Week 6 - Finally Fall!

Algebra links from Didax Education.

Fall is finally here! We kicked off the week with a round of mini-stations for the 8th graders. We figured we might as well join in on the candy season and incorporate it into a station. The 8th graders worked on replacement with variables and order of operations by using M&M's to determine variables. They used algebra tiles/links from Didax Education to play a domino-like game. Lastly, they used formulas to practice substituting variables. I know I sound like a broken record when I say how easily stations are to set up with our rolling tables and chairs, however, IT IS JUST SO EASY! We save so much time setting up stations and it is super easy for us to transition from 8th grade to 7th grade in the three minutes that the students have to change classes.

M&M substitution - everyone needs a little chocolate now and then.

In 7th grade, the students participated in individualized instruction by watching videos of the lessons on order of operations with integers. I know I'm probably repeating myself again but having a collaborative class with VERY diverse learners it is often difficult to address everyone's needs with a traditional lecture. With a video, each student has control over the pace of the lesson. They are able to practice their note-taking skills because they are able to pause and rewind the video as needed. Also, for students that may need additional time or extra practice, the video provides the needed flexibility. We ended the week with a game of "trashketball," Halloween style. Students answered questions to earn paper balls to throw into the trash/bucket. Points were awarded for the number of baskets made. The students really liked this game and I see us playing it again in the future.