Welcome to 7^th Grade Singapore Math

In this course we will:

• Deal with the major concepts taught in all pre-algebra classes
• Develop your problem solving abilities
• Connect algebra and geometry to other areas of mathematics
• Emphasize understanding mathematics
• Include many problems that require a team effort.

• Write algebraic equations from words or diagrams
• Interpret graphs
• Set up and use ratios in problem solving
• Solve equations and relate these solutions to graphing.
• Apply geometric concepts to realistic problems
• Improve your ability with spatial visualization

Our goal is to have mathematics make sense.  Making sense of new ideas takes time (sometimes lots of time) and discussion with others.  It is not always easy.  You need to do lots of problems AND to talk about the math problems.  No one can learn to play a musical instrument by simply watching and listening to others play; they need to ask questions, talk about music and practice to get good at it.  Likewise, the ONLY way you can become good at math is by doing problems and talking about them.  If you do both, you will learn math.

Much of your class time will be spent working with your fellow students in study teams of two – four.  Study teams are the first source of support for learning in this course.  Read the guidelines for study teams in the box below.

Students entering 7^th grade math are expected to have mastered the following concepts:

• Adding and subtracting up to two digit numbers with ease.
• All multiplication tables through 10 x 10.
• All division facts as relates to multiplication tables.
• Knowledge of fractions, particularly finding common denominators, simplifying, adding and subtracting.
• Knowledge of decimals and place value systems

Students not having mastered these concepts will be at a distinct disadvantage as this year begins and will need to work hard to make up for any deficiencies in the skills listed above.  If you anticipate any problems in this area, please contact me as soon as possible so that I can point you in the way toward remediating those weaknesses.

Class Rules:

• BE PROMPT
• BE PREPARED
• BE POLITE

Students should arrive to class on time and prepared to work.  This means that students should have their workbooks, paper, pencils (NO PENS), erasers and a willingness to learn.

How Students are Graded

Class work/Homework                       40%

Tests/Quizzes                                      40%

Projects/Essential Questions               20%

Redo Policy

Students may redo graded assignments (class work and homework only) for full credit IF they follow the redo rules.  Redo work should be turned in within a week of the students receiving the original graded work.

Bank Points

Bank points are similar to extra credit points but are offered periodically throughout the term.   The number of potential points earned and due dates will be stated on the assignment and bank points will NOT be accepted after the indicated date.  They are called “bank” points because the students are encouraged to bank these points much as they would bank money in a savings account………….saving for that “rainy day.”  These points may be added to class work or  homework assignments only.

Redo Rules – Redo work must be done on a separate piece of paper.  This paper is then stapled to the original (graded) assignment when handed in.  For each problem done wrong, the students will first explain what they did wrong, (which mathematical principle was in error)  and then they must redo the problem, showing all steps.  Redo work will NOT be accepted unless these guidelines are followed.

Ms. Liston

Pegeen.liston@monticelloacademy.net