Mr. Taffel
September, 2015
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as the math teacher on your son/daughter’s team of 7 Gold. The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time for me as I see fresh new faces in the classroom eager to learn! I expect this year to be a challenge for all students, but on a level that is appropriate for every learner. I will be here to teach many new concepts, but also to support and guide the students, answering any questions they may have. I will be here every Tuesday after school for extra help until 3pm.
In 7th grade math, we are continuing with the Eureka Math program recently created to weave the Common Core standards into our classrooms. We are using this program throughout the district, grades K-8. The program is rigorous and heavily language based, presented in the form of packets with 5 or 6 lessons at a time. These packets are for the students to mark up and to heavily use. I do my best to make each lesson accessible for every learner. I also supplement the text with many other activities and homework assignments that enhance our curriculum. Nina Swain is the math teacher on 7 Crimson and we work closely together aligning our curriculum with the new Common Core Standards for Mathematics. Our standards are focused around Pre-Algebra including common themes like: proportional reasoning, integers, rational numbers, linear relationships, geometry, sampling, variability, and probability. We will also be learning about the stock market and making various “mock investments!”
Your child should expect math homework on a nightly basis and I try to plan 20-30 minutes worth of work. Some nights might take longer or shorter given the particular assignments. Most of the time, I grade the homework based on effort. If I can see that a student tried his/her best on every problem, but didn’t necessarily get every answer correct, he/she will receive full credit. (4 out of 4) Occasionally, I will grade students on whether or not they found the correct answers. My goal for all students is for them to complete their homework independently. They are welcome to ask you for help from time to time, but I’d like to see what they can do on their own. I always recommend students trying to “GOOGLE” for help if needed, or call a friend as this prepares them for the world outside of middle school. I believe it's in the effort of "struggling" that develops the learner.
We will be using KhanAcademy.org and StudyIsland.com to help each student practice their basic skills both in school and at home. Students will be completing exercises for an average of 20 minutes at home. Online skill-building will sometimes take the place of textbook homework and in the past, the students have truly enjoyed practicing skills online.
All of our homework can be found on our team website at: www.team7gold.weebly.com This website will list our nightly homework and any important upcoming announcements. We still encourage all students to record their assignments in their “Middle Unmuddle,” but the website is a good backup and helpful if you like to check their work.
For the first six weeks of the school year, your child will be traveling on the science field trips one day each week. What an incredible opportunity! The classes that remain in the building will have extended 80 minute periods. This provides a great chance for us to have hands-on math activities in each class.
Please let me know at any time if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is: [email protected] I look forward to having a wonderful year with your child! Please sign below and include your email addresses and phone number where I can best get in touch with you.
Thanks,
Mr. Taffel
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as the math teacher on your son/daughter’s team of 7 Gold. The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time for me as I see fresh new faces in the classroom eager to learn! I expect this year to be a challenge for all students, but on a level that is appropriate for every learner. I will be here to teach many new concepts, but also to support and guide the students, answering any questions they may have. I will be here every Tuesday after school for extra help until 3pm.
In 7th grade math, we are continuing with the Eureka Math program recently created to weave the Common Core standards into our classrooms. We are using this program throughout the district, grades K-8. The program is rigorous and heavily language based, presented in the form of packets with 5 or 6 lessons at a time. These packets are for the students to mark up and to heavily use. I do my best to make each lesson accessible for every learner. I also supplement the text with many other activities and homework assignments that enhance our curriculum. Nina Swain is the math teacher on 7 Crimson and we work closely together aligning our curriculum with the new Common Core Standards for Mathematics. Our standards are focused around Pre-Algebra including common themes like: proportional reasoning, integers, rational numbers, linear relationships, geometry, sampling, variability, and probability. We will also be learning about the stock market and making various “mock investments!”
Your child should expect math homework on a nightly basis and I try to plan 20-30 minutes worth of work. Some nights might take longer or shorter given the particular assignments. Most of the time, I grade the homework based on effort. If I can see that a student tried his/her best on every problem, but didn’t necessarily get every answer correct, he/she will receive full credit. (4 out of 4) Occasionally, I will grade students on whether or not they found the correct answers. My goal for all students is for them to complete their homework independently. They are welcome to ask you for help from time to time, but I’d like to see what they can do on their own. I always recommend students trying to “GOOGLE” for help if needed, or call a friend as this prepares them for the world outside of middle school. I believe it's in the effort of "struggling" that develops the learner.
We will be using KhanAcademy.org and StudyIsland.com to help each student practice their basic skills both in school and at home. Students will be completing exercises for an average of 20 minutes at home. Online skill-building will sometimes take the place of textbook homework and in the past, the students have truly enjoyed practicing skills online.
All of our homework can be found on our team website at: www.team7gold.weebly.com This website will list our nightly homework and any important upcoming announcements. We still encourage all students to record their assignments in their “Middle Unmuddle,” but the website is a good backup and helpful if you like to check their work.
For the first six weeks of the school year, your child will be traveling on the science field trips one day each week. What an incredible opportunity! The classes that remain in the building will have extended 80 minute periods. This provides a great chance for us to have hands-on math activities in each class.
Please let me know at any time if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is: [email protected] I look forward to having a wonderful year with your child! Please sign below and include your email addresses and phone number where I can best get in touch with you.
Thanks,
Mr. Taffel