6th Grade Math Presentation BECKENDORFF JUNIOR HIGH 5TH GRADE PARENT NIIGHT 6th Grade Math Presentation January 20, 2015

Goals for this presentation: Provide you with useful information regarding Academic and PreAP mathematics Provide you with helpful tips on how to best prepare your child for the transition from 5th to 6th grade math If you are trying to decide between PreAP and Academic, provide you with useful tools to make your decision.

The transition from elementary to junior high begins with a bang!  Academic Mathematics The transition from elementary to junior high begins with a bang!  Integers Decimals Word Problems Algebraic Reasoning Multiply and Divide Fractions

6th grade Math Curriculum: Is on the college ready track! Is rigorous – New TEKS for Junior High! Is taught in a 45 minute classroom setting, which is challenging for students as they transition from the elementary setting of 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes.

A Successful Math Student: Is prepared for class with: an open mindset a positive attitude necessary supplies Is willing to raise their hand for help when needed AND asks good questions to further their understanding

Let’s talk about items for your toolbox

WHY? PreAP Mathematics 6th PreAP 7th PreAP 6th grade PreAP Mathematics is a jam-packed curriculum in that it consists of the 6th grade TEKs and 1/3 of the 7th grade TEKS. 6th PreAP 7th PreAP 8th – HS Algebra 9th – Geometry 10th – Algebra II 11th – PreCal 12th - Calculus WHY?

How do I decide if my child is ready for PreAP? A common misconception is that if your student has all A’s and scores “advanced” on STAAR), they are ready for PreAP. Although that is a good indicator, it is not the only indicator. We will talk about some indicators in the next slides. Cont.

Characteristics of a PreAP Math Student Problem solver in everyday situations Primarily an independent learner Has developed strong learning/study habits Shows perseverance when challenged Displays emotional maturity when frustrated Demonstrates reasoning skills pertaining to mathematical concepts in everyday life Shows confidence in their own math abilities Strong/mastered fast facts skills Strongly values learning- Loves to learn!!

How do I decide if my child is ready for PreAP? As the first six weeks consist of many crucial 7th grade TEKS, some students tend to struggle at the beginning of the school year. It is common for a typical straight A student to score a C or lower on an assignment, quiz, test, or report card. The question is, “How do we help them persevere?” Cont.

How do you know if your child is ready for a faster- paced classroom? Talk with your child about what happens in their classroom on a daily basis. After one day of a lesson, does your child need more time to learn the material? How does your child feel about the pace of the 5th math class now?

How do I decide if my child is ready for PreAP? Does your child have the motivation and maturity to work at a faster and deeper level of math? Has your child mastered his/her basic math facts? Is computation something that is done quickly? Having this prior knowledge allows teachers to make connections and begin reasoning skills when presenting new concepts.

How do you know if your child is fluent? COMPUTATION Fluency with computation is crucial. Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers (1-20) Multiplying & Dividing Facts (through 12’s) Adding and Subtracting Decimals and Fractions with Unlike Denominators If your student is not fluent with computation, they will most likely struggle with completing classwork, quizzes, tests, and homework. How do you know if your child is fluent?

How do you know if your child is fluent with computation? Talk with your child about how they do on facts in school. Watch your child when they are completing homework at home to see how long it takes them to complete computation problems. KATHI Emphasize that we are adding to their toolbox. Cont.

Continued… Use websites like www.wildmath.com to see how long it takes your child to complete a facts quiz. Use flash cards to review facts with all operations and watch the clock to see how long it takes to complete a certain number of problems.

How do I help prepare my child for 6th grade math? Review facts with flashcards or websites like: www.wildmath.com Engage in mathematical activities such as discussing how many ounces are in a cup, ½ cup, and ¼ cup while baking or cooking.

Decision? Academic math is on the college prep track. As you make the decision of signing your child up for Academic or PreAP math, please take these things into consideration: Academic math is on the college prep track. PreAP Math is a fast paced curriculum consisting of 7th grade TEKS Academic math students are challenged with the curriculum. In PreAP math, grades of “B’s” or better are considered successful. It is crucial that you talk to your child and investigate their readiness.

Thank you for coming tonight! Welcome!