Mathematics in 6th Grade is an active pursuit…

Mathematics in 6th Grade at the Northwest School

Is the first of a two-year Pre-Algebra/Pre-Geometry course

Is not a packaged “6th grade math” program

Is not “tracked,” but we offer differentiated instruction• Pre-assessments• Open-ended problems/projects• Assignment options

What do we (the Northwest School math department) mean when we use the term differentiation?

In each course we offer, we have identified the essential topics of study. For each topic, we use formal and informal assessments to identify the level of understanding each student has of the topic. Some students need to be introduced to the topic, some need practice and refinement, and others are ready to look deeper into these topics.

Mathematics in 6th Grade at the Northwest School

Consists of: • Basic skills review/practice/enrichment• Fractions/Decimal computation• Number Sense• Number facts – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division • Place value

• Units of Study

• Problem Solving and Mathematical communication (Problems of the Week – POW)

Basic Skills Instruction:

How much is a million?

0 1,000,000,000,000

Understanding numbers – for example:

How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000? (average one number every 2 seconds)

A little bit more

than 23 days

How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000,000? (average one number every 2 seconds)

About 63.5 years

How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000,000,000?

About

63,000 years

Units of Study

• Data Organization, Analysis, and Graphing• Number Theory and Relationships (divisibility, factoring,

integers, exponents, roots, etc …)• Ratio—Proportion—Percent• Similarity• Probability• Algebraic Thinking/ Formulas• Geometric Concepts

Problem Solving/Mathematical Communication – Problem of the Week

Some Common Problem Solving Strategies: Act Out or Use Objects - use labels or objects to “act out” the scenario

Make a Picture or Diagram – this helps you get a sense of the “big picture”

Use or Make a Chart or Table - make sure this is organized and includes labels

Make an Organized List - make sure this includes labels as well Guess and Check – keep a written record so you can see when you are getting close

Use or Look for a Pattern – use a table to look for relationships (factors, multiples…) Work Backwards – start from the ending statement and work back

Use Logical Reasoning - use if… then… statements Make it Simpler - can you use smaller numbers than correct at the end? Brainstorm - think “outside the box!”

You’ll notice no algebraic formulas on this list. This is on purpose.

- Account for how your brain works. Be intentionally open to learning.

- Establish a process for solving problems.

- Use multiple approaches and ways to solve problems. For example, visualize problems and solutions, draw a picture.

- Look for connections….ask and apply.

- Look for patterns….ask and apply.

- Find mathematical equivalence.

Mathematical Habits of Mind

- Ask why of yourself and others.

- Represent mathematical ideas in a variety of ways.

- Communicate your thinking both verbally and in writing.

- Attend to precision and check your accuracy.

- Persevere. Tinker, try stuff, be willing to make mistakes and don’t erase them. Take a risk.

Mathematical Habits of Mind continued

Text: Glencoe’s Pre-Algebra

Student log-in: c20fe2a022

This information will be provided to students when they receive their books

Homework

• We believe that students need to practice or review material at home.

• Students can expect homework 3-4 days a week for about 15-20 minutes

each time.

• There will often be time to start the homework in class.

• Students will need to work on projects at home as well.

Resources and Help:

Teacher Pages – Use these for checking on due dates, downloading documents, and contacting us. These pages are especially helpful when your child is absent.

Homework Support – BY APPOINTMENT Before School: Sue in Lower Floor MathAfter School: Erica and/or LP in Carson on Wednesdays.