Monday, December 1, 2014

Whew-we!!!!  Where does the time go?!?!?!?

It is hard to believe that there are only 3 weeks left till Christmas break.  I want to apologize for not posting the last two weeks.  I love this time of year, but things are always so crazy, hectic!

I will start by recapping what I did the week of November 22.

Monday 11/17 - A review of changing fraction to decimals and decimals to fractions.

Tuesday 11/18 - Percents as Fractions


Here is the journal entry.  The assignment for this week all come from the book.  Tonight's assignment Pg. 212 #11-21.  I also require students to write out what the percents mean.  That is why you see 9 out of 20 and 9 out of 10.

Wendesday 11/19 - Percents as Decimals




On this day, I modeled two problems and then the students completed Let's Roll.  Each pair of students were given two number cubes, and used them to get their percents.  Students then had to write each form of the percent.  The students really enjoyed the activity.  The assignment was pg. 220 #14-22.

Thursday 11/20 - Fractions to Percents

Nothing fancy for this journal entry.


We did three problems together, then I had students complete Pg. 215 #2-7 with a partner.
The assignment was Pg. 216 #9-21

Friday 11/21 - Decimals as Percents


 Nothing fancy here either.  I modeled some problems, then students work problems from Pg. 220 with a partner.  The assignment was a study guide.  I did something different this time that I don't normally do.....I gave a test on Monday.  In preparation for the test, I gave students a study guide to complete over the weekend.

Monday 11/24 - Test over Ratio, Rates, and Percents

Tuesday 11/25 - I handed back their test and we discussed the questions that students missed.

Wednesday 11/26 - Students took the Practice TCAP all day.

So, That brings me to present!!!  About time huh?!?!?!

Monday 12/1 - Students are taking Discovery Ed in ELA today.  That takes up my entire block.  Students will not be given any kind of assignment.

Tuesday 12/2 - I will reteach converting percents.  I haven't decided what to use for the journal entry.  Here are some ideas that I'm playing around with.



Link to FDP flippable.  If you follow the link, it will show you what is on the inside of the flippable.

Not quite sure what the assignment for the day will be.  I did just the minimum amount of work over the weekend.  It was Thanksgiving, and the weekend just seem to fly by even thought it was 4 days long.

Wednesday 12/3 - Changing fractions whose denominators are not factors of 100 into percents.  For example 2/9.  I will make students divide using long division, then write the answers as percents.  Assignmnet - TBD

Thursday - 12/4 - Students will find percent of numbers.

Friday - On this day there will be a quiz!!!

That should bring me up to present.  I apologize for getting behind.  I will try my best to not let that happen again.  It is hard to believe that in just three weeks Christmas break will be here.  I can already give you a brief overview of what I will be doing in the next weeks as well.

Next week 12/8 - 12/12, Students will apply percents to find discounts and taxes.  I am planning a test for next week, I'm thinking around Wednesday or Thursday.  The next week after that, the week before Christmas break, I have fun group activities planned.  I even have some things that I bought from Teachers Pay Teachers, that I plan on sharing.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!  I know I certainly did!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Unit Rates, Ratio Tables, and Unit Cost is what is up for this week!

Here is a rundown of the week.

Monday - Unit Rates
Tuesday - Ratio Tables
Wednesday - Unit Cost
Thursday - Finding the best buy
Friday - Quiz

I don't have any fancy as far as journal entries are concerned. :(  Sorry

Monday - I am covering Unit Rates.  I made my assignment from the book.  Pg. 160 7 - 14.  In addition to finding the unit rate, I require students to write "per" statements for every  problem.  I think it just reinforces the concept.

Tuesday - Today is Ratio Tables.  I debating even doing this lesson.  I prefer to solve/teach rate problems using proportions.  In the end, I decided to teach rates using tables.  Here are the problems I used for notes.  I did copy the problems for students to paste into their journals.  I used the book for this day's assignment too.  Yay!!  Pg. 166 1-7

Wednesday - Unit Costs.  I'm going to start the journal entry with an Apple problem.  Then I intend to give the students a sales ad.  I had a students bring in a BUNCH last year, and I just kept them in a crate.  Today is a good day to pull those out. :) Students will  have to find an item or two to find the unit cost.  Here are some worksheets that I found online.  Not sure which one I'll use for an assignment.  Be a Smart Shopper,  Math Vine,   Unit Prices.  I'm leaning towards Be a smart Shopper :)

Thursday - Finding the Better Buy.  I'm looking forward to this day.  The journal entry will just be students working problems in their journals.  What I'm most looking forward to is using scratch-offs for my group activity.  Scratch-offs, huh?  Using Dawn dishsoap and silver acrylic paint you can make scratch-offs.  I used them one other time a couple of years ago, and decided last week I needed to do it again.  Here are the problems that I used.  I made a copy so that there are two sets of problems on a page.  I cut them up, taped them to construction paper, and got them laminated.  I bought some contact paper, and put it where I want the scratch-off to be(covering the incorrect/correct).  After the contact paper is placed, I put the soapy,paint mixture covering up the words.  Then you just gotta wait till it dries.  I'm actually going to take my hair dryer to school with me to speed up the process.  I'm sure the kiddos will love to help out with that part.  :)  The students will work the problems in their journals.  When they have decided which item is the better buy, they will scratch-off to check their answer.  I hope the kids like it.  I am sorry this entry is a little tardy.  I'll just be honest, my personal life was more of a priority the last 10 days.  That's just how it goes sometimes.  I have regained my focus towards school.  My whole point is, the activity might not be feasible for this week, but it could make for an activity to do the last week in December.  I know for us, grades are usually turned in, and I use it as a review time.  Just an idea.  :)  Here's the assignment for tonight.

Friday - Quiz

I don't have that ready at the time.  Let me know if you want a copy for future use.  :)

I hope you have a great week.  As always, just let me know if there is anything I can help you with!

~ Jenn







Sunday, November 2, 2014

I am finally back on track!!!  And what a good feeling it is, too.  I looked at a journal from last year, and I started ratios on November 4th last year.

Here is a breakdown of what my week is going to look like.

Monday and Tuesday - Ratios
Wednesday and Thursday - Unit Rates
Friday - Quiz

Monday - Ratios

I found this video on Pinterest.  I will definitely show it to my students.  I thought it was funny.  Hopefully, the kiddos will enjoy it.  I think it will make for a good hook!


For the journal entry, I bought a bundle from 4mulaFun!  Link to Bundle


I spend a good bit of money on Teachers Pay Teachers.  I'm glad to be able to purchase classroom materials.  It is so worth the few dollars to save several hours.  I will be using the All About Ratios book tomorrow.  I will add pics throughout the week.

I will go ahead and take this time to apologize for getting this blog entry out so late.  My boyfriend is in town and I have been trying to squeeze in as much fun as I can while he is here for that week as I possibly can.  I haven't seen him since August.  It is great to have this time to spend with him.  With that being said, I will be on the later side for next week's blog.  I have to take my boyfriend to the airport on Sunday.  In addition to taking a trip to Chattanooga Airport, one of my best friends from high school is celebrating her son's first birthday on the same day.  I can't wait to give Martin his birthday gift.  I can't believe he is a year old already.  Anywho, back to the topic at hand....ratios.

My assignment for Monday is out of the book.  Pg. 152 #7-14

Tuesday - More Ratios.

I will have students complete more Ratio problems either in pairs or in groups.  Not sure yet.
Assignment - Workbook Skills Practice page.

Wednesday - Unit Rates

Using the same bundle from 4mulaFun, I will complete a model map and a foldable/flippable for Unit Rates.

The assignment for Wednesday will be Pg. 160 #7-14.

Thursday

Students will practice unit rates again today.

Assignment will be out of the workbook #1-12

Friday will be a quiz.

Sorry that the last part of this entry is bare, but I feel like it is.  I will upload pictures throughout the week.  I hope you have a great week.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Dividing Decimals is on the menu for this week!!!

Here's a quick overview of the week

Monday - Change Decimals to Fractions
Tuesday and Wednesday - Divide  Decimals
Thursday - Review for test
Friday - Test of Decimals

Monday

Today I'm going to discuss changing decimals to fractions.



Decimal to Fractions Flippable

I will definitely do some Plicker problems as a way to assess students.  Have you tried using Plickers?  It is definitely worth your time if you haven't yet.  I love them.  The students really like to use them as well.  Double Bonus!!!  When doing Plicker problems, I just have students work them on a scratch sheet of paper instead of including them in the journal.


Monday's Assignment is out of the textbook.  Pg. 202 #12-21


Tuesday

Today I will start on dividing decimals.  I got the flippable out of a bundle that I bought last year.  Not sure if you purchased it as well, but I am glad to share it with you if you didn't.  Below is the journal entry and the inside view of the flippable.



Dividing Decimals Flippable

Today's entry takes two pages.  Below is the second page.


Tuesday Assignment comes from the textbook again.  YAY!!!  Pg. 52 9-11 and Pg. 58 18-22.

Wednesday 

We'll still be dividing decimals.  Students will have the opportunity to work problems in groups. I usually give students 3 to 4 problems to work.  Then we discuss the answers as a group.

There will be Plicker problems today too.  I haven't decided what problems I'm going to use at this point.

Wednesday Assignment - A page out of the workbook, Homework Practice #4-11

Thursday

This is review day.  The test will cover this week's and last week's objectives.  Today is an abbreviated day for us.  I will only see students for a short time today.  Half of the day is a reward day for students.  We call is Survivor Day.  We reward student that have passes all their classes and turn in all their work with time to play games and participate in certain activities.  The assignment for today is a study guide.  I just about have it ready.  If you would like a copy, just feel free to ask, and I'll be more than glad to share.

Friday

Test day.  Not really much to stay about today other than, the students will be taking a test.

I hope you have a great week.  Please, Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

Next week, I'll be moving onto Percents!!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

This week, We're moving onto decimals!!!

Here's a quick overview of the week.

Monday and Tuesday - Convert Fraction to Decimals
Wednesday and Thursday - Multiply decimals
Friday - Quiz

Monday

I will introduce writing fractions as decimals.  Below is a picture of the day's journal entry.



Here is the flippable for the day ~ Dividing Fractions Flippable
When dividing, I like to provide grid paper for students so that are able to keep numbers lined up.

I just love it when I can use the book.  This week assignments will come from the text book and workbook.  No Worksheets this week, which is rare for me.  Today's assignment is Pg. 206 11 - 14, 19-21

Tuesday

Students will continue to practice converting fractions to decimals with a partner or in groups.  I haven't quite decided yet.

Below is a picture of last years entry.


The idea is to color the fraction and it's decimal form the same color.  I'm not sure why 0.512 is colored orange.  Students must show work, hopefully students will put on the bottom part of the page so it is easy to find.

Homework for Tuesday comes from the workbook.  Not sure what page number as I do not have a workbook with me at this time.  Students will be assigned #7-14.

Here is the template for today's work.  Template  As you can see I wrote in the fractions and decimals, hence why I provided the template.

Wednesday

I will introduce Multiplying Decimals.  I will come back and pick up converting decimals to fractions next week.  Below is the journal entry for the day.



Here's the day's flippable.  Multiplying Decimals Flippable

Homework for Wednesday is Pg. 40 #11-17, 23.


Thursday 

Today is a group work day.  I will give students three or four problems to work in groups.  Now that I'm thinking about it.  I may use the template from Tuesday.  Just a thought.

I have a PowerPoint that I put together.  Basically, students have to tell me where the decimal should be placed, and justify their answer.  I tried to upload the PowerPoint through Google Drive, but it didn't quite work.  If you would like the PowerPoint, just holler at me.  I'll be glad to send it to ya!

The assignment for today is from the workbook, the odd problems.

Friday

Formal assessment time!  Students will take a quiz.
When I uploaded the quiz to Google Drive, it drastically changed the document.  So, I thought it would be best to just attach it to the email.

I hope this has been of some help to you.  I hope you have a great week.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Until next week ~ Jenn

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Fall Break is over!  Sadface!!!  Oh well, it will be good to see the kiddos on Monday morning.  I hope you had a great week.  I fit in a good amount of retail therapy :) and some knitting to boot. I haven't knit anything in along while: it was good to give my hands a workout.  I decided I would knit a sweater for my little fur-boy, Luke.  He will be a year old in a couple of days.  I got him last December when he was just a 2 pound puppy.  I have waited till now to knit him something because I wanted him to be done growing.  With cool weather just around the corner, a sweater for him was on my to-do list.  I can't resist but to share some pics of Luke in his new duds.


He is great help when it comes to grading papers.  NOT!  He likes to walk all over them, but he does make for great company.  I love my little Luker!!  <3

Enough about Luke!  On to the important stuff.

My objectives for this week are to cover multiplying and dividing mixed numbers.  I decided to skip adding and subtracting mixed numbers for now.  At this point, I do not think I will teach the process of adding and subtracting mixed numbers, but discuss it and show students how to do it using a calculator.  This is all due to the fact that I feel behind. ugh.  I hate that feeling.

A good thing about multiplying and dividing mixed numbers is that I will make Monday and Tuesday's assignment from the text book. YAY!!  On Monday for homework, students will be assigned Pg. 114 #14-20.  On Tuesday, Pg. 132 #12-19. 

Wednesday, students will spend time working word problems that have mixed numbers.  I'm looking forward to this day.  To add a little spice to the word problems, I am going to use QR codes.  I did not use QR codes at all last year, and I'm not even sure why.  Anywho, I'm definitely going to use them this week.  I used problems that were in the book, the additional examples in the margin of the teacher's edition, and some problems from one of the problem solving masters for classwork and homework problems. Here's the Classwork Problems.  I made the problems so students would cut them out and glue them into their journals. Here's the assignment.

I have decided to give 9 weeks test this year.  On Friday students will be taking their 9 weeks test.  Thursday, I will spend time reviewing with students.

Well, I think that does it for this entry.  I hope you have a great week.  Please let me know if there is anything that I can help you with.

~Jenn

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Can't wait for fall break!!!!

I doesn't seem possible, but Fall Break is almost here!  Heck Yeah!  and I am soooooooooooo excited.  I don't have any definite plans as of yet, but I'm not worried.  I'm sure it will be action packed.

Let's get down to business, shall we?  We Shall!!!

Next week is a short week for me in terms of teaching.  Friday is a Hornet Walk at the Rim.  Hornet walk is our yearly fall fundraiser.  It is a hectic and tiring day, but there's no lesson plan for the day.  I just get to show up.  

It has taken me all weekend to commit to objectives for this week. I am feeling like I am behind. When I look at my plans from last year, I actually am a little behind. ugh! First 9 weeks of last year, I had covered multiplying and dividing fractions.  With that in mind, I am going to skip adding and subtracting mixed numbers for now and go forward with multiplying and dividing fractions, which is something that I like teaching and there are problems in the book.  I don't use the book much for assignments, but I do whenever I can.  Covering multiplying and dividing fractions works for me in several ways.  :)  

There are so many activities and idea for Multiplying and Dividing fractions. 
I bought this bundle last year from 4mula Fun.  I will use it again this year.  Let me know if you would like to see it.  I found this one too that I really like.  It seems like you get a lot of stuff for the money.  Here's the link for the blog. I really liked the way it illustrates dividing fractions by whole numbers. If I don't buy the bundle, I may imitate some of the examples. 

There's one last thing I want to share that caught my eye.  It applies fractions to baking.  It's pretty cute. Here's the link to it.


Monday ~ September 29

Multiply Fractions
I found the video below.  We'll be watching this several times.  It's pretty catchy! 



While searching YouTube (YT and Pinterest are my favorite websites), I ran across Flocabulary.  I really like the multiplying fractions vidoe.  Now I'm torn between the two video.  Do you have any favorite videos that you watch with your students?  Please share if you do, I love using videos to teach concepts.

Tuesday ~ September 30
Divide Fractions

Wednesday ~ October 1
Review Multiply and Divide Fractions

The test will cover divisibility rules, factors, multiples, adding and subtracting fractions, and multiplying and dividing fractions.  I am going to use this day to practice multiplying and dividing fraction.  I saw this pin.
and immediately knew I had to incorporate this into today's lesson.  A couple of years ago, I bought a bunch of cards from dollar tree.  I think I will just put some cards in baggies and put the students into groups.  I think they'd enjoy that!


Thursday ~ October 2
Test!!    

Friday ~ October 3rd
Hornet Walk!!!

Internet Find

I found this while trolling the internet look for math stuff.  It is a 7th grade Interactive Notebook by Maria Gonzalez.  There are some things I really like about it.  I like the weekly vocabulary.  I'm still thinking about how I could incorporate into my current notebook.  Another thing that caught me eye, is the weekly prompt.  How clever!  I found her notebook to be inspiring in many different ways.

How are things working for you in your room so far?  Have you found some cool and interesting things?  Did you use the butterfly method from last week's post?  I did, and I think I liked it.  Most of the kids did as well.  I'd love it if you left a comment and let me know what is or isn't working for you.  I'm glad to help out in any way!!

I could keep this blog post going on forever.  There are so many good finds out there.  I hope I have provided you with something that is useful.  I hope you have a great week and an even better fall break!!!

~jenn