1. Mathematics in 6th Grade is an active pursuit…

2. Mathematics in 6th Grade at the Northwest School
Is the first of a two-year Pre-Algebra/Pre-Geometry course
Is not a packaged “6th grade math” program
Is not “tracked,” but we offer differentiated instruction
Pre-assessments
Open-ended problems/projects
Assignment options

3. What do we (the Northwest School math department) mean when we use the term differentiation?
In each course we offer, we have identified the essential topics of study. For each topic, we use formal and informal assessments to identify the level of understanding each student has of the topic. Some students need to be introduced to the topic, some need practice and refinement, and others are ready to look deeper into these topics. 

4. Mathematics in 6th Grade at the Northwest School
Consists of:
Basic skills review/practice/enrichment
Fractions/Decimal computation
Number Sense
Number facts – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Place value
Units of Study
Problem Solving and Mathematical communication (Problems of the Week – POW)

5. Basic Skills Instruction:

6. Understanding numbers – for example:
How much is a million?
1,000,000,000,000

7. How long does it take to count to a
How long does it take to count to a 1,000,000? (average one number every 2 seconds)
A little bit more
than 23 days
How long does it take to count to a
1,000,000,000? (average one number every 2 seconds)
How long does it take to count
to a 1,000,000,000,000?
About 63.5 years
About 63,000 years

8. Units of Study Data Organization, Analysis, and Graphing
Number Theory and Relationships (divisibility, factoring, integers, exponents, roots, etc …)
Ratio—Proportion—Percent
Similarity
Probability
Algebraic Thinking: Combining Like Terms, Simplifying, Using Formulas
Geometric Concepts

9. Problem Solving/Mathematical Communication – Problem of the Week

10. Some Common Problem Solving Strategies:
Act Out or Use Objects - use labels or objects to “act out” the scenario
Make a Picture or Diagram – this helps you get a sense of the “big picture”
Use or Make a Chart or Table - make sure this is organized and includes labels
Make an Organized List - make sure this includes labels as well
 Guess and Check – keep a written record so you can see when you are getting close   
Use or Look for a Pattern – use a table to look for relationships (factors, multiples…)
Work Backwards – start from the ending statement and work back
Use Logical Reasoning - use if… then… statements
Make it Simpler - can you use smaller numbers than correct at the end?
Brainstorm - think “outside the box!”
You’ll notice no algebraic formulas on this list. This is on purpose.

11. 5 Strands of Mathematical Competence

12. Homework
We believe that students need to practice or review material on their own.
There will usually be time to work on (or complete) this practice work in class. This allows them to work with peers & the teacher, ask questions, catch errors early, practice doing the work correctly.
Most homework will be in the form of ALEKS, POWs & Reflections. Students may need to finish classwork or make up work from absences at home.
Students will need to work on projects at home as well.

13. Resources and Help:
Teacher Pages – Use these for checking on due dates, downloading documents, and contacting us. These pages are especially helpful when your child is absent.
Math on Call- This is a resource manual for use in 6th – 9th grade. Students should keep this handy at home.
Teacher Homework Support in Study Hall
And, BY APPOINTMENT, during lunch