I believe success in math depends on a child's ability to not only understand numerical concepts, but to be able to apply those strategies to problems by using mathematical thinking.  My approach in this class is to give students the tools they need to be able to solve problems, and then allow them to experiment, fail, and try again until they get the answer.  Throughout the semester, we work on developing strategies, understanding relationships, and building confidence.  As I tell my students, there is always one right answer in math, but there is not just one way to get there.  

This class uses Dimensions Math, a Singapore Math curriculum.  Singapore Math is a mastery-based approach to math, where students progress from concrete examples (real life), to pictures, and finally apply their knowledge to the abstract, using numbers and algorithms.  Instead of mimicking procedures, they learn how to think mathematically and apply what they know to solve problems.  

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CLASS FORMAT 
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This class is for students working in Level 6A/6B (roughly 6th-7th grade) in the Dimensions (or other Singapore) curriculum.  These levels cover many concepts in a traditional pre-algebra curriculum, focusing on fluency of operations with decimals, fractions, rates, and percents.  Once students have completed both 6A and 6B, they will be ready for Algebra.  

Due to the increasing complexity of this level of math, class time will look slightly different than in my lower level math classes.  Depending on the topics, we will either spend the majority of class doing an activity (like a game) or doing worked examples.  
Class time consists of:

-HOMEWORK QUESTIONS (10-15 minutes)
-INSTRUCTIONAL TIME (10-15 minutes)
-WORKED EXAMPLES or ACTIVITY (15-25 minutes)

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EXPECTATIONS
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PREREQUISITES include familiarity with all four operations of fractions and decimals.  It's okay if students aren't completely fluent in these quite yet.  It would also be helpful if they've had an introduction to ratio, rate, and percent, but not necessary.  

Students are expected to be working on math outside of class.  At the beginning of each week I post workbook pages from the Dimensions 6A textbook.  These pages are highly recommended, as they offer additional practice and are scaffolded to help students develop better mathematical thinking.  I DO NOT correct these pages in class, however, students may post their homework in the Classroom and I will grade it.  Also, if students struggle with any of the problems, they can ask questions either in the Classroom or at the beginning of class.  

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SCHEDULE 
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This class is ongoing, so students can join at any time.  If you join mid-year, please check the schedule below to see where we are in the year, and if your student is capable of the topics we are covering. Students who complete all 36 weeks of this class will have completed a FULL YEAR CURRICULUM in math.  Material cycles through once the end is reached.  

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SUMMER 2023
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(6A Material)
Week of JUL 24: (Chapter 1) Intro to Exponents and Evaluating Expressions
Week of JUL 31:  (Chapter 1) Lessons Greatest Common Factors and Evaluating Expressions
Week of AUG 7:  (Chapter 1) Distributive Property and Problem Solving
Week of AUG 14:  (Chapter 2) Multiplying Fractions
Week of AUG 21: (Chapter 2) Dividing Fractions
Week of AUG 28: (Chapter 2) Fraction Problem Solving
Week of SEP 4: (Chapter 3) Fractions as Decimals 
Week of SEP 11: (Chapter 3) Multiplying and Dividing Decimals
Week of SEP 18: (Chapter 3) Decimal Problem Solving

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FALL 2023
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(6A Material)
Week of OCT 9: (Chapter 4): Introduction to Negative Numbers
Week of OCT 16: (Chapter 4): Absolute Values and Negative Numbers
Week of OCT 23: (Chapter 5): Comparing and Expressing Ratios
Week of OCT 30: (Chapter 5): Relating Ratios to Fractions and Ratio Problem Solving
Week of NOV 6: (Chapter 6): Finding Average and Unit Rates
Week of NOV 13: (Chapter 6): Rate Problems
**NO CLASSES NOV 20-24 for Thanksgiving Break**
Week of NOV 27: (Chapter 6): Complex Rate Problems and Percent Review
Week of DEC 4: (Chapter 7): Fractions and Percent and Percent of a Quantity
Week of DEC 11: (Chapter 7): Quantity of a Percent and Percent Problem Solving

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WINTER 2024
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(6B Material)
January 8-March 8

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SPRING 2024
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(6B Material)
April 1 - May 31