Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Why do students have to "show all work/ all steps" in math?
- Why does their math work have to be so "neat?"
- Why can't mechanical pencils be used in math class?
- Why do we have to line up in alphabetical order?
Why do students have to "show all work/ all steps" in math?
Pre-Algebra and Algebra I are courses that lay a foundation for all future
math classes and some science classes. This involves learning problem solving processes and
steps that students must show to illustrate their understanding of new concepts.
Our curriculum will quickly take us into topics where these steps and problem
solving skills will be necessary. Students will be happier math students if they
develop these good work habits early on.
Students who resist showing work because they can "think" the answer, tend to
end up feeling frustrated because they become "lost" and don't understand the
problem or how to solve it.
Why does their math work have to be so "neat?"
Neat, orderly work (which includes neat scratch work) is so much easier for
all to understand. The student can check the work and easily see if the
problem is due to a lack of understanding of the new topic, or if some careless
computational errors are the problem. Many times, errors in student work are
due to not copying the original problem accurately in the beginning or not
copying parts of the problem accurately as the problem is worked,
step-by-step. Once students begin to produce neat, organized papers their
grades tend to go up as they can now more easily understand the assignment.
Why can't mechanical pencils be used in math class?
Although they are pretty cool, mechanical pencils tend to be disruptive and
messy. The little pieces of lead break and are then brushed off the desk top
onto the floor, where they are quickly stepped on and make a lead smear on the
tile that is hard to clean. Plus books, papers, bags, jackets, and backpacks that
are then set down on the led smear, pick up the lead smear.
Mechanical pencils also involve lots of "who has lead," "who has an eraser" "I
didn't dump out that box of lead...he'll have to pick it up!...I'm not picking
it up!" etc, So, no mechanical pencils in math class. I usually take them up
and give them back at the end of the week.
Why do we have to line up in alphabetical order?
There are 2 reasons:
1. For Safety. In the event of an emergency, we will be able to quickly determine who is missing from
our class line.
2. For Respect. An alphabetical line tends to move much more quietly through the school building.
Traveling in a quiet, peaceful line is one way we can show respect for all the other classrooms and
activities in our school.
