Using a combination of teaching styles including logic, creativity and traditional teaching methods, I implement practice based learning to teach and enforce Pre-Algebra concepts.  In this 3 week course, we will cover various pertinent Pre-Algebra concepts through review, practice and challenges to help solidify concepts and prepare for Algebra 1.  Using my custom designed Creative Notes templates, students follow along with our lesson and fill in notes, practice problems, and doodle along with the graphics and visual cues to help activate both brain hemispheres in order to improve retention and understanding.

This course generally follows the following concept guidelines:

Session 1, 2 and 3: Integer Operations, Order of Operations, Evaluating Expressions, Translating Expressions, Simplifying Exponential Expressions by combining Like Terms, Exponent Rules including Negative and Zeros.

Sessions 4, 5,  6: Solving One, Two, and Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities, Graphing Inequalities on a Number Line, Systems of Equations - Graphing, Substitution, Elimination.

Sessions 7, 8, 9: Linear Equations including Slope, Slope-Intercept Form, and Graphing, Horizontal and Vertical Lines, Similar Figures, Markups/Discounts (if time allows)

In order to complete all the concepts, this is an accelerated class.   
 
Students are expected to attend class and watch recordings when classes are missed.  We will practice problems during class and homework will be assigned for concept enforcement.  Students are encouraged to use the classroom messaging system to relay any questions or struggles they are having while working outside of class. 

I begin class with a few review questions to warm everyone up and reinforce what we have worked on.  We then work on the lesson for the day and finish with practice.  If time permits, we can have a review of any lingering homework questions. 


FAQ:
What subject should my child be taking?  Here is a standard guide for students taking math.  Some students will be on an advanced path and take these classes earlier, and some may be on a delayed path and take the classes later.  It's helpful to consider where you want to end up in 12th grade (i.e. Do you plan to take Calculus or  AP Calculus as a senior? a junior? never?).  Another helpful consideration is what math topics do you need to have completed prior to taking college placement exams (i.e. SAT and ACT).

Subject:                                                    Grade:                                
may include some or all                          7th grade
pre-algebra topics; some
students take pre-algebra
in the summer after 7th grade
as well

Algebra 1                                                 8th grade

Geometry                                                 9th grade
(some schools start with
Algebra 2)

Algebra 2                                                  10th grade
(some schools will teach
Geometry)

Pre-Calculus/Trig                                     11th grade

Calculus                                                  12th grade