Graphing Ordered Pairs

Hey 6th graders and 6th grade families! We are about to do our 3rd lesson in chapter 2, and the focus is switching to graphing ordered pairs. 6th graders are expected to plot points with x and y coordinates that are both positive and negative.

Of course, I will be teaching and re-teaching this skill in class (it is super important!!), but it wouldn't hurt for the 6th graders to review the skill at home, and even practice with some fun graphing games.

The video above is a great resource that explains exactly how to plot both positive and negative ordered pairs!

Also, this GAME is a fun way to practice. Remember, the more you practice the easier it is! Graphing ordered pairs will show up in almost every chapter in our math books from here on out!

-Ms. Carlyle

That's a Wrap!

Our first chapter from our CPM textbook is in the book! I am so proud of the 6th graders and all their hard work during this chapter. We learned new things about:

Finding sums of positive AND negative integers.

Determining which numbers make equations true.

Scaling axes of graphs.

Finding measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode).

Displaying data on stem and leaf plots.

Displaying data on box-and-whisker plots.

 

Wow! Look at all those skills! To show how the math we learn can be used in REAL LIFE, I found the measures of central tendency for our math scores:

Mean: 83.24%

Median: 88%

Mode: 88%, 91%, 94%, 96%, 99%

 

After we reviewed our tests today, we set goals for improvement. The 6th graders did an amazing job, but good learners set goals to keep achieving MORE AND MORE!!

 

 



 

Congratulations on a job well done 6th graders. I'm proud of you for the effort you put forth, the growth you've made, and the goals you have set to keep improving! Finally, here are some pictures of some of the problems we solved as a class!

 

Solving for unknown numbers (variables).

We applied measures of central tendency to a real-life situation!

Completing number lines and graph axes was difficult at first, but we worked hard and caught on quickly!Those tricky intervals were no match for us! 

 

I can't wait to see you succeed in chapter 2! Keep up the great work 6th graders!

-Ms. Carlyle

The time has come: Our 1st math test!

Hello 6th grade students and families. All of our hard work throughout the first chapter of our math text will pay off tomorrow....it is time for the chapter test! Math assessments are incredibly important, as they are weighted heavily when I calculate grades. Here are a few tips and tricks that I would like you to keep in mind when preparing for a test.

1) Do all your work for the ENTIRE chapter!
Ok, well if you haven't kept up with this one, it is a little late for chapter 1. But trust me 6th graders, doing homework each night and keeping up with class notes will really pay off in the long run! You will feel much more prepared and have an excellent resource to use during the test (you can use your notebooks with all your notes and assignments to help you during the test!!).

2) Study/Review the night before.
The night before an assessment, I will always send home a study assignment that covers each skill that will be on the test. Complete that assignment, and come see me in the morning if you are confused or have any trouble with the skills.

3)Sleep and Eat!
No, not during the test. Please be sure to get a good night's rest, always, but especially before our tests. Also, it is really hard to concentrate on a difficult and lengthy math assessment when your tummy is growling! Eat a good breakfast each morning, and feel free to bring a healthy snack for our 11:00 snack time.

Ok Smart Ones, I think that is it. Remember, when you learn how to do things the RIGHT way, then the right way gets easier. Algebra is hard. 6th grade is hard too. But, if you focus on doing your job and taking responsibility for your learning...algebra, and 6th grade, (and anything else you want to accomplish) becomes a lot easier!

Good Luck!
Ms. Carlyle

50 Nifty United States!

This year, we are beginning our social studies time with a focus on geography. We are going to FLY through the 50 states (because most students have seen them in 5th grade) and also take a look at geography around the world and how it impacts cultures and societies.

As I said, our first job is to get our 50 states memorized. To help, here are some great websites that our wonderful 6th graders can practice at home (and I give them a liiiiitle time to practice on these sites at school as well!):

50 States Matching Game

States Quiz

Place the States

 

Each of these sites are a little different, so try them all and find what works best for you!! For the "50 States Matching Game," I ask students to focus on the states, and not capitals or landforms, until they have their states down pat!

 

Happy State Memorizing, Smart Ones!

-Ms. Carlyle

 



Keyboarding Practice

Hi 6th graders and 6th grade families!

We are spending the month of September brushing up on our keyboarding skills 20 minutes each day. I am amazed by how well the 6th graders are progressing through their typing lessons! Keyboarding is such an important skill to be proficient in both for school and future careers.

At school, we use a program called Ultrakey to teach us the correct way to type. It is great for 6th graders to practice their typing at home if possible too (I'm sure they do quite a bit of typing on Facebook and whatever websites they're into these days anyway...I just want them to be typing correctly!!). Below are a few typing games and typing test websites that I have tried out and recommend!

Typing Games 

Typing Test 

Typing Game 

 -Ms. Carlyle
      

Open House: Can't Wait to See You!

Hi there 6th grade students and families!

This year, Neely O'Brien is doing something a little differently when it comes to our fall Open House. There will be two separate Open House dates; one for primary and one for intermediate.

Primary Open House: Thursday, September 12, 2013. 6:30-8:00 beginning in the Gym.

Intermediate (that's us!): Tuesday, September 17, 2013. 6:30-8:00 beginning in the Gym.

I am well aware that many families at Neely have students in both primary and intermediate. You are more than welcome and greatly encouraged to attend BOTH open houses. I am so looking forward to meeting more 6th grade families!!

As always, email or call with any questions you may have! I'll see you next Tuesday!

-Ms. Carlyle

CPM Information!

Hello students and families! We have officially started our work in our 6th grade math curriculum, CPM. We spend about 90 minutes for our math block during the day. This time involves direct instruction, group work, and independent work while I work with small groups.

6th graders will more than likely have math homework each night. Depending on the length of the lesson, they sometimes have time to get a head start during class time. When 6th graders do bring math homework home, they will have their CPM textbook and math notebook.

6th graders, if you struggle with a homework problem...

come see me in the morning before school!!!

 

I will normally be in my classroom and available to help with homework by 8:20 each morning. Also, our curriculum provides an excellent resource for homework help. Use the link below, and click on the picture of our textbook: Foundations for Algebra Year 1. From there you can choose the chapter and problem that you need help on!

 

CPM HOMEWORK HELP

 

As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns!!

                                                                         
-Ms. Carlyle





Math Fact Websites

We spent the last couple days checking in with the level of our math fact skills. Now, when I use the term "math fact" I am referring to those basic multiplication and division facts that we all know and love (9x2, 5x6, etc.). For the most part, I am SUPER impressed with the level of skill our class has shown with their math facts!

We took two quick assessments; one multiplication and one division. Each had 100 facts and I gave the 6th graders 4 minutes to complete them. 6th graders, you know your scores and hopefully you actually showed your parents when you took them home!! (If not, I have their scores written down!). If you did not finish all 100 facts in 4 minutes, I suggest you take some time to brush up on those math fact skills. If you did finish 100 facts in 4 minutes, CONGRATS....but it's still good to keep your skills sharp by continuing to practice.

Flashcards are always a great tool for practicing facts. Also, these websites provide excellent practice!!

Math Fact Basketball

Virtual Flashcards

Fact Worksheet

 

All of these sites give you the option to choose addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We are all unique learners who are working at different levels, so choose the area that best fits your personal math needs! Keep in mind, my goal for ALL 6TH GRADERS is to be fact fluent with both multiplication and division.

 

 

-Ms. Carlyle

Late Start Wednesday Dates

Just an FYI from the District Office:

The Kent School District observes a districtwide late-start schedule for all elementary, middle, and high schools one day a month except for December. Below are the designated dates to start two hours late:

September 25, 2013

October 30, 2013

November 20, 2013

January 15, 2014

February 5, 2014

March 5, 2014

April 2, 2014

May 7, 2014

June 4, 2014

Students who ride a bus to school should expect their bus to arrive two hours later than the usual time. Breakfast is not served on late start days. School ends at the regular time.