The homework from 9/27/12 can be found at the following link on my wiki at:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/HW+8+-+Review+of+Add+%26+Subtract+Decimals

All Classes took the quiz on long division, rounding decimals, and adding & subtracting decimals on Friday, 9/28/12. Results will be available on Monday, 10/1/12.

The homework from 9/24/12 can be found at the following link on my wiki at:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/HW+7+Review+Rounding+Decimals

Most students were able to complete today's homework in class (which is UNusual) after completing the sixth grade benchmark assessment that all sixth graders will take this week. I will upload the link for this homework by tomorrow.

We wrapped up the topic of multiplying decimal numbers in class today, finishing the PowerPoint presentation and working on an in-class worksheet to help prepare the students for their homework. The homework, Study-Guide 4-3, can be downloaded if necessary, from my wiki at the following link:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/Multiplying+Decimals+HW+9.21.12

In class today, we started the topic of multiplying decimals numbers (both factors have decimals in them) We will finish the PowerPoint presentation tomorrow and then spend time in class working on the Practice Guide problems to make certain that the students are understanding the process. They will get homework tomorrow night.

For today's topic, we learned how to multiply whole numbers by decimal numbers; that is, number with decimals in them, such as: 6.21 x 14 The students learned that the answer (product) must have the same number of decimal places as the factor with the decimal places (in this case, two numbers to the right of the decimal point). We worked on the interactive PowerPoint together and they did an in-class worksheet to help prepare them for their homework. Following is a link on my wiki for their homework:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/Multiplying+Decimals+by+Whole+Numbers

Today, we reviewed and studied adding and subtracting decimals. On the Unit One Pre-test, these two questions were generally answered correctly, so this is a quick review before we move into multiplying and dividing decimals. You can find a copy of tonight's homework on my wiki at:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/Adding+%26+Subtracting+Decimals

In class today, we learned about rounding, concentrating specifically on rounding decimals. There is homework over the weekend and you can find a copy of Practice Guide 3-4 on my wiki at the following link:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/Rounding+Decimals+HW+9-14-12

There is no homework tonight. In class today, the students learned how to use the interactive "clickers" to respond to questions. These devices allow the students to receive instant feedback on their work and gives me solid data on which students may need additional help in a particular area or which are ready to move ahead with more challenging work. Starting tomorrow, we will use the clickers on our next topic, adding and subtracting decimals.

Today's class work continued and finished our review and work with long division using whole numbers. Today's topic was division with zeros in the quotient (answer). This type of problem can sometimes be a struggle for students and they have to remember to put the zero in the answer to hold the place value. The link for the homework on my wiki is:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/Zeros+in+the+Quotient+HW+9-12-12

Today, all clases got homework on long division. This worksheet, a skills sheet, was a practice/review of some simple long division. Follow the link below to find a copy of the paper on my wiki:

http://pjvl904-math-teacher.wikispaces.com/Long+Division+HW+9-10-12

Tomorrow is the team's field trip to Camp Champlain. Don't forget to wear sensible shoes, bring lunch, and wear comfortable clothing! The woods will likely be damp after the rain we have had this week.

Please note that all students in my math class will be getting a printed label for their math binders and on that label will be an individual number through which you and your child will be able to track your child's grades, classwork and homework. If your child is missing any work, you will be able to see that on the Microsoft Excel grid and keep informed that way about your child's progress through math class. You can contact me or have you child get any missing assignments from me. If you feel that your child needs to stay after school for extra help, my regular day for staying after school is Thursdays.

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, 9/5/12, all classes will be taking the 6th Grade Glencoe MATH PLACEMENT TEST. This is a Pre-Test and will not count towards their Trimester One grade. It will be used to help determine their placement in RtI blocks (not in math classes). I went over the "Keys to Successful Test Taking" in all classes and gave the students a handout to keep in their math binders for the year. It is right behind their Math Class Expectations handout, in the front of their binders. The tips are for all their classes.

Today, the team-wide fundraiser for Yankee Candle was given out in all classes (math). I am in charge of fundraisers this year, so if you have any questions, please contact me. Please know that all monkey raised goes to the team and the additional field trips and activities that we are planning for this year. So, all you can do to help make the fundraiser a success is greatly appreciated! The fundraiser and all monkey is due on Friday, September 21, 2012.