Homework: May 20-24

For the week of May 20, 2013

Aside from students needing to make sure they bring back the signed (by a parent/guardian) bottom portion of the SOL simulation letter, homework for next week is simply to continue preparing for the upcoming SOL test (May 28-30).  I will not be giving them any official paper or electronic homework in order to give them time to focus on their own personal study needs.  Each student has his/her own areas of strength and weakness, as shown on the letter they received today (or will receive on Monday in the case of most of Block 7/8).  They should spend time over the weekend and each night during the school week working on their areas of weakness by watching the videos for those topics, reviewing their Math Dictionary, doing practice problems from their SOL review folder and our various sites, and playing games for those topics through some of our other sites, particularly the MangaHigh games (focusing more on the Prodigi questions) and TenMarks.  Any student (or parent) seeking extra paper work problems for any particular topic should feel free to email, message, or speak to me about it and I will get together some extra practice on those problems.

Again, students should continue reviewing every night but should also remember to not let the review and upcoming test overwhelm them, which is another part of why I want to loosen things up a bit the week leading up to their SOL test.  Remember I have faith in you and you got this!

Weekly Class Summary: May 13-17

SOLs Covered:  All Math 7
Math Dictionary Sections:  All Sections
Upcoming Assessments:  SOL Mini Quiz #5 (Mon. 5/20); Math 7 SOL Test (Tues. 5/28-Thurs. 5/30)

Students took the fourth mini SOL quiz on Monday and for most kids, this got them to at least the second reward mark and a few have already made it to the third!  The first little treats were Aloha Coins made of bubble gum, the second treats were glitter Hawaiian temporary tattoos, and the third treats were Hawaiian leis.  All of the quizzes have been added to a chart in the classroom that allows the students to keep track of their progress and gauge how close they are to a passing SOL score, hopefully pushing them to try just a little bit harder and study just a little bit more than they would otherwise.  The fifth and final quiz will be taken next Monday, which when added to the other quizzes will be equivalent to one SOL simulation test.  Students have not been allowed to complete error analyses on these quizzes nor the simulation test itself since they are supposed to emulate the SOLs, which would not allow for corrections after submission.  To compensate for this, students were given an extra credit booklet that when completed can be added to the quiz category to help improve their grades for this final stretch.  Students looking to improve their grade for the test category can complete TenMarks.com assignments for extra credit, which will also help them prepare for the SOLs.



The rest of the week, students got to work on their math gaming review/homework in class as I was able to snag one of the netbook carts for the week.  While the netbooks are not the latest and greatest form of technology, the students seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to continue the gaming they started last week.  You could see obvious signs that students who had previously felt discouraged about their math abilities started gaining confidence.  One student even posted to our class Edmodo page about how proud of himself he was for doing well on something math related and several others sent words of encouragement and praise, which needless to say made me an incredibly proud teacher!  We are currently part of a MangaHigh competition with another school (MangaHigh calls it a "Fai-To") and we are in the lead!  I encourage students to continue their gaming (which again is helping review for the SOLs) throughout the weekend since we've almost beaten the other school and don't want to lose our lead!  We've also risen significantly in our ranking on the leaderboard and at this minute are ranked 55th in the country, which I think is pretty awesome considering my classes are the only ones signed up from our school as well as the fact that there are thousands of schools that use this site.  On top of MangaHigh, I encourage students to review with our other sites as well.

Elizabeth Davis Middle on MangaHigh.com

I spent time conferencing with students one-on-one Friday to go over their simulation results and discuss what areas they should focus their outside-school review time.  The only class for which I was unable to conference with each student was my last block (7/8) due to the shortened block and the fact that many of the students made it to class late from taking their reading SOL test; I will meet with those students on Monday.  During my mini-conferences, I gave students a letter to give to their parents that explain the simulation test and how parents and guardians can help their child prepare for the big test.  Attached to the letter is a student feedback form that tells students the topic of each of question they missed along with a LearnZillion video quick code (hyperlinked through the electronic copy of the form) that reviews the topic.  I ask that parents sign and return the bottom portion of the letter so I know it's been seen.  Students should then keep the letter and feedback form in their SOL review folder so they easily reference their personal areas of weakness; if parents would like a copy of the letter it can be found in the usual online locations (Edline, Edmodo, and here).

We're heading into the final stretch, so students need to buckle down and commit to their review.  SOL testing for my classes will be Tuesday, May 28th (Block 1/2), Wednesday, May 29th (Block 5/6), and Thursday, May 30th (Block 7/8).  I have faith in each of my students and I am so proud of how far they have come this year.  We'll continue our in class review, though a bit more "old school" as we will not be on the computers next week, but I hope students spend time this weekend continuing on their own.

After School Help Session

I'll be staying after again this Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15 to provide extra help and let students work on making up missing assignments.  If there are any students (or parents) who would like to participate, you need to make arrangements with me ahead of time.  Students should see me in class before their chosen day(s) to make their request and then ask their parents/guardians to write a note or email giving them permission to stay after.  I need to have a list of students ahead of time to ensure that the number staying after doesn't get to out of hand and to make sure I have copies of the assignments for students needing to complete work. Students will need to be picked up no later than 4PM or they will not be allowed to stay after again in the future.

Homework: May 13-17

For the week of May 13, 2013

Homework for next week will be a continuation of this week's and since it again requires internet access, I'm posting the assignment early.  I ask that students continue to study their SOL review folder each night as well as completing at least five additional MangaHigh challenges on target (Bronze) or surpassing their previous levels (by reaching Silver or Bronze) by Friday, May 17th. The previously set challenges (40) are still available and I will look into adding additional topics.

Again the requirement is that students complete five new challenges, but that does not mean they have to restrict themselves to only five. The more you complete, the more you are reviewing! Some of the challenges are even the regular MangaHigh games!

It is unlikely I will be able to find additional computer lab time as other classes have simulation testing and the actual SOLs start for some classes next week, but I will look into seeing if I can snag one of the netbook carts so we can use them in class.  Again I encourage students to get a head start now if at all possible, though I know many plan on going home to continue their competitions after today's computer time.   Students and parents with any questions should feel free to email, message me on Edmodo, or ask in class.

Have fun reviewing!

Weekly Class Summary: May 6-10

SOLs Covered: All Math 7
Math Dictionary Sections: All Sections
Upcoming Assessments: SOL Mini Quiz #4 (Tues. 5/14); SOL Mini Quiz #5 (Mon. 5/20)

This will be a quick weekly class summary as I'm busy getting next week's materials together for each student, as will be explained further in a minute.  After taking the the third mini SOL quiz at the beginning of the week, the rest of the week was devoted to taking the county's Math 7 SOL simulation test.  The students started taking the test on paper Tuesday and by Thursday most students had finished the entire test and had time to check over their work.

We were in the lab Friday so that students could input their answers into the county's system.  Since they'd pretty much already finished, they were able to use the extra time to work on their homework, which as previously posted was to complete at least five challenges I'd set up for them on MangaHigh.com.  The students were obviously quite happy to have a bit of time for what they saw as just playing games.  I don't think they all realized they were still reviewing for the SOLs as they played, but I can honestly tell you that today was one of the best days so far in my teaching career!  To see how excited the kids got about the games along with their friendly competition was the best way I could have possibly ended teacher appreciation week!  Seeing their pride at getting high scores (all through the use of their math skills) and hearing them say how much they enjoyed today's class was incredibly rewarding for me.



With the simulation testing completed, I'll start analyzing each student's results.  Since the test cannot be sent home per county guidelines, I’ll be conferencing with each student one-on-one next week to go over their results and at that time will provide a feedback form to add to their SOL review folders highlighting (literally) the questions/topics they missed.  A digital copy of the form has already been uploaded to the usual places (Edline, Edmodo, and here) so that students can use the hyperlinks that go with each question.  The links will take them to videos on that topic along with practice items they can work on to continue their review.



They should be studying/reviewing/working on the items in the SOL review folder at least a little every night to help prepare for the SOL test.  The SOLs are definitely much trickier than they used to be; quite often students make minor mistakes that can sadly have a severe effect on their scores.  Starting with last year's math SOLs, the test is no longer strictly multiple choice, so some questions have more than one right answer and require that all the correct choices be given to get credit.  Most of the questions have multiple steps and do not give any kind of partial credit for getting the first few steps correct.  In class we’re going over all the little “twists and turns” found throughout the test, but the more students review at home as well, the easier the SOL should be.  Tests for my class are scheduled for May 28-30.

So not so short after all I guess, but hopefully helpful.

After School Help Session

I'll be staying after again this Wednesday, May 8, to provide extra help and let students work on making up missing assignments.  If there are any students (or parents) who would like to participate, you need to make arrangements with me ahead of time.  Students should see me in class before Wednesday afternoon to  make their request and then ask their parents/guardians to write a note or email giving them permission to stay after.  I need to have a list of students ahead of time to ensure that the number staying after doesn't get to out of hand and to make sure I have copies of the assignments for students needing to complete work. Students will need to be picked up no later than 4PM or they will not be allowed to stay after again in the future.

Homework: May 6-10

For the week of May 6, 2013

Homework for next week will be a little different than normal and since it requires internet access, I'm posting the assignment early.  We will be continuing our SOL review, which includes taking the county's simulation test.  I ask that students study their SOL review folder each night as well as completing at least five MangaHigh challenges on target (Bronze) by Friday, May 10th.  I've already set up 40 challenges from which students can choose.

Again the requirement is that students complete five challenges, but that does not mean they have to restrict themselves to only five.  The more you complete, the more you are reviewing!  Some of the challenges are even the regular MangaHigh games!

If students work hard throughout the week in class, they should have extra time in the computer lab next Friday, which can be used to work on the challenges, however I encourage students to get a head start now.  Students and parents with any questions should feel free to email, message me on Edmodo, or ask in class.  Any student who has lost their MangaHigh account information should also see me.

Have fun reviewing!

Weekly Class Summary: April 29-May3

SOLs Covered:  All Math 7
Math Dictionary Sections: All Sections
Upcoming Assessments: SOL Mini Quiz #3 (Tues. 5/7); SOL Simulation Test (Start Wed. 5/8)

I have family plans this afternoon that start with my niece's softball game (Go Chester!), so this will be a short and sweet summary.  We've been working hard on our review for the SOLs.  We started the week with our first mini SOL quiz that when added with the others (five in total) will be equivalent to one SOL test.  We'll be charting each student's progress with a few rewards along the way to see which areas students are strongest and those they need to invest more time in and out of class reviewing.  Once the quizzes along with the county's SOL simulation test are completed, we will be sending letters home with each student's individual needs marked to show both students and their parents where they need to devote their personal home studies and review.  An area of strength will not need as much work as the areas students are not quite as strong in at the moment.

Since the quizzes are supposed to emulate SOL testing, students will not be allowed to complete the usual error analysis for the quizzes.  I am however working on an extra credit packet that students will be allowed to complete; the credit earned will be included in the quiz category, which will in turn pull up the score for that category and their overall grade.  If all goes as planned, I expect to have that packet ready in the next two weeks.



As part of our review, each student has made and started adding to their SOL review folder.  So far the folder includes the SOL review booklet assigned for homework this week, the SOL review packet we've been working on in class all week, and the first of their mini SOL quizzes.  With each quiz and packet they receive, we're adding to the table of contents listed on the front of the folder, keeping everything organized in order to help our preparation go smoothly.  The folder and its contents will be collected (and returned to students ASAP so they can continue to study) the week before SOLs and given a test grade; it will be graded for if they have everything (non-assessment items will be posted in the usual places online) and it's for the most part organized.  A ParentLink phone call and email was sent Wednesday evening to let all parents of 7th grade students know of the folder and its importance.

We've been working a bit slower on the packet and homework in class this week than planned, but overall it's been for very good reasons.  With each question we have been going into tons of extra detail about the possible variations that might show up on the SOL as well as the various approaches/methods that can be used to solve each.  Because we haven't gotten as far into the work together, I will not be marking the homework as missing until Monday if it has not been turned in at that point; students need to make sure each of the questions are completed, but they can leave the notes/tips section for when we go over it together in class.  The classwork packet will not be marked as missing until we've finished going over it together.  For that reason, I will probably change the assignment orders in the gradebook (I'd already added it as an upcoming grade, so it is already listed in the grade reports on Edline).



Students should continue working and reviewing on their own a little every night and over the weekends.  They have the knowledge, we just need to work on refining everything so they can get the best grades and scores possible to show they know it.  With the new SOLs and new testing formats, the work is harder, but we've been talking in great detail about how students need to change their approach to problem solving to meet the new requirements.  Not all questions are multiple choice; there are fill-in-the-blank that might require answers given in a particular manner along with questions that have more than one correct answer, which can be tricky if you don't remember to look for other possible correct choices once you've found one that works.  We'll be looking at the state's online practice items in class some next week along with taking the simulation test, so I encourage students to get a head start by trying the site themselves over the weekend.

So this ended up being a lot longer than I thought it would be, but this isn't the first time I set out to post a quick little update only to end up with quite a bit more.  I'm always finding more I wish to share and while I hope these posts are helpful, any students or parents with questions should feel free to email or leave a question in the comments section if they need anything.  Test prep is hard work, but I'm here to help!

Homework: April 29-May 3

For the week of April 29, 2013

Mon. 4/29
All Blocks:  SOL Review Booklet, SOLs 7.1-7.4, pgs. 4-9

Tues. 4/30
All Blocks:  SOL Review Booklet, SOLs 7.5-7.8, pgs. 10-17

Wed. 5/1
All Blocks:  SOL Review Booklet, SOLs 7.9-7.12, pgs. 18-21

Thurs. 5/2
All Blocks:  SOL Review Booklet, SOLs 7.13-7.16, pgs. 22-26; study for SOL Mini Quiz #2

Fri. 5/3
All Blocks:  STUDY!!! Play Math Games!!!  Math 7 SOL Simulation Test next week!!!

HW for the week of 4/29/13

Weekly Class Summary: April 22-26

SOLs Covered: 7.2 Sequences
Math Dictionary Sections: (45) Patterns & Sequences
Upcoming Assessments: SOL Mini Quiz #1 (Mon. 4/29); SOL Mini Quiz #2 (Fri. 5/3); SOL Simulation Test (Start Tues. 5/7)

This week (as well as much of the year thus far) seems to have gone by quickly!  After students wrapped up the probability quiz as needed on Monday, we got started on our final "regular" unit of the year, patterns and sequences.  We discussed the different types of patterns, ranging from the first patterns they learned in kindergarten with shapes and/or colors to numerical patterns, which can then be broken down into arithmetic (adding or subtracting, which can be converted into adding a negative; "common difference"), geometric (multiplying or dividing, which can be converted into multiplying by a ratio; "common ratio"), or neither (changing operations and/or numbers or involving exponents).


In the future, I plan to move this unit ahead of my functions unit and I've already contacted one of the county's middle school math curriculum people about the change.  This is because of how I've spent a ton of time reviewing functions throughout the week in relation to how the pattern can help you come up with the equation for any given function.  I've noticed many students seemed to have a few light bulbs turning on with this by the end of the week.

I'm going to cut this week's summary short as I'm busy preparing materials for our SOL review work, which starts next week.  Students will have the first SOL mini-quiz on Monday and if all goes as plan, we'll start an SOL review folder that will house all of their review assessments and materials.  Please encourage students to keep up with the folder and everything that goes into it.  It will count as a test grade that will be given right before the SOL test; a perfect folder organized with all of the proper materials will be an easy 100A+ test grade!