October 2008 Newsletter
7th Gr Mathematics
Mrs. Musur
The students have settled into the math routine and are doing a
great job of completing nightly homework, daily warm-ups and
correcting their work as well as other students’. They have been
enthusiastic and well behaved. Thank you for all your hard work.
It shows in your children.
Each group works at a pace that is suited for most of
the students. I try to keep the work challenging but not
impossible. The students are learning concepts that are new to them
and have had some struggles. I attempt to make the work as easy to
understand as is possible. However, some children do need extra
reinforcement. This is where you can help your child. Also, I am
available most days at recess (except Monday which is my lunch duty
day) and in the morning at 8:30. I am also here after school many
days so if there are times when that will work just let me know.
Many times just a little more practice will do the trick.
Chapter 2 deals with Integers and their operations. For
many children this was the first time that they worked with positive
and negative numbers. It takes a while to feel comfortable with
this but mastery must be achieved because we will see these numbers
over and over again. The students must memorize the rules for
adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers. They must
also memorize certain math words and math properties.
Our third chapter focuses on solving linear equations.
We begin with one-step equations that use their inverse operations
to solve and find the unknown value. We then move on to two-step
and multi-step equations. We also work on inequalities in this
chapter. Each chapter includes problem solving in individual
sections and well as one particular problem-solving strategy. In
Chapter 3 we focus on drawing a diagram.
Our trimester math project will begin during the week of
the 17th. The children will be looking at the stock
market (and what a time to look at it!) and will choose three stocks
to do some analysis with. The project will focus on graphing,
calculating using positive and negative growths, and making some
predictions. A handout will come home that week with further
details of the project.
We will also have a unit test after we finish Chapter
3. This will be a multiple-choice test that will include concepts
from all three chapters. This exam will not take more than one
class period to complete.
This is a lot for your children. I am certain they are
able to meet the challenges I have set. If you need anything,
please contact me by letter, phone or email.
Margaret Musur |
