Friday, December 3, 2010

Quiz Day!! Today's quiz covered Sections 4-5 to 4-7, solving 2 step equations and graphing inequalities. I have graded the quizzes and grades are posted on edline. The kids did a great job on the quiz. There is not homework this weekend. Enjoy your time with family!!

Next week I am having surgery and I will be out of school for the next two weeks. I will return to work after Christmas break. Ms. Mollhagen will be teaching for me while I am gone. Because I will be gone, I will not be updating the blog with what is going on in class. I will be updating the weekly calendar with homework. If you do have any questions or concerns, feel free to e-mail me. I will be checking my e-mail on a regular basis while I am home recovering.

I hope that you and your family enjoy the holiday vacation. See you all in 2011!!
~Mrs. Slot

Thursday, December 2, 2010

In class today we learned about inequalities and how to graph inequalities. After a brief lesson, students did an activity where they graphed inequalities using licorice for the line and life savers for the open circle, and jolly ranchers for the closed circle. After completing the activity, students had about 20 minutes to work on homework & most finished before leaving class. Remember there is a quiz tomorrow that covers solving 2 step equations and writing and graphing inequalities. Don't forget to study!
HW~#2-28 (evens) p. 207 & Checkpoint Quiz p. 209 & STUDY FOR QUIZ!!!!

Tuesday, November 30

Today we spent another day on solving two step equations. Most of you are doing a fabuluos job!! Keep showing all of the steps when solving a problem. Tomorrow we will spend some more time reviewing. 6th and 7th hours, we will not meet tomorrow because we will be going to the assembly at the high school.
HW~ #2-28 p. 202 - 203 (due on Thursday)

Monday, November 29

Today we started solving two step equations. Most of the students caught on quickly. We will be review this for the next two days because it is very important to understand how to do this well.

Reminder...there is a quiz on Friday covering sections 4-5 to 4-7.

HW~#8-26 p. 197

Tuesday, November 23

Today the kids took a quiz on sections 4-1 to 4-4. Most of the quiz covered solving equations and the kids did a great job!! I still have one class to grade and post on edline. I should have this done by Monday morning.
There is no homework this weekend.
Enjoy your weekend with friends and family. Celebrate all the things that you are thankful for this year! I am thankful that I have each one of you in class this year.
See you Monday!

Monday, November 22

QUIZ TOMORROW!!! Today we reviewed again for the quiz which covers sections 4-1 to 4-4. To study tonight, please do the Checkpoint Quiz on p. 191. You should also correct the checkpoint quiz. The answers are on page 716 (Lesson 4-4).
HW~Check point Quiz #1-10 p. 191 & STUDY FOR QUIZ!!

Thursday, November 18

Today we learned how to solve multiplication and division equations. Please remember to show all of your steps when solving equations. I know you can sometimes figure the problem out in your head but remember we are building good habits. This will help you as you take future math classes.
Tomorrow we will review solving equations in preparation for the quiz on Tuesday.
HW~#2-34 (evens) p. 189

Wednesday, November 17

Today we started algebra!!! We actually solved equations. I know many of you are mad at me right now for making you show all of your steps. Remember we are trying to set good habits in math. Following the steps that I showed you in class will help you not only solve problems now but it will be helpful when we start solving 2 step equations next week and when you take higher level math classes.
HW~#5-28 p. 183

Tuesday, November 16

Today we started the basics of solving equations. Most of the solving we did mentally or by plugging numbers in for the variable. Tomorrow we will start solving equations following very specific steps. And guess what...you are going to have to show your work!!

I held an after school study session today to review for the Chapter 3 test retake. I will also hold another session tomorrow during Inspire. The retake will be on Thursday during Inspire.

Please double check the HW calendar. I changed some things for the end of the week. The quiz covering sections 4-1 to 4-4 will be postponed until next week Tuesday. This will give us more time to work on solving equations.

HW~worksheet (both sides)

Monday, November 15

Today I handed back the Chapter 3 test and I answered questions that the students had. Anyone who wants to retake the test will have to do one of the following

STAY AFTER SCHOOL TOMORROW (NOV 16)
or
STUDY WITH ME ON WEDNESDAY DURING INSPIRE

The retake will be on Thursday during Inspire.

Today we started algebra. We talked about variables and algebraic expressions. By the end of the week we will be solving equations!
HW~#1-30 p. 171

Tuesday, November 9

After correcting homework and answering questions, we spent the hour working on the review for the test. If student's didn't finish the assignment, it is homework. Reminder...TEST IS THURSDAY!
HW~#1-36 p. 162 & begin studying for test

Monday, November 8

Today we worked on dividing fractions. When dividing fractions, remember the phrase, SAME-CHANGE-FLIP. I alsso handed back quizzes from last Friday.

If you are struggling with adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing fractions, please see me for help. There is math help on Tuesday after school from 2:30 until about 3:15. I will also be available during lunch on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Remember the Chapter 3 test is on Thursday. Start studying now!
HW~#9-32 p. 144

Friday, November 5

Quiz Day...No Homework!! Test on Chapter 3 next week Thursday.
Enjoy the weekend.

Thursday, November 4

Today's lesson was on mutliplying fractions. We learned how to multiply proper fractions and mixed number fractions. Remember to change mixed numbers into improper fractions before multiplying them. We also had a multipying fraction relay. Congratulations to the teams that won. Tomorrow you will receive your prize.
Remember that we have a quiz tomorrow covering sections 3-1 to 3-4. The best way to study is to do problems so do your homework tonight!
HW~#7-31 (odds) p. 138 & Checkpoint Quiz p. 134
STUDY FOR QUIZ!!!

Wednesday, November 3

The topic for today was adding and subtracting mixed numbers. Remember a mixed number is a whole number with a fraction, for example 1-1/2. For the most part the lesson was review for many. The hardest part is subtracting fractions when you have to borrow from the whole number. Remember to look at the examples that I did in class for a reference when doing your homework. (I hope you copied them in your notes!!)

Reminder, there is a quiz on Friday covering adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions. Start studying now!

HW~#1-30 p. 132&133 (skip #23)

Tuesday, November 2

Again another busy day in math. Today we reviewed how to add and subtract fractions. Remember when adding or subtracting fractions you must have a common denominator. Once you have a common denominator, you can add the numerators or the fraction. The demoninator stays the same.

Those who have chosen to retake the Chapter 2 test, reviewed with Mr. Gaultney and Ms. Traviss during Inspire today. Remember to study tonight because you will be retaking the test tomorrow. The BEST way to study is to DO problems. One suggestion is to do problems from the Chapter Review and check answers in the back of the book.

You will retake the test with me, Mrs. Slot, during Inpsire tomorrow. Please report to your Inspire class, and after announcements come to my room with a pencil, ready to take the test.

HW~#1-30 p. 136

Monday, November 1

Today was a busy day in math class. First I handed back the Chapter 2 test that the kids took on Friday. For those who scored lower than a 70%, I am HIGHLY recommending that you retake the test. In order to retake, you must study with Ms. Traviss or Mr. Gaultney tomorrow during Inspire. You can then retake the test on Wednesday during Inspire or Thursday during Inspire (if you are in choir). Retakes will take place in my room. Report to your Inspire teacher first then come to my room to retake the test.

We also started Chapter 3 which deals with fractions. The first lesson we talked about estimating sums, differences, products, and quotients using benchmarks, rounding, and compatible numbers

In the next week and a half, we will review adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. For some kids, the thought of fractions causes panic. To help students who struggle with fractions or just want to work on their math homework, I am offering math help for the next few weeks. Math help will take place after school this week Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30. After this week, math help will be held on Tuesdays. Here are the dates: November 4, November 9, November 16, and November 30. If you are interested in staying after, please talk with Mrs. Slot.

That is a lot of information. Any questions, please e-mail me kslot@nvps.net or talk to me during class.

HW~#1-32 p. 122

MATH HELP

Are you confused in class? Are there a few things that you just don't understand? Would you like to improve you math grade? Do you want a quiet place to work on your homework? Come to math help!!

Math help with start Thursday, November 4 from 2:30 to 3:30 in Mrs. Slot's room. After this week, math help will be held on Tuesdays through December 7 from 2:30 to 3:30. If you live in Northview, the late bus can take you home. Please let Mrs. Slot know if you plan on attending.

Friday, October 29

TEST DAY!!! Today students took the test on Chapter 2. I will have them graded by the end of th weekend and updated on Edline. Check out Edline on Sunday to see your grade! I will hand back the tests on Monday and we will go over it as well.
Students wishing to retake the test can stay after school on Tuesday or meet with me during Inspire on Tuesday to study. Wednesday during Inspire, students can retake the test.

No HOMEWORK for the weekend!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Have fun and be safe!

Thursday, October 28

Today we reviewed for tomorrow's test on Chapter 2. Remember the best way to study is to DO problems. I am offering extra credit to those of you who complete the Chapter Review on p. 112. You need to do #6-34 on page 112. When finished you should correct the review. The answers are found on page 729. When finished correcting look back at the problems you got wrong and review that section in your book but reading through the section in the text and doing some problems.
If you have any last minute questions, stop by my room before school, during Inspire, or at lunch.
Happy Studying!!!!

Tuesday, October 26

Today we learned what rational numbers were and we compared rational numbers. Rational numbers are any positive or negative numbers. Rational numbers can include fractions and decimals as well. We discussed how to compare numbers using a number line to help us determine which number is smaller or larger.
Remember that there is a test on Friday covering Chapter 2!!
HW~#1-24 (skip 23) p. 104

Monday, October 25

QUIZ DAY!!! The quiz covered sections 2-1 to 2-6. I graded all the quizzes and updated grades on Edline. Please follow the directions on our team web page to access updated edline grades. We also have a test on Chapter 2 this week Friday. It won't hurt to start studying for the test now!
HW~NONE

Friday, October 22

Today we reviewed for the quiz that we are taking on Monday. Monday's quiz covers sections 2-1 to 2-6. To prepare for the quiz you should do problems. There are two Checkpoint Quizzes that you can do to help you study. The quizzes are on the following pages.

• Checkpoint Quiz 1 #1-15 p. 79 (Answers p. 715 in Lesson 2-2)
• Checkpoint Quiz 2 #1-10 p. 101 (Answers p. 715 in Lesson 2-6)

I have told you the page of the answers so you can check your work. This assignment is not mandatory but I highly recommend that you do it. If you do the assignment, it will be counted as EXTRA CREDIT!!

Remember to study this weekend for the quiz!!

Thursday, October 21

The schedule is finally back to normal. I saw all my math classes today and we all did the same lesson, coverting between fractions and decimals. Here's a summary of today's lesson.

To convert a fraction to a decimal, you divide the numerator by the denominator
EX: 4/5 = 4 divided by 5 = .8

To convert a decimal to a fraction, you put the number after the decimal point in the numerator of the fraction, the number in the denominator will be a 1 with zeros after it. The number of zeros is equivalent to the number of digits after the decimal point. (It's easy...just hard to explain). DO FORGET TO REDUCE THE FRACTION!

EX: 0.24 = 24 /4 = 6
100 /4 25
HW~#2-28 (evens) p.99

Wednesday, October 20

NO 7th Hour Today
In all other classes today, we learned about the different types of fractions, improper, proper, and mixed number fractions. The kids learned how to change a mixed number fraction into an improper fraction and vice versa. Most of the kids caught on very easily. In 6th hour and 1st hour, kids finished their homework in class.
HW~#1-30 p. 93

Tuesday, October 19

1st & 3rd hours
Today we learned how to compare fractions with unlike denominators. Before we can compare the fractions, the fractions need to be rewritten with common denominators. You can use LCM to find a common denominator or you can just multiply the two denominators together to find the new denominator. Once the fractions have the same denominator, you just compare the numerators. Remember to look at the examples that we did in class if you are getting confused.
HW~#1-26 p. 84

7th hour (no 6th hour today)
Today's lesson focused on mixed number and improper fractions. We learned how to change a mixed number fraction to an improper fraction and vice versa.
HW~#1-30 p. 93

Monday, October 18

1st & 3rd hours
Today in math class we talked about equivalent fractions. We learned how to write equivalent fractions by reducing or simplifying. We also learned to write equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number. We also did an activity with Skittles and writing equivalent fractions.
HW~#7-28 p. 84

6th & 7th hours
Today's lesson was about comparing and ordering fractions. In order to compare fractions they must have a common denominator. Therefore before you compare fractions, you must rewrite the fractions with a common denominator and then compare the numerators.
HW~#1-26 p. 89

Friday, October 15

1st & 3rd hours
Today we reviewed many terms multiples, least common multiple, factor, and greatest common factor. We also made factor trees to find the prime factorization of a number. Sometimes these terms can be confusing so the students should have definitions and examples for each term in their math notebooks. Be sure to refer to these notes if you are struggling with your homework.
HW~#8-40 (evens) p.77


6th & 7th hours
Today lesson was on fractions. We worked on simplifying or reducing fractions and writing equivalent fractions. We did a fun activity in class with Skittles and writing fractions. Students were able to enjoy their Skittles when finished with the activity.
HW~#7-28 p. 84

Thursday, October 14

1st & 3rd hours
Today we learned about exponents and did more practice with order of operations. Students also got their tests back as well as a progress report with their current grade and missing assignments highlighted. If you would like to retake the test, you will have to make arrangements with me to stay after school today or Tuesday. You will then have to stay after school another day to retake the test. Due to the MEAP test and not having Inspire class, you are unable to retake during Inspire this time.
HW ~ #9-29 p. 70

6th & 7th hourss
Today we reviewed a lot terms...multiples, factors, least common multiple (LCM), greatest common factor (GCF), and prime factorization using factor trees. For many students this was review. I also handed out progress reports to the students with their current grade and missing assignments highlighted.
HW ~ #8 - 40 (evens) p. 77

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day 2 of MEAP...again we had an altered schedule and we did not have 3rd hour today. Students in 3rd hour, don't worry we will get caught up next week!!

1st hour: Students took the Chapter 1 test. I will have the tests graded tomorrow. Students will also receive a mini grade report tomorrow showing their grade and any missing work. This weekend would be a good time to make up any zeroes!!!
HW~NONE

6th & 7th hours: Today we learned about exponents and did more practice with order of operations. Students also got their tests back today. If you would like to retake your test, you will have to stay after with Mr. Felver (Mrs. Liley's student teacher) on Thursday. You can retake your test next week Tuesday after school. Please let me know if you plan on retaking the test.
HW~ 2-1 #9-29 p. 70 (due tomorrow!!)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The next three days the schedule is altered due to the MEAP test. Your child is going to miss one hour of the day some days to accommodate the MEAP testing schedule. For example, today your child will not have 1st hour. Therefore, those of you that have me for first hour math, you luck out and have an extra day to study for the test!!

3rd, 6th, & 7th hours, took the test on Chapter 1 today. I will have scores posted on edline by tomorrow.

HW~
1st hour - study for math test...it's tomorrow!!
3rd, 6th , 7th hours - NO HW!!

Friday, October 8

Northview Black Out Pediatric Cancer Day!
Even though I wasn't in class today we began reviewing for the test. Ms. Bollaert, a math major, was the teacher today. Students worked on the Chapter Test during class. If it was not finished in class, it is homework.

Start studying this weekend for your test on Tuesday or Wednesday, by studying your foldables and doing problems in your math book. Monday we will talk more about how to study for a math test.

Enjoy the weekend!!
HW~ Chapter Test on page 62 (if not finished in class)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

In math class today we learned about mean, median, mode and range. To help remember each of these measures of central tendency, we made a foldable with the explanation of how to find each one as well as an example.
We have made three foldables in the last few weeks. You and your child should be reviewing these foldables and using them to help with homework. These foldables are a very helpful tool for preparing the test also.
Speaking of the test, we are going to have our first math test on Tuesday of next week. If you have any spare time, study by doing problems from sections you are struggling with. We will spend the next few days reviewing to help you prepare for the test.
HW~ #9-27 p. 56

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Order of Operations was the topic for today. We spent a few minutes writing all we could remember about order of operations. Surprisingly, many couldn't remember the order of operations. We talked about what the order of operations are and why it is so important to follow the steps. The order of operations are listed below.

1. Parentheses
2. Exponents
3. Multiplication or Division in order from left to right
4. Addition or subtraction in order from left to right.

Something that may help you remember the order of operations is:
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

HW~#1-16 p. 50

Tuesday, October 5

In today's lesson we learned about the rules for multiplying and dividing integers. We made a foldable to help us remember the rules. The rules for multiplying and dividing integers are listed below. (Rules for dividing are the same as rules for multiplying).

• positive * positive = positive
• negataive * negative = positive
• positive * negative = negative
• negative * positive = negative

We also went over the quiz from last week.

HW~#1-33 p. 46&47

Monday, October 4

One more day was spent reviewing adding and subtracting integers. I taught a brief lesson and then students took a clicker quiz. Some kids are still struggling with subtracting integers. When changing a subtraction problem to an addition problem, you must change the minus to a plus and then change the next number to its opposite. Remember, SAME-CHANGE-OPPPOSITE
Example:
-3 - 8 = -3 + -8 = -11

HW~worksheet

Thursday, September 30 & Friday, October 1

Yesterday we reviewed adding and subtracting integers. We also made a foldable to help us remember the rules for adding integers as well as subtracting.

Today students took their second quiz which covered long division, absolute value, and adding and subtracting integers.

HW~No homework this weekend. Have fun at homecoming. GO WILDCATS!!!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I was not in school today but the students had a wonderful teacher, Ms. Bollaert, who is math major! Students learned how to add and subtract integers. There are specific rules that you must follow when adding integers. Those rules should be in students notes. Tomorrow we will make a foldable with the rules so they have something to study.
HW~#1-32 p. 41

Tuesday, September 28

Today's lesson was review for many. We talked about integers, opposites, absolute value, and comparing numbers using <, =, >. We learned that integers are whole numbers and their opposites, and that absolute value is the distance a number is from zero on a number. Distance is always positive so when we find the absolute value it is always a positive number.
Students had a lot of time to work on their homework in class today so many students finished before class was out. If you didn't finish, homework is below.
HW~#2-48 (evens) p. 33-35

Monday, September 27

In class today we review dividing decimals. With more review, students seem to be catching on. I also handed back the quiz that students took last week. I went over the quiz with the students and answered any questions. This week Thursday there is a quiz that covers sections 1-4 to 1-6.
HW~pink decimal division worksheet

Thursday, September 23

Dividing decimals was the topic of today's math lesson. After showing the class a few examples, students work with their elbow partner or me on a few long division problems. We learned that long division is much easier if you know your multiplication facts. It wouldn't hurt to review your multiplication facts if you have some extra time. So if you have flashcards, get them out and practice!
HW~ #8-32 (evens) p. 22 & 23 (due Monday)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The first quiz was today. Most kids finished the quiz and were able to make corrections on their quiz. Let me tell you about the procedure with quizzes. Students will take the quiz, then turn it in to me. I will look over the quiz and circle questions that were done incorrectly. Students will have the opportunity either during that class period or the next day to make corrections on their quiz. After corrections are made, I will then correct the quiz. This gives students the chance to catch "silly" mistakes. Most of the time I will have quizzes graded by the next class period. Check Edline for the quiz grade or ask your child to see his/her quiz. This is a good tool to use for review and directing students to sections in math they need to study/review a little more.

Students who do poorly on the quiz can set up a time to meet with me during lunch or they can stay after school on Tuesday or Thursday and work with Mrs. Templar. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. kslot@nvps.net or 361-3430.

Tuesday, September 21

QUIZ TOMORROW OVER SECTIONS 1-1 to 1-3!!

Today we corrected homework from last night and reviewed for the quiz. The kids used clickers for the first time. The clicker is a piece of technology that allows students to do problems and get immediate feedback telling them if their answer is right or wrong. The students were only able to do one or two review problems before the end of class. We will be using them more throughout the year. It is a great tool for me to use to see which students are struggling with concepts covered in class then I am able to work one on one with those students.

We also talked about how to study for a quiz or test. In most other classes you can read over your notes to prepare for a quiz or test. In math however, you need to do more than just read over examples, you need to DO the problems. Before each quiz students are assigned the Checkpoint Quiz from the textbook. This is a great review for a quiz and quizzes are very similar to the Checkpoint Quiz. I told the kids that they should do the problems from the Checkpoint Quiz again and then check those answers. If a student is struggling with multiplying decimals, he or she should go to the Section 1-3 (Multiplying Decimals) and do some more practice problems.

Don't forget to study tonight!! Quiz is tomorrow. Happy studying!!

Monday, September 20

Today our lesson was on multiplying decimals. Some students were a little rusty when it came to their multiplication facts. If you have a set of multiplication flash cards at home, get them out and start practicing!! In preparation for the quiz on Wednesday, tonight's homework is a long assignment. If you have some extra time you can always start studying for the quiz!
HW ~ #8 - 36 (evens) p. 16 & 17
#1-15 (skip 2) p. 18

Friday, September 17

We are jumping right back into math after two busy days at camp! Today we reviewed adding and subtracting decimals. I taught a brief lesson, which was review for many of the students, then students had about 30 minutes to work on their homework. If you were not in class today, the homework is listed below. Have a great weekend and see you Monday!!
HW~ #8-32 p. 10

Monday, September 13

Today we did our first lesson in our math book. We took notes on lesson 1-1: Using Estimation Strategies. I showed the students how to set up their homework and we did the first few problems together.
HW~#6-23 p. 6 (due Tuesday)

Friday, September 10

Today we worked in groups to complete the Diagnostic test. We reviewed concepts learned in earlier grades such as muliplying and dividing decimals, rounding, place value, and adding fractions. There is no homework for the weekend. Monday we will start working from the textbook. Students will have their first homework assignment Monday night.

Enjoy the weekend. I look forward to getting to know everyone better at camp next week!!

Thursday, September 9

Today we finished up a few things that we started earilier in the week. Students worked with their partner to finish their profiles for the team book. Students also worked on the scavenger hunt for chapter 1. Tomorrow students need to turn in the signed syllabus and the completed scavenger hunt.

Note: 7th hour did not do the scavenger hunt so I will not be collecting it from them.

Wednesday, September 8

Because the pictures I took of the kids weren't developed yet, we had to change plans for today. Instead of finishing the partner profiles for our team book, we went over the Syllabus for math class, handed out math books, and worked on a scavenger hunt on Chapter 1.

All student will receive a syllabus by tomorrow. The syllabus should be signed by the student and a parent, then returned to me by Friday.

syllabus

Thursday I will be giving you a syllabus in class. We will discuss this in class. Your assignment is to sign the syllabus, read it over with your parents and have one of your parents sign the syllabus. The signed syllabus should be returned to me by Friday. If you happen to misplace your syllabus your can print on out from the link below.
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1HO7cI2q-qn2BzCzpkf31FvSkx9MLHlE4dH6bg-jaCKpoUAJql1W8tICg9JeO&hl=en&authkey=CP6d6MIK

Welcome to Course 2

Welcome to Mrs. Slot's Course 2 math class. I am very excited to have you in class this year. We are going to have a great time learning about math. I hope that by the end of the year you LOVE math as much as I do!!