, where they will need to make estimates quickly using mental math. We discussed anything from using money, to buying enough paint, to purchasing a TV that will actually fit inside your entertainment center. The kids enjoyed this and didn't even realize they were using math to solve these problems.

ANYTIME YOU CAN INVOLVE YOUR CHILD IN A SITUATION THAT REQUIRES ESTIMATION YOU WOULD BE DOING HIM/HER A FAVOR! IT HELPS TO DEVELOP THEIR THINKING IN A WAY THAT A TEXT BOOK CANNOT.

On Tuesday, I sent home a newsletter that outlined the state standards we are working on. It also outlined some up-coming events: In-Service Day : Dec. 2

JO V-Ball Tryouts: Dec. 6 &7

Choir Concert: Dec. 11

LJH Food Drive: Dec. 12-16

Ch. Six Math Test: Dec. 15

Band Concert: Dec. 18