Weekly Updates

In our new unit, students will explore numeric and algebraic expressions. They will use exponents to represent repeated multiplication, find prime factorizations, greatest common factors, and least common multiples, and apply the order of operations to expressions involving whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. We’ll then introduce variables as students write expressions to represent patterns and real-world situations, identify parts of expressions, and substitute values to evaluate them. Students will also use properties of operations, including the Distributive Property, to generate equivalent expressions and combine like terms to simplify them. Throughout the unit, students will explain their thinking, justify why expressions are equivalent, and apply these skills to solve problems.

This Week in 6th Grade Math

This week, we’ll begin Topic 3: Numeric and Algebraic Expressions! In Lesson 3.1, students will use exponents to represent repeated multiplication and evaluate powers. In Lesson 3.2, they will find prime factorizations, greatest common factors (GCF), and least common multiples (LCM) and apply these skills to solve problems. We’ll also begin Lesson 3.3, using the order of operations to write and evaluate numerical expressions. Throughout the week, students will practice showing their work and explaining their reasoning.

For more information about Topic 3, including lesson highlights and ways to support learning at home, please see the attached Family Engagement Overview.

https://psn.virtualnerd.com/viewtutorial/PreAlg_04_01_0002

https://psn.virtualnerd.com/viewtutorial/Alg1_1n

https://psn.virtualnerd.com/viewtutorial/Alg1_1g

Homework This Week

Students should complete problems 1–16 in Savvas, accessed through the Clever portal.

• Problems 1–16: Submit all answers online by Thursday, November 5.

• Problems 11–16: Also show your work on paper and turn it in Thursday during class.

Students will continue to receive a weekly Work Habits grade based on their work completion and effort. Both the online answers and the required paper showing work must be submitted on time to receive full credit.

Building positive work habits can make a meaningful difference in a student’s academic growth. While students receive a weekly Work Habits grade for completing homework and turning it in responsibly, they will also receive Work Habits grades for how they use class time and complete their in-class responsibilities. We have spent time discussing what it looks like to earn a 4. If your student receives a 2 or below, I would like them to check in with me so we can work together to find strategies that will help them be successful.

Email is the best way to reach me. I check my email periodically throughout the day and will respond within 24 hours during the school week, sooner when the matter is urgent.