Repetition

I was wondering why many of my students seem to be struggling in math, so I asked them last week about their study habits. When I asked them how many of them went home and looked over their notes, the answer was... not one of them; not even to study for the test. I then asked how many of them had visited the Connected site. This time there were two. I have well over 100 students. As I probed further I realized that students had not developed the habit of using the Connected site in 6th grade and that this was new for them. So, I can see the need for them to develop this habit. I didn't need to ask about Compass Odyssey since I check this weekly, and I know that less than half of them are completing their homework.

Most students are not going to become highly successful at math with only 3 - 4.5 hours of classroom time. The key to success is repetition. Just like with sports or a musical instrument the more you practice the better you get. Students have to spend time with the math concepts they are learning. They have to watch the videos and do the practice.  They should be reviewing their notes at home and maybe even rewriting them and adding to them. I tell my students all the time they have to take ownership and be responsible for their learning. I will do anything I can to help them, but they have to partner with me on this. Parents, I need your help, too. Please make sure they practice math every day. Whether it is Compass Odyssey homework or just watching a video on the concept they are learning, with repetition will come retention.

Here is a great video that explains repetition, retention and how to use Cornell Notes.
Please watch and take note.

YOUR ONLINE MATH BOOK

Your math book is available online along with many tutorial videos, practice quizzes, worksheets and practice tests. If you want to get better at math, spend time on this site.

Here is a video that shows you how to find your way around.

Integers

Here's a video on integers that a parent shared with me. Please watch with your kids.

Accelerated Math

We started Accelerated Math last Friday, and after a small learning curve, I think we're ready to roll. You're student should have brought home a TOPS report with the grades they have received so far. The TOPS report will be attached to the practice, so you can see the problems and go over them together.

Below is a sample TOPS report. The report will show the objectives your student was working on, and how they scored for each objective. You will also see which problems they got wrong and what the correct answer is. Students should be reviewing incorrect answers and finding their mistakes. If they can't figure out why they got a problem wrong they should get help during class or at home.

Once your child has mastered the objectives they will receive a test. I will be keeping the tests at school, but their grades will be posted within 24 hours online. 

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