Math Basics Prep: Pre-Algebra

Completed by 10 learners

Ages 9-13

Live Group Class

In this 6 week course, learners will be taught the foundations of algebraic processing.

Unity B

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(33 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week, 6 weeks

3-6 learners per class

55 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

6 live meetings

5 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Assessment

Per parent request, informal assessment can be shared about a students' progress, strengths, and areas of improvement after the final class.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7

In this 6 week class, learners will be exposed to the basics of pre-algebra and gain practice with the skills they will need prior to taking a Pre-Algebra course.  Please note: this course is not equivalent to a Pre-Algebra course and instead is a culmination of different standardized 3rd-6th grade skills needed to understand the work done in Pre-Algebra.  Students will participate in various guided practice exercises, have opportunities for independent work, and can gain additional practice on the following topics:

Week 1:
-Integers: what is an integer, how can we work with integers, identifying and mapping integers in relation to each other.  This topic includes introduction to negative numbers

Week 2:
-Evaluating Expressions: introduction to the use of variables, how to evaluate expressions

Week 3:
-One-Step Equations: A step-up from evaluating expressions, these problems will not have values provided for variables and students will discover how to identify the value of variables through solving problems

Week 4:
-Continuation of One-Step Equations: As this is a new and potentially confusing subject for students, 2 weeks have been allotted to practicing this concept 

Week 5: 
-Equations and Inequalities: Similar to one-step equations, these problems will have variables and learners will solve the problems by identifying the values of the variables.  The addition of inequalities indicates that a review will be done about what inequalities are and how to compare number values

Week 6:
- Review: This class will focus on reviewing all of the concepts covered over the last 5 weeks and include time for questions, varied levels of problem difficulty, and in-depth focus on any topics still deemed confusing by learners.

Math can be an intimidating and frustrating subject for many students, and I believe a safe, welcoming environment is crucial to supporting their education as well as social and emotional well-being.  I structure my classes so that asking questions is encouraged, independent problem-solving is prioritized, and students are exposed to problems that are challenging but possible to help build their confidence.  For this course, learners should have an understanding or knowledge of fractions, decimals, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Learning Goals

Students will be exposed to the basics of pre-algebra, including topics such as: integers, evaluating expressions, one-step equations, and equations and inequalities.  Learners will gain problem solving skills and confidence through continued practice and support.

Other Details

Supply List

Students should come to class with something to write with and something to write on; this can be a pencil and paper, an ipad, a whiteboard and marker, etc.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Unity B

Joined July, 2021

5.0

33reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Virginia Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages

2 Degrees

Master's Degree from University of the Highlands and Islands

Bachelor's Degree in English from Randolph-Macon College

Hello! My name is Unity, it's so great to meet you!

I have a BA with majors and minors in English, Asian Studies, Astrophysics, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. I have an MLitt with Distinction in Scottish Heritage with concentrations in Scottish Literature and Education. 

I absolutely love teaching, and much of my volunteer and professional career has been spent working with children in an educational setting.  Altogether I have been working as a teacher and tutor for 8 years now, and most recently earned my TEFL Certification to teach English online, as well as completed my IELTS Teacher Training!  I have taught classes in English, Literacy and Language Arts, Physics, Geometry, Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Japanese, Women's Studies, Writing, Environmental Science, and more to students of all ages (4-35+).  

I believe learning should be fun and exciting and I want to bring that same energy to my classroom.  Students should be enthusiastic about the topic and I hope to instill in them the knowledge that making mistakes is part of learning and NOT something to feel ashamed of.  My classes are engaging and I strive to make real connections with all of my students.  My teaching philosophy is that students will remember the material better, and for longer, if they had fun while learning it!

Literacy is my passion and I am currently working towards my MLIS (Master's of Library and Information Sciences) degree.  I find so much joy in fostering and encouraging a love of books and reading in students of all ages.  From young learners who benefit from help with phonics and grammar, to older students who love book clubs and learning more about librarianship, getting children excited about reading is what inspires me on a daily basis.

When I'm not teaching or reading, I absolutely love to travel!  I studied abroad in Japan, Ireland, and Northern Ireland during my undergraduate program, and have traveled independently to over 10 different countries and islands.  I even moved to Scotland and lived there while completing my dissertation! I have a very playful and talkative cat named Emma who loves to cuddle, corydoras catfish, and a beehive that I love.

I am so excited to be here teaching!  Hope to see you in my classroom (: