This week we had a discussion in class about math and the future of what students will need to know for their math studies. I did indicate to all students that math us one of two subjects that all high schools require for graduation - the other is Literature/Writing. One of the processes we have studied that is super important for all students future math success is the basic multiplication tables up to 9 x 9 = 81. I told them that if they were to memorize this it would make their future math one step easier since it is estimated that about 85% of all math in the future involves multiplication. I then told them that the best way to memorize these is orally one at a time. For most students, if they were to orally say the multiplication table every night for about 2 months, they would have memorized about 75-80% of it and one additional month will really make it stick - I remember my mom making me do this about grade 4-5 when I was in grade school and I still remember my multiplication tables quite well. There is a copy of the multiplication table in the back of their student planners. Not required, but something that will really make math more accessible in the future.
We are busy planning for our annual overnight which this year will be October 9-10 with Mrs. Silberstein’s class. The trip will be to Singing Deer lodge. One thing we will continue with is the no electronics (cameras, phones, iPods, iPads, tablets, computers, Digital Watches etc) policy. There will be an emergency number supplied to all parents which can also be used in case of an emergency at camp. The number of electronic devices that are damaged, destroyed, lost or stolen at camp is always an issue while we are there and since it is only a single night, it is felt that this policy should not be too hard to follow. I have talked with the students in class and the only concern of theirs is photos. While I do not have a complete solution for this, at this time all I can say is that we will bring our class set of iPads out and they are more than welcome to use these to take pictures with. The safest and best place for personal electronics during camp is at home. Please note that this is inline with the grade 4 and grade 6 overnight experiences.
I have had a chance to look through all your scholars MAP scores and there was nothing that stuck out in my mind or that really surprised me. I expect that you will get your copy of the scores in the coming weeks now that the testing is completed here at ISB. Please remember, it is a single snap shot that can have numerous external influences to it. While it is quite reliable over time, the singularity of the test can be a factor given certain circumstances. Once you receive your scores, you can contact the office of learning to get more information and interpretation of the scores. The ones I get are different to yours as they are meant to help teachers decide what still needs to be taught in areas of LA, Math and Reading.
Next week we will begin the final project for the Global Citizenship Unit. It is researching an very special global citizen and preparing a presentation about this person. Lots of choice here and lots of neat information to gather. We did an exercise this week looking a remarkable teens and their contribution to the world and their communities. This was a great lead in to the final project next week.
We are also coming to end of our current math unit. We are currently working on larger scale problems that reflect what we have learned. This will be a great way for students to show their learning and also to prepare for the final assessment for this unit.
The next two weeks are 4 day weeks with Friday Sept 21 off and Monday Sept 24th off. The it is a much deserved holiday for the October national holiday from Sept 29th to Oct 7th. If anyone is planning on leaving early, please let me know so I can make sure that all the work is completed and assessments done. If students miss these, they will have to find time after the holiday to complete them. Thanks in advance for this.
That is all for this week. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. I will gladly set up a time for us to meet.
