W.O.W. and Independent Math

Hello Everyone!

I received a note in my inbox that let me know some students had questions about WOW and the use of textbooks for Math, so I thought I would answer it on the blog.

WOW:

Words of the Week is done once a week, unless we have short weeks. You receive words Monday and then it is due on Thursday. I noticed last year how much students really need to learn how to look up words, understand parts of speech, and use dictionary resources (paper or online.) To spice up our writing, we also need some interesting words. When reading current events articles and doing research, we need to know some larger words we are unfamiliar with from our daily reading. So, the purpose of WOW is to just expose us to new and interesting words.

There will not be spelling tests on these words. At the most, I will do a check in to see if you 1. Use the words during the week in your writing or discussion, and 2. Recognize the meaning of the words when I use them or when you see them in readings we do. I would just like to see you using new vocabulary!

In general, I am not a huge fan of spelling tests; however, I will cover spelling as needed if I see that students are struggling with certain words or language patterns.

Independent Math:

Assessments are done, and Ms. D is going through them to determine the best book for you to start in. We are only using the textbook because you will need to be familiar with what the textbooks cover when you get to high school. Many of you are working above grade level, but we need to make sure you haven’t missed any gaps. So, the textbook helps with having organized practice of certain subject matter and some quizzes to see if you have mastered concepts.

Each person will do this in a slightly different way, but everyone will work through some problems from the Math Makes Sense textbooks. If I assign you a unit, you will need to review the lessons, do some practice problems (not all), and then when ready, take the unit test to prove you are ready to move on.

Don’t worry, we will limit our time doing this, as we are going to do Applied Math in connection with our unit. Right now, we will focus on using math to determine how much power or work is produced (by you or a machine), as well as some math about flight. I think you will have fun. Stay tuned and be patient as we get started with our year!

If you have suggestions or questions, feel free to always send me an email or put a note in my inbox. Please put your name on it, though, so I know who to address. No anonymous notes, thanks. 🙂

Get your parents to check their email to ensure they received an email from me.

If you haven’t turned in your personal letter to Ms. D OR social media consent, please do so soon!

I hope you have a good evening!  — MS. D