Week 5

This week was a short week for me, but the three days I was present within the classroom were rather busy! Both the Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 classes began learning new material, so keeping the students up to speed was a bit difficult. Algebra 2 is currently learning function operations, including composition functions and well as determining the inverse of a relation or function. They seemed to struggle with these concepts, but I think part of it was related to the fact that they were rushed through the material, since their warm-up consisted of 10 sample problems from past ACT tests (since this is the last week they’re able to discuss the problems within class). I understand that the test is very important to many students; however, I would have spent more time on the material since few seem prepared for the upcoming test.

As for Algebra 1, they are learning the various ways to solve systems of equations. They began with solving by graphing (which many are finding difficult since they don’t fully understand the concept of y = mx +b). The next method was solving the systems by substitution, followed by elimination. In these classes, we have been able to get in touch more with the students by going through the warm-ups each day in class, and it’s nice to have a few extra adults in the class so we can motivate them to actually work on the warm-up. Jill and I have noticed lately that if we walk around the classroom while the students are working on their warm-up, we have received many more papers. We’ve also connected with a few of the students that struggle being motivated, and I’m hoping they’ve learned we’re on their side! The students are beginning to ask us more and more questions now that they have become a bit more comfortable with us.

Next week is also another short week since the district scheduled their mid-winter break Monday and Tuesday of this coming week. Along with the short week, the craziness of the MME is occurring next week as well, so I think that will require some adjustment. We’re planning on staying the whole day Friday or the following Monday, so that will be interesting. We’re also beginning our lessons for Algebra 2 on Friday regarding probability, which I’m hoping we can make fun and interesting! Since Algebra 2 is first hour, they seem to struggle with the engagement factor, so I’ll be sure to clue you into the details then!