Class Culture
Our Classroom
Mathematics is an interesting, hands-on subject that challenges students to question, think and compare their solutions. Our classroom is a shared environment full of movement and conversations where students are eager and encouraged to try, learn from mistakes, and wonder aloud. Students' multiple learning styles are celebrated with tools such as manipulatives, dry-erase desktops, web-based programs, video lessons, and partner work. We support each other.
Mathematical Thinking Standards summarize the expectations of active participation and application of mathematical strategies to progress as a productive math student. Students fully master a skill when they can apply what they have learned to their own real-world situations. The standards are listed in the drop down list.
MA.K12.MTR.1.1:Actively participate in effortful learning both individually and collectively.
MA.K12.MTR.2.1: Demonstrate understanding by representing problems in multiple ways.
MA.K12.MTR.3.1: Complete tasks with mathematical fluency.
MA.K12.MTR.4.1: Engage in discussions that reflect on the mathematical thinking of self and others.
MA.K12.MTR.5.1: Use patterns and structure to help understand and connect mathematical concepts.
MA.K12.MTR.6.1: Assess the reasonableness of solutions.
MA.K12.MTR.7.1: Apply mathematics to real-world contexts.
The Process for Exploring Math in Our Classroom
Summative Assessments (unit test grades) are standards based and are designed based on the learning styles of the students in the classroom. Please refer to the video about Universal Design for Learning on the Home page. Whenever possible assessments will include more than calculations and will opportunities for students to display fluency and accuracy.
Homework
In the ORANGE Folder
Practice builds great math minds. Math homework includes weekly skill reviews (like pictured above) due on Friday, monthly online IXL assignments unique to each student and monthly Math in My World examples.
IXL SKills
IXL is an online program that provides individualized practice for students in Math, Language Arts, Science and Socials Studies. Students will have a list of skills to practice each month based on a proficiency test. As students progress, their skills will change. This program helps students master below, on and above grade level skills. www.ixl.com
Math in My World
Each month students are required to display examples of math in their world. Parents are welcome to help students complete these examples for the first semester of the year. Examples must be 5th and 6th grade related and can apply to any current or prior math concept.
Math in My World Monthly Worksheets
Additionally, each unit will include a student-led assessment that proves mastery of the skill by applying it to their world.
The Math Notebook
THIS IS BROUGHT TO AND FROM SCHOOL EVERY DAY.
Math Concepts
Students are required to take notes, draw pictures and review their resources in their math notebooks. Math notes are guided and are posted on google classroom after each unit lesson.
Vocabulary
Being fluent in math includes math language. Math notebooks will include vocabulary students will use and know to use and describe math concepts and principles. A great beginning is working on Greek prefixes and roots. The article linked below gives a background on how Journals and Notebooks help students process and remember skills.
Math Talks
A fun and interactive way to get students to think and talk about how they are processing math. Multiple solutions, ideas, and applications are discussed. Questions like tell me everything you think about the number 144, or without writing it down, how would you multiply 24 and 32, or think of all of the places you see parallel lines, or if you turned a rhombus 90 degrees is it a kite?
Lunch Bunch or After School Math Club
Every Wednesday at lunch or Tuesday after school until 4:15p.m. students are welcome to stay to work on math skills. Homework, IXL skills, current concepts, Math in My World projects, retakes, and notes from missed days are all allowable. Peer tutors along with Mrs. Lamport are available to help.