Welcome to Common Core Math: Pre-Algebra Essentials, a semester-long virtual course designed to help students in grades 3-5 master foundational pre-algebra skills. This course is meticulously aligned with Common Core Standards and is structured to support diverse learning needs, including ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD. With my master's degree in Special Education and over 20 years of teaching experience with special needs students, I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What Will Be Taught?
Students will build a strong foundation in pre-algebra, covering topics such as:

Whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
Factors and multiples
Prime and composite numbers
Properties of operations and numbers
Basic algebraic expressions and equations
Ratios and proportions
Graphs and charts
Introduction to integers
Class Structure
Weekly Schedule:

Live Sessions: Twice a week for 45 minutes via Zoom, focusing on interactive lessons and collaborative activities.
On-Demand Lessons: Twice a week, students will engage with interactive video lessons to reinforce and expand upon live session topics.

Curriculum Breakdown:

Weeks 1-2 8/12/2024 to 8/23/2024: Theme - Whole Numbers, Fractions, and Decimals
Introduction to whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
Understanding basic operations and their applications

Weeks 3-4 8/26/2024 to 9/6/2024: Theme - Factors and Multiples 
Exploring factors, multiples, and prime numbers
Hands-on activities to identify and work with these concepts

Weeks 5-6 9/9/2024 to 9/20/2024: Theme - Properties of Numbers and Operations
Properties of operations and numbers (commutative, associative, distributive)
Practical exercises to apply these properties

Weeks 7-8 9/23/2024 to 10/04/2024:  Theme - Algebraic Expressions and Equations
Introduction to basic algebraic expressions and equations
Simple problem-solving strategies and practice

Weeks 9-10: Theme - Ratios and Proportions
Ratios and proportions: Understanding and applying them in real-life scenarios
Interactive group activities and discussions

Weeks 11-12: Theme - Integers
Introduction to integers: Understanding positive and negative numbers
Using integers in simple calculations and real-world contexts

Weeks 13-14: Theme -  Graphs and Charts
Interpreting and creating graphs and charts
Visual data representation and analysis

Weeks 15-16: Theme - Review
Review and reinforcement of all topics
Comprehensive assessments and personalized feedback

Teaching Style:
My teaching style is interactive and student-centered, incorporating multisensory methods to cater to different learning styles. 

Lessons will include:
Lectures - Clear and concise explanations of concepts
Games - Engaging math games to reinforce learning
Slides and Video Clips - Visual aids to enhance understanding
Discussions - Encouraging student participation and collaboration
Interaction - Students will have ample opportunities to interact with me and their peers. 

During live sessions, we will have:
Q&A Sessions - To address any questions and clarify doubts
Group Activities - Promoting teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
Individual Support  - Personalized attention to cater to unique learning needs
Support for Unique Learning Needs - This course is designed with special considerations for students with ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD. 

Strategies include:
Multisensory Teaching: Combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods
Frequent Breaks: To help maintain focus and engagement
Clear Instructions: Simplified and step-by-step guidance
Assistive Technologies: Tools to support reading and writing

With regular progress monitoring and tailored feedback, parents will receive updates on their child's progress, ensuring continuous improvement and success in math. Join us on this exciting journey to master pre-algebra and build a strong mathematical foundation!