We continue with examples of simplifying expressions. In particular, we are focusing on the difference between expressions and equations.

This lesson starts a new skill: Unit 14, simplifying expressions containing fractions, whole numbers, and decimals using the order of operations. This combines two earlier skills we learned: the order of operations (skill 7) and converting fractions to decimals (skill 4).

The notes above show how we need to solve just one operation at a time, with each solution step on a separate line.

In some classes today we took a few minutes to explore integers and negative numbers.

Today’s lesson examined why the standard algorithm for multiplication works so well. This is a quick review of skill 8.

Today we noticed that there is a shortcut we can use to divide with fractions. This takes advantage of division being the opposite, or inverse, of multiplication.

Here is our warm up and practice to complete each day.

Today’s lesson continues with how to multiply fractions. We are looking at how to multiply mixed numbers which have fractions and whole numbers. Below are our notes and an exit ticket / review exercise.

Congratulations on completing your District Learning Assessment (DLA)! As you know, this assessment covered the first ten skills we are learning (Units 1 to 10) and is also valuable preparation for STAAR. I’ve posted resources below which you can use to review your work:

1. DLA answer key showing the correct answers and solution possibilities.

2. Student Reflection sheet. Use this page after grading your DLA to record which questions you got correct or incorrect. This will show you which skills you have mastered and which need more practice.

3. Learning and Observation page. Use this page to correct your answers and write down any observations or things you’ve learned.

Remember that this DLA is graded on this scale:

• 0-49%: Did not meet grade level
• 50% to 69%: Approaches grade level (meaning you have learned many of the skills we’ve covered so far)
• 70% to 84%: Meets grade level (meaning you have learned all of the skills we have covered so far)
• 85% and above: Masters grade level (you have a thorough understanding of the skills we have learned)

Hello! I will update this page with resources and classwork for students who are absent. I look forward to seeing you back in class soon! I will also prepare your laptop, math journal, and papers if you would like to arrange for them to be picked up from school. If you have any questions, please message me on the Hub or email me. – Mr. J

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Week of January 10th, 2022

This week we are starting on a new skill: how to divide with decimals. This is an interesting one and we’re going to have fun exploring it this skill.

Warm up for Monday, January 10:

Today’s warm up is practicing the skill of division. Please make sure you complete this worksheet and either return it to me in class, email it to me, or message me a picture. You will find the worksheet posted here.

Skill 11: Dividing with Fractions

On Monday we looked at the concept of how to divide with fractions. We explored how to draw, write, and mentally solve division with fractions. We also looked at some interesting patters which show a relationship between dividing and multiplying. On this topic, it’s really important to understand it and think about how it works, so take your time in reviewing these notes. You will find my notes and examples posted here. Please copy these notes down into your notebook or onto a blank page to glue into your notebook.

Continuing to practice on skill 10: multiplying fractions

In class, we finished solving and reviewing our Unit 10 Check For Understanding. Remember that we worked on this before the break, so you probably have finished the first 5 questions already. Please download this worksheet or copy the answers onto a blank piece of paper. As always, let me know if you have questions!

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Week of January 3rd, 2022

This week we are continuing with skill #10 (how to multiply fractions) and reviewing our District Learning Assessment (DLA) which we took just before the break. Please work on the following this week:

Skill #10: How to multiply fractions:

1. Review our class notes which I have published on this page. Remember to copy these notes down into your math journal. If you don’t have your journal with you, copy it on paper so you can glue it into your journal.
2. Please complete the practice questions on both sides of the fractions multiplication worksheet which you can download on this page.
3. Log into BrainPop and join Mr. J’s Math Class. You will see I have posted several review videos and assignments for you on BrainPop. Start with the assignment entitled “How to multiply and divide fractions”. (Here are the instructions on how to find this work: Open Digital Resources, then go to Clever, then click on BrainPop. Once you are in BrainPop, click on “Enter Code” at the top right of the screen. Enter code “barn7385”, click submit, and it will say “welcome to Mr. J’s Math Class”. Then go to the dashboard and you will find your assignments there.)

District Learning Assessment review:

1. Please use the answer key to grade your DLA. I will send an email with a scanned copy of your DLA, or send the original to you.
2. Once you have graded your DLA, color in the review sheet with green for correct questions and red for incorrect questions. This will show you which skills you have mastered and which need more practice.
3. After completing the review sheet, use the Learning and Observations page to make corrections to your answers. Please write down any observations on how you can improve for next time.

You will find the DLA answer key, review sheet, learning and observations page posted here.

Other activities:

1. Please spend at least 20 minutes on Kahn Academy and aim to master a new skill. You can log into Kahn Academy using your HISD email address and usual password.
2. Spend 10 minutes per day on Prodigy.