speak to me in a language i can hear

On Monday, we “sharpened the saw” and held our first class meeting of the year. It was a good time as we are in the middle of our current units (equation solving and geometric figures), and a great time to get refocused on learning. I ran the first Class Meeting, but then next one will be run by the students. A student acted as the scribe, and this student will run the next meeting.

We accomplished several things. In summary, I introduced the classroom data center formally, the plus/delta feedback chart in class, discussed some learning issues in class, and we came up with some solutions to problems that we have noticed. A major topic was deciding a classroom mission statement. While we came up with a good statement of our mission, we have not finalized it for all classes.

Here are the draft statements:

1) Respect learning math in the vortex of fun.
2) Be successful in all aspects of math while having fun and doing our best.
3) Have fun in math while being focused doing our best.
4) Have fun while learning.
5) Demonstrate learning and respect in class in order to succeed and have fun.

Most likely, our classroom mission will be a combination of all five statements above. Stay tuned!

Have a great day, solve a problem and enjoy it.

mc

Happy Friday!

Today is the day the Algebra classes will be making-up their first test. We have sessions before school, lunch, and afterschool. If you miss one of these times, you can always improve your test score by mastering & reviewing the concepts in Accelerated Math. Your data folder will track your progress!

Have a great weekend.

mc

This Spring 2008, every student will take a test measuring their progress toward the California State Standards. A question came up during Back-to-School night about what is on the test. Here are links to pdf files from the State Department of Education on released test questions for Algebra & Geometry.

Algebra Released Test Questions

Geometry Released Test Questions

The links have questions that used to be on the test and also mention the key standards that are assessed. I hope this information is useful to you!

I had a great time speaking to all the parents and sharing what our class is about this year. I am excitied about the energy and enthusiasm is behind the students! If you missed the presentation, here is the agenda of what was covered.

Back-to-School Night Agenda

Agenda para la Noche del Regreso a la Escuela

Please feel free to leave comments or questions here!

Today was a great day at Graham. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet all of our students. Our advisory class worked on setting ground rules and we came up with an affinity diagram grouping like topics. In our math classes we reviewed the course outline and materials needed. I also received feedback on how to make our class a wonderful place to learn. I ended my day with one of my classes sharing their hopes & fears of the new year. It is my hope that everyone will learn this year!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ0NG5cUC1w" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

I’ll admit, it *is* a stupid video, but one of my all-time favorites.

Interesting Video

Some kids should not be building around the railroad tracks.

Just three weeks left…what are you going to do?

Room 15 is now online (don’t be jealous!). Feel free to drop by and say “hello”. I hope you are having a wonderful summer.

mc