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FLEX! Patterns in Algebra: Critical Thinking Class - Beginner Level

In this pre-Algebra prep course, students complete problem solving activities each week that will help them be more successful in pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.
Mrs. Kennedy (M.Ed.)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(114)
Class
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What's included

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 7
Beginner Level
Looking to build your learner's mathematical reasoning skills, develop algebraic thinking, and critical thinking skills?  This class will help you do that!

❓What happens in this class?  

Learners work through different types of Algebra activities that don't actually look much like Algebra...they look more like puzzles.  
(Watch the video above to get an idea of what they look like.)

I'll provide students with...
📌a copy of the activities to print out
📌hints if they feel stuck on a problem
📌videos in which I walk students step-by-step through the solving process
📌answer keys to check their work

To keep things as organized as possible, I post the sessions for the week all at once on Mondays at 12 pm EST.  

🚀Each week, learners will have 4 new activities to complete (for a total of 40 activities in the complete course).  One of the wonderful things about a flex class is the ability to complete items on YOUR schedule!
 
These are are the 5 types of activities.  
Activity 1 has a series of geometric shapes that form a pattern.  Students will predict what the next shape will look like and sketch future shapes and notice details about the pattern.

Activity 2 involves equations.  No variables are used; instead, students have to figure out what numbers are represented by 2D figures.

Activity 3 uses sequences.  Students may have to predict a future figure in the sequence or find missing figures within the given sequence.

Activity 4 involves finding patterns among numbers.  This is a great prerequisite skill for Algebra when it comes to factoring, especially.

Activity 5 uses functions and students have to find a secret pattern within the function.


📅When does everything get posted in the classroom?  

On Mondays!

I'll post the 4 activities for the week in a printable handout, hints for the activities, video help, and solutions.  Learners may post questions if they are stuck on a certain section for additional feedback.

🚦[There are 3 levels in this series of courses with Mrs. Kennedy:  Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.]
The last part of the video, above, shows you examples of the levels to help you decide which level is best to start for your learner.
Generally, this might be helpful:
Beginner is probably better for a learner in upper elementary grades or struggling in Pre-Algebra.
Intermediate is probably better for a learner in Pre-Algebra or struggling in Algebra 1.
Advanced is probably better for a learner in Algebra 1.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Be sure to watch the video to see what the activities are like, read my reviews, and message me if you have any questions.
Learning Goals
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.  Reason abstractly and quantitatively.  Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.  Attend to precision.  Look for and make use of structure.  Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Students may want to print the activities each week.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The curriculum comes from the Pattern Explorer book. Students do not need to purchase them. I have a license to use and permission for use on Outschool.
Joined December, 2020
5.0
114reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Georgia Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
Is your learner failing math?

Does your teen say things like…

I can’t do math!
I’ll never get this.
I’m going to fail this math class!
I’m so dumb.

Well, you’re in the right place.

HI!  I’m Mary Kennedy, certified math teacher, and I love working with students who struggle with high school math and  doubt that they can do it.  

I've taught Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and have more than 20 years of teaching experience.  My Master's degree is in Learning Disabilities.

In my classes, students connect their learning to critical thinking skills (includes reasoning, analysis, and perseverance) and growth mindset (“I haven’t learned this YET.”).

I strive to make the math concepts accessible to struggling learners.

Help your teen regain confidence and learn the skills they need to pass Algebra.

Don’t let math continue to disrupt your family’s life.


About Mrs. K.
I do life in a tiny tourist town with my husband and three kids (when they're home from college).

Twice, my family has had the unique and wonderful experience of hosting students from Southeast Asia in our home and community.  We have maintained friendships with these students and their families for several years now through technology, despite our geographic distance.

I love working with students from every country and encourage their language skills in my math classes.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$15

weekly or $150 for 10 weeks
10 weeks

Completed by 1 learner
No live video meetings
Ages: 10-13

This class is no longer offered
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