Tuesday 9/2

Today we jumped into Chapter 2 with Lesson 2.1, which focused on sequences. We learned today that often times you have to do a lot of critical thinking and deep analysis to write sequences and discover patterns, clues, and rules. There's no substitute for this careful consideration and critical thinking, and it takes honest, determined practice to get good at it.

Tonight's homework will require this kind of careful consideration. Feel free to use all tools at your disposal (drawings, physical pennies, charts, tables, whatever!). Remember to think first about what the problem is asking you to do (is it only one thing, or more than one thing?). Then consider what you know, and what clues may have been left for you. The next step is to come up with a plan to solve.

Parents: If you're helping your son or daughter at home, please consider asking the above questions first and pushing them to try to "unlock" the problem on their own. It may not come naturally, but that's what they need to practice. The process is the goal, not necessarily the final solution. There are only a few problems on each nightly assignment, but they do require a great deal of deep thinking and careful work.

We also passed back tests today. Any student that earns a D or F on a test is eligible to retake the test on Wednesdays at lunch to try to improve the grade to a maximum of a "C" on a retake. While we want everyone to demonstrate mastery at the time of assessment, this will give highly motivated students a chance to learn from their mistakes and get a second opportunity to demonstrate mastery. If you need help, I'm available before and after school.

Homework: Textbook pgs 48-53 (Problems 5, 9, and 11)

Answers for all the class work and homework can be found at the Lesson 2.1 link above. Be sure to try the thinking on your own first, then check to see how you did. Going straight to the solutions robs you of the chance to learn and grow. Getting things "done" is not the point.