Essential Math Topics

Please Note:  ‘Essential Math Topics’ is offered only in a private tutoring format from June 4 – August 18, 2023.  Students are free to choose days / dates (1 – 3 days/week) from topics listed below.  It is not necessary to study in the order listed below or during  a specific time span.  Please feel free to message me to schedule topics and dates.
Thank You,
Paula

What topics will be covered?
•	Weeks of June 4 -9 & 11-16 
•	Multiplication, addition’s shortcut.  I begin most classes with a Kahoot game of multiplication. Since ability in multiplication and factoring is a critical skill for success throughout the math curriculum, I teach a few strategies, for example recognizing multiples (even, divisible by three, multiples of 5 or 10) or splitting a number up and using the distributive property and matrix multiplication. 

•	Weeks June 18 - 23 & 25 – June 30   
•	Division,  multiplication’s opposite.  Long division-single digit through 3-digit divisor.  Estimating by rounding to check throughout the problem-solving process.  Checking quotient using multiplication.
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•	Stated problems of real-life situations are included in all parts.

•	Week July 2 - 7     
•	Stated and Real-Life Problems – The emphasis of this module is development of strategy to read, understand set up and find a solution of different types of problems using any or all of above operations

•	Weeks of July 9 - 14 & 16 - 21 - Addition/Subtraction:
•	 Place values and their meaning.in working with numbers.
•	Mechanics of addition, how to check a sum, real-life situations and applications, strategies for breaking a problem up.
•	Mechanics of subtraction, how to check a difference, the relationship between addition and subtraction, including ‘counting up’ to subtract.

•	Week July 23 - 28 & Week July 30 – Aug 4
          Fractions, Decimals & Percents
•	 Place values of decimals. Converting decimals to percents.
         Simplifying and operations with fractions.  Converting and relationship of fractions, decimals and percents
•	Problem solving with both decimals and percents
•	Solving real world problems using decimals and percents and the significance of being able to arrive at a solution.

•	Week Aug 6 – Aug 11, Week Aug 13 - 18,  Introduction to Algebraic Equations
•	 Definition/meaning of a single variable and meaning of equations
•	Setting up an algebraic equation
•	Step by step solving equations and order of operations

How is the class structured?
My class is structured around learner participation (answering solicited responses) during presentations as well as when working through examples.  In addition, learners are given time during every lesson to work at least one problem alone and participate in explanation of the solution.

How will I teach?
I use PowerPoint to present material and examples, often using animation to encourage participation when answers are solicited, allowing learners to see the solution immediately.  I also create illustrations giving learners an immediate memory tool.  Also often have the class participate solving exercises written on a whiteboard slide to arrive at a solution as a group.  Kahoot! is also used as a warm-up/review activity.  Learners absolutely love the game aspect of Kahoot! and retain knowledge better.   Generally, I sum up a topic with an online, self-correcting quiz either working it as a class to find solutions or sending a link for learners to do for homework and review in class.  Either way, this is a good tool to determine if review is needed.

What's my teaching style?
How much will learners get to interact with you and each other (mention specifics like: lecture, games, slides, video clips, discussion)?
My teaching style is as participatory as possible keeping presentations as brief as possible and encouraging learners to build on previous knowledge.  Learners are always free to interact, ask questions or share work.  Lecturing is done in the form of presentation with learner participation.  Occasionally I may link to a video clip, but generally rely on PowerPoint, participatory slide activities and online class exercises.

Any required experience or knowledge learners need?
Learners should have had exposure to basic arithmetic.