Update

Sorry it's been a little over a month! The mid winter-recess break was in mid-February and I was away in San Francisco unable to post. Shortly after, I was in a complicated situation and ended up losing someone that I loved. The kids have been questioning why I look so sad lately, but I have to be strong as their teacher, for them and for me. I apologize for the lack of posts!

We have been learning about how to solve a one-step equation. I have not done a great job breaking this down for the kids in my past years of teaching, but this time I made it easier to understand by using NLVM's virtual algebra balance scale. It can be found here: http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_201_g_4_t_2.html?open=instructions

And it looks like the following:

Once kids understand the two goals/concepts of isolating the variable and balancing the equation, they can move onto abstractly solving one-step equations where the answer is not so obvious
(i.e. E + 350 = 592 or 5n = 625). So far they have done a good job, especially understanding key terms such as "isolate" and "inverse"

Welcome to Unit Rates/Price, Ratios and Proportions

While I haven't gotten into content yet, I've started to work on Unit 1 already and have been thinking about some activities (of course, ones that involve movement), that will likely be the first spotting of the kids on this blog. Going along with my battle (possibly career-long battle) to build student motivation, I decided to use introductory videos that showcase their teachers in the real world, showing the application of the unit/concepts being discussed. I will also create a "Why is Math Important?" video.

Students are familiar with Target even if it's not in their community, and helping their teachers find out which fruit has the cheaper unit price might be plenty interesting and motivating to some of them. There is an element of relevancy, prior knowledge, novelty, and entertainment that comes in making these types of videos. Students in 7th grade that I no longer have are familiar with me, so I'm sure they'll enjoy it. I look terrible!