- What's the purpose of homework?
- Does homework get graded?
- What if I don't understand my math homework?
- What if I didn't have time to do my homework?
- What day will you be staying after school for extra help?
- Why do we have to write in Math?
- Do you have any pets?
- What's the point of the Math Notebook?
- I get A's on quizzes and tests. Are you going to count the NB for my grade?
- So why do you even have the NB as a requirement?
- So how can I do well in your class?
--------------------------------------
What's the purpose of homework?
The purpose of homework is to reinforce what's already been taught and to
give a student the chance to practice, practice, practice! Mistakes are
expected in Math homework ,and the PROCESS of doing the work is usually more
important than always achieving the "correct" answer. Families, please let
your child do this on his or her own, with just the occassional question to
you!
--------------------------------------
Does homework get graded?
Absolutely! The effort that is displayed on your homework will be factored in
to your overall grade for effort and overall grade for Math. Homework is an
opportunity to make mistakes and get better at a particular skill.
--------------------------------------
What if I don't understand my math homework?
If you don't understand your math homework, call a friend and see if talking
together will help you. Otherwise, do what you can so that you can get credit
for your effort. Your notes from class should help you as well.
--------------------------------------
What if I didn't have time to do my homework?
Ummm, did you have time to watch television?
In 5th grade, and especially in 6th grade, "not having time" is not an
acceptable excuse. Occassionally, I know that there are unforeseen family
emergencies that happen. In that case, you need to come speak with me
privately and we will work something out. If you have practice or a game, or
piano lessons, or karate class, or whatever, you know you have these
activities and YOU are responsible to manage your time effectively with your
family's help. There is absolutely no reason for a long term project to be
late.
--------------------------------------
What day will you be staying after school for extra help?
Just about every day. Check my "Teacher's Schedule" page since that gets
updated as needed. Remember that sometimes you just need a few minutes to
understand something - so come visit - I promise to let you go when I know
you understand what you were asking about!
--------------------------------------
Why do we have to write in Math?
Writing and explaining about a topic involves a lot of higher level thinking
skills and really proves that you understand how to solve a problem.
The "why" is just as important as the "how." We'll talk more about this in
class.
--------------------------------------
Do you have any pets?
I have two cats named Bailey and Coolidge, one Dumpy Tree frog named Elvis,
and a fish named Fish. I also have a groundhog that lives under my shed, too!
The groundhog had two babies this summer, but I think the babies grew up and
went to Punxsutawney College since I haven't seen them in a while.
--------------------------------------
What's the point of the Math Notebook?
The Math NB serves two purposes.
1) The Math NB serves as a study guide for concepts that we are doing in
class.
2) Most of your classmates, and possibly you too, have a very hard time
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS. To receive full credit, you MUST follow the
notebook rubric in the A column. This has been explained several times
in class, and generally I give all the information you need to be successful.
You may also come after school to work on your NB with me if you need to.
This is YOUR responsibility.
--------------------------------------
I get A's on quizzes and tests. Are you going to count the NB for my grade?
Yes! Your NB counts as 25% of your grade. Are you willing to accept a C or a
zero on a quiz? (Most of my students would say no.) Then why would you think
it's ok to accept a a C or a zero on your NB?
--------------------------------------
So why do you even have the NB as a requirement?
I covered this above, but here's another reason. My job is to prepare you for
next year. Without a doubt, in addition to math, you also need the skills of
following direction, self-motivation, organization, and follow-through to be
successful no matter what you are working on next year. In addition, if you
follow directions (including writing your own problems to show me you know
what you are doing) it's an easy way to get an A!
--------------------------------------
So how can I do well in your class?
Here's how grades will break down:
Homework 25%
Notebook 25%
Quizzes 25%
Tests and Projects 25%
HALF of your grade (homework and notebook)is based on EFFORT. If you give me
the effort, the "math" part of our class will be much easier for you!
