Monday

6th Grade

Today, the class worked on the first practice test. Finish up the last few problems and we will discuss them tomorrow. Please go back over the test to make sure you understand how to do everything! Ask me tomorrow if you have any questions. There is no homework today, but tomorrow, I will assign Lesson 12.

7th Grade

Remember, hoodie and sweatshirt orders are due tomorrow and the book orders are due Wednesday! Don't forget!

Spelling - Unit 3. First two pages.

Literature - No homework!

Grammar - No homework!

Math - Review worksheet over adding and subtracting integers. Some students were struggling with integers - especially subtraction. We discussed this in class. If you are stuck, please scroll back through the blog posts and find the post with all the explanations. It could really help you!

8th Grade

Lesson 1-7 and 1-8 #3-31 Odds on both of them. Do not estimate! This is review of adding and subtracting rational numbers. We worked as many as possible together as a class. Please scroll back to previous posts for a description on how to do the problems.

Friday

Sorry for posting so late on Sunday! It's been a busy weekend.

6th Grade

Lesson 11 - Word problems. Remember, you don't have to identify what kind of word problem it is. Just solve it. Look for key words like "total", "how many more", etc., to tell you what operation to do (addition or subtraction). And as always, don't forget your labels!

7th Grade

Grammar - Practice worksheets with Capitalization.

Literature - Comprehension worksheets over "Rikki Tikki Tavi". Remember, you must write complete sentences to get credit for your answers. Also, look back in the story if you don't remember something.

Math - Lesson 1-7. #2-32 ALL with #25 & 26 as extra credit. Please take your time and think about what is happening in the example. Is the order being switched around? That's communative property. Is the order the same but parenthesis around different numbers? That's associative property. Do you have two numbers being added to equal zero? That's inverse property of addition. Is 0 being multiplied by a number? That's zero property of multiplication. If you are adding zero to a number, that means the number stays the same. That's identity property of addtion. If you are multiplying a number by 1, that means the number stays the same. That's identity property of multiplication. The last one that is the trickiest, is Distributive property. Remember, with this you don't have to say whether it's over addition or subtraction. Just say that it is distributive property. It's distributive if you have both multiplication and addition or subtraction in the same problem. For example: 3(4+5)=3x4 + 3x5. You "pass out" the three by multiplying it by both the 4 and the 5.

8th Grade

No homework! We had the party for Mrs. Basset in the afternoon. She took the oath of citizenship on Friday so it was a momentous occasion and we are all very proud of her!

Thursday

6th Grade

Lesson 10 - Reading Scales. The important thing to remember is that you have to figure out what the interval is! Is it going up by 2's, by 5's, by 20's? Try out a few and see what works. The sequences should be pretty easy, but remember, it is going to do the same thing to each number - multiply by 2, add 2, etc.

7th Grade

Spelling - Do the Challenge page today. Remember, tomorrow is Friday, so you will be having a Spelling test over Unit 2! The entire unit is due as well so please make sure you are getting it done.

Grammar - Write a complete rough draft of your "What Makes Me, Me" essay. Don't forget the conclusion and remember, each paragraph should be 4-5 sentences long. The conclusion will have NO NEW information in it. You will be rephrasing and summarizing what you've already written. Read through it and make sure it sounds like you want it to sound. Don't just write and be done!

Literature - Complete the questions for "Rikki, Tikki, Tavi". Thinking About the Selection #1-9 and Analyzing Literature #1-3.

Math - We began discussing the properties of operations today. There is no homework. We will do it in class tomorrow!

8th Grade

Lesson 1-8. Subtracting Rational Numbers. Remember, just because the lesson says "subtract" that you won't always be subtracting the numbers. First, for every problem, you have to determine if you will be adding or subtracting the numbers. If you have a positive minus a positive and the first number is bigger, then it is just a regular subtraction problem. Like 3.57-2.68. For this, you would just subtract like normal and not mess with the signs. However, if you have a positive minus a positive and the first number is SMALLER, you will have to do this:

3 5/8 - 5 3/4

First, change the minus sign to a plus sign and change the sign of the next number:

3 5/8 + - 5 3/4

Notice that the signs are different, so you have to subtract. Also, notice that the 5 3/4 is bigger, so it needs to be put on top:

5 3/4 = 5 6/8
- 3 5/8 = 3 5/8

Then, subtract. You get 2 1/8, but since the 5 3/4 was negative, the answer is -2 1/8.

Now, if you have a positive number minus a negative number like this:

5.45 - (-3.581)

You would just change the "minus a negative" to "plus a positive" like this:

5.45 + (+3.581)

Now, you have two positive numbers, so you add and keep the same sign:

5.45
+3.581

+ 9.031

Sometimes you will have a negative minus a positive:

-3.58 - 8 3/4

First, you notice that you have a decimal and a fraction. Change the fraction into a decimal like this:

- 3.58 - 8.75

(3/4 = 0.75)

Now, change the minus sign to a plus sign and change the sign of the next number:

-3.58 + -8.75

Now you see that the signs are the SAME, so you add and keep the same sign:

-3.58
+ -8.75

-12.33

Sometimes you will have a negative minus a negative:

-4 2/3 - (-2 4/5)

Remember, "minus a negative" changes to "plus a positive" like this:

- 4 2/3 + (+2 4/5)

Now you can see that the signs are different, so subtract and use the sign of the bigger number. You see that 4 2/3 is bigger than 2 4/5, so it is on top:

4 2/3 = 4 10/15
- 2 4/5 = 2 12/15

You have to make a common denominator and after doing that, you see that the top numerator is smaller, so you have to borrow from the whole number like this:

3 25/15
2 12/15

You took one away from the 4 to make it three, then added 15 to 10 (bottom to top on the top fraction) to get 25/15.

Now you can subtract: 1 13/15

Go back and look at what was the bigger number: - 4 2/3. Since it is negative, your answer is negative: - 1 13/15

I hope this helps!

Please take your time. In mixed problems, change fractions to decimals, then determine if you will be adding or subtracting. If you are subtracting, decide which number needs to be on top. Sometimes you have to switch them!

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Swickey

Wednesday

6th Grade

We did not have class today since Mass was at 12:30. Be sure you have Lesson 9 completed for tomorrow!

7th Grade

Spelling - Unit 2. Vocabulary Connections pages.

Vocabulary - Unit 1 test is tomorrow! This also includes the idioms so don't forget to go over them!

Literature - Today, we began reading the story, "Rikki Tikki Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling. For homework, just finish reading the story.

Grammar - We went over the capitalization errors from yesterday's assignment. Then the class worked on the 5 paragraph essay titled, "What Makes Me, Me". For tomorrow, you need to have a rough draft of the introduction and the next three paragraphs. These are the detail paragraphs explaining the three things your essay focuses on. Don't worry about writing a conclusion yet. We will discuss that in class.

Math - Review worksheet over Lessons 1 through 6 from Chapter 1. If you have forgotten how to do something, please scroll back through past blog posts for more information!

8th Grade

Lesson 1-7 #2-38 even. Remember, you are following the same rules as for adding integers! If the signs are the same, ADD and keep the same sign. If the signs are different, SUBTRACT and use the sign of the bigger number. You are just doing this with decimals and fractions too. Remember, with decimals make sure you are lining the decimal points up. If you have a whole number, the decimal goes AFTER it. Also, if you have to subtract because the signs are different, make sure you put the bigger number on top, regardless of which one is negative! For adding fractions or mixed numbers, first determine if you are going to add or subtract based on the signs. If you are going to add, just add like normal fractions (common denominator if necessary). If you are going to subtract, you have to be sure that the bigger number is on top. If you just have a fraction (no whole number with it) you may have to wait until you've written them with common denominators to tell which one is bigger. Take your time and THINK about what you are doing! I know you can get this so just be careful.

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

Tuesday

6th Grade

Lesson 9 - Comparing numbers. This class is doing an excellent job! Most of the students are finishing in class, but everyone is using time wisely and I have not had one missed assignment after 8 lessons. Keep it up 6th grade! I think everyone understood the lesson today. And yes, you can draw the alligators for your greater than/less than signs!

7th Grade

Spelling - 2nd two pages of Unit 2.

Grammar - Underline all capitalized words in the article about the space shuttle. On a separate piece of paper, identify why each word was capitalized. If it was the first word in a sentence and also a name, just write "1st word" (or both, if you like). There are a few that are a little weird. Just do your best! Remember, there are 53 capitalizations to identify. (at least by my count!)

Vocabulary - Unit 1 was due today. Remember, the test is on THURSDAY. Be sure you are studying!

Literature - The students handed in their rough drafts of the fantasy today. I will read over them and make sure everyone is on the right track. Tomorrow, we will begin to edit them.

Math - Lesson 1-6. Division of Integers. #2-44 evens. The rules are just the same as for multiplication of integers. How many negative signs there are tell you whether the answer will be positive or negative. (Remember, if multiplication and division, it doesn't matter which number is bigger.)

Again:

If the signs are the same, it's positive.
If the signs are different, it's negative.

When multiplying or dividing more than two numbers: If there is an even number of negative signs, it's positive. If there is an odd number of negative signs, it's negative.

8th Grade

Today, we reviewed the integer rules and worked an integer worksheet together. For homework, complete the worksheet with 20 addition and subtraction problems with fractions and mixed numbers. These are critical skills in order to be successful in the coming lessons! Take your time and make sure your calculations are accurate!

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

Monday

6th Grade

Lesson 8 - Perimeter. Remember, when you are finding perimeter, you are finding the distance around the outside edge of the shape. Be sure to add ALL the sides and don't forget your labels!

7th Grade

Spelling - Unit 2. First two pages.

Writing - We are going to be writing a five paragraph essay and started discussing the topic. "What makes me, me?" There is no homework.

Literature - Writing a fantasy. On page 10 of your textbook is an explanation about what to write. Remember, you are going to make up a character that is granted three wishes. Will your character use them well or not? Will he or she use them all up? Don't forget to make up a character to grant the wishes! Just write a rough draft of the story. Get the basic idea down. What the three wishes are, who the characters are, and the consequences of each of the wishes. You will have more time to edit and make the story better, so don't worry about rewriting or polishing the story tonight. Just get your ideas down on paper.

Math - Today, the class began to multiply integers. This is a much easier rule! It is as follows:

When multiplying integers: If the signs are the same, the answer is positive.
If the signs are different, it's negative.

It's that simple! It doesn't matter which number is bigger.

Examples: (-2)(-3) = (+6) (-2)(+3) = (-6) (+2)(-3) = (-6) (+2)(+3) = (+6)

Also, if you are multiplying several numbers together, if there are an ODD number of negative signs, the answer is negative. For example: (-2)(-3)(+4)(-1) will be negative because there are 3 negative signs. You would just multiply 2 x 3 x 4 x 1 = 24 and since it's supposed to be negative, your answer is -24. That's it! The assignment is Lesson 1-5 #2-60 evens.

8th Grade

Today we reviewed Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple from Lessons 1-3 and 1-4. Please scroll back to the blog posts where I explained these if you still need help!

Lesson 1-3 #3-29 ODDS.
Lesson 1-4 #3-19 ODDS.

Don't forget, GCF is the biggest number that will go into them. It will always be one of the numbers or something LESS. What do they have IN COMMON?

For LCM, you are finding the first number that they both go into. This is different. It will either be one of the numbers or something GREATER.

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

Friday

6th Grade

Lesson 7 - Measurement. The most important thing to remember is to label your answers! Many of you are forgetting and are losing points because of that, so when the question asks how long a line segment is, be sure you are writing the answer with cm, mm, or in. (Whatever the measurement on the ruler says.)

7th Grade

Spelling - The class took the Spelling test for Unit 1 today. Each word missed of the main 20 words will be 5 points off. For each challenge word spelled correctly, 1 point will be added to the score. The most points possible for each Spelling test is 108%. There were a few of those on Friday! Good job. No homework!

Vocabulary - Do not forget! Vocabulary cards are due on Monday. Each card must have the following:

• unit number
  
• word
• accent mark in front of the correct syllable (look at the pronunciation)
• part of speech
• complete definition

If there are two parts of speech and definitions, write them both! You will lose points for not having everything on each card. This will help you to study for the test as well as when you take the review tests.

Vocabulary Unit 1 is due on Tuesday! This includes the following sections: Completing the Sentence, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Choosing the Right Word

Grammar - p. 282 - Exercise. pp. 283-84 Exercises A & B. Follow the directions! Take your time and make sure you are catching all the capitalization mistakes. Remember, you only capitalize the first word in sentences, the pronoun "I", and all PROPER names - of specific people, places, or things. Look back at all the tan boxes for help.

Literature - Answer the questions for the story, "The Third Wish". Thinking About the Selection - #1-10 and Analyzing Literature #1-2. You will find the questions at the end of the story in your Literature textbook. Remember to use complete sentences! Don't start a sentence with the word "because" because you will most likely not write a complete sentence. Rephrase the question as you answer it. Don't forget punctuation! It counts in everything.

Math - This will be a long explanation because I know some of you weren't real sure how to do everything. When you subtract integers, there are four possible problems you will come across. The first one I'm going to mention is negative minus negative.

For example: (-3) - (-5) = +2

Remember, for "minus a negative" (like the - (-5) in the above problem) you can change it to "plus a positive" like this: (-3) + (+5). From there, you would follow the rule for adding integers: If the signs are different, subtract and use the sign of the bigger number. So, 5 minus 3 is 2 and since the number 5 is a positive number, the answer is positive: +2. If this is still fuzzy, you can draw your own tiles using red and yellow markers, crayons, or colored pencils. Like the following problem: (-4) - (-7) = +3

First, start with 4 negative squares. Since you only have four, you can't take away 7 negative squares without adding "zero pairs". Remember, to add a zero pair, add one negative square and one positive square. Since this equals zero, it doesn't change the original number of -4. Add three zero pairs so you will now have 7 negative squares. Now you can cross off 7 negative squares (subtracting negative 7). What you have left are three positive squares.
Without using squares, you would change it like this: (-4) - (-7) = (-4) + (+7)
"minus a negative" to "plus a positive"

Now it is an addition problem, so since the signs are different, subtract 7 minus 4. That is 3 and since the number 7 is bigger, the answer is positive: +3

Sometimes, you will have one like this: -5 - -3

Here, you can put down 5 negative squares. You CAN take away three negative squares, so you don't have to add zero pairs this time.



Without the squares, you would have: (-5) - (-3) = (-5) + (+3)
Again, "minus a negative" to "plus a positive" add follow the rule for adding integers. The signs are different, so subtract and use the sign of the bigger number. 5 minus 3 is 2 and since 5 is bigger and it's a negative, the answer is (-2).

Next, you might have a positive minus a negative. I didn't do this one with squares, but if you had this problem: (+3) - (-5), you would change the "minus a negative" to "plus a positive" and you would have this problem: (+3) + (+5) which is just adding two postive numbers now! It would equal +8. (Signs are the same, so add the numbers and keep the same sign.)

Next, you might have a positive minus a positive. If the second positive number is smaller than the first, this is just a normal, everyday subtraction problem, like 10-2. That equals +8 and you don't have to think about it! If, however, the second number is BIGGER, you can do this:

If you start with (+4), that is 4 yellow squares. Say your problem is: (+4) - (+5). Since you don't have 5 yellow squares to take away, you need to add one zero pair to give you one more yellow square. Then you can cross off 5 yellow squares. You are left with (-1) as your answer.



Without the squares, it would look like this:

(+4) - (+5) = (+4) + (-5)

You change the minus sign to a plus sign, and change the sign of the next number. So the (+5) changed to a (-5). Now, you follow the rules for adding integers. The signs are different so subtract 5 minus 4. That equals 1 and since 5 is bigger than 4, you use the negative sign and get (-1).

The last kind of problem you might have is negative minus a positive.

For example: (-3) - (+5). Here, you can change the minus sign to a plus sign and change the sign of the next number. Like this: (-3) + (-5). You would then follow the rule for adding integers. The signs are the same now so you add and keep the same sign. The answer is (-8).

Here it is with squares: Start with (-4). If your problem is (-4) - (+2), you don't have any positive squares to take away, so you need to add zero pairs. Now you can take away the two positive squares and you are left with (-6).



One last time without the squares: (-4) - (+2) would change to (-4) + (-2). Change the minus to a plus and change the sign of the next number, so the (+2) changes to (-2). Now, follow the rules for adding integers, since the signs are the same, add and keep the same sign. Your answer is (-6)

I hope this helps!

The assignment is 1-4, #2-30 ALL.

8th Grade

The assignment is Lesson 1-5, #2-40 even.

For #2-8, you should have numbered your number line that I gave you just like the number line in the practice book. To put the numbers on the number line, first change any fractions to a decimal by dividing the TOP INTO THE BOTTOM. Once you have the decimal, focus on the tenths place. If the number is -1.75, think about this as -1.7. You will go to the left to the -1 and then 7 little lines in between the -1 and -2. -1.75 will be between the 7th and 8th little line between the -1 and -2. It will be hard to put this in the correct place if you do not change them into decimals! Your number line is in tenths, so it will be much easier. For #10 and 12, if you just change the fractions into decimals, it will be easy to compare them.

For #14-20, remember that you can cross multiply like this:

Since -65 is greater than -70 (think about how -65 is further to the right on the number line),
-5/7 > -10/13

If you have mixed numbers, first change them into improper fractions by doing the "u-turn" and then cross multiply like above.

For #22 and 24, you are ordering fractions. In order to do this, you must find a common denominator and change the fractions as if you were going to add them. Then order the numerators. Remember, that when you have negatives, think about which numbers are further to the right on the number line. -2 is greater than -10, for example, so -2/13 is greater than -10/13.

For #26 & 28, you are ordering decimals. Line them up as if you were going to add them, add in any zeroes to make them all have the same number of places and order. Again, keeping in mind the negatives. -1.3 is greater than -1.5

For #30 & 32, you will need to change the fractions into decimals first and then order them like #26 and 28.

For #34 & 36, follow the instructions. You will NEED to use a calculator, so it is okay!

*38 is like #30 and #32.

#40 is just comparing two fractions.

I hope this is helpful!

See you on Monday,
Mrs. Swickey

How to Contact Me

I showed the students in class and the parents at Back To School night how to use the Kontactr form to send me an email, but it isn't working for everyone so I've changed it. In the right sidebar, you will see a white box with my email in it. This is a picture that isn't clickable (to reduce spam). You will just have to type my email into your own email program. I check my email often every evening so don't hesitate to write if you have any questions!

Thursday

6th Grade

Lesson 6 - Fractional parts. Remember, to find 1/2 of a number, divide the number by 2. To find 1/3 of a number, divide it by 3. To find 1/5 of a number, divide the number by 5. The lesson is due tomorrow!

7th Grade

Spelling - Challenge Page. Be sure you are studying for the spelling test tomorrow! The entire unit is due so make sure the whole thing is finished.


Vocabulary - Unit 1 is due on Tuesday. Cards are due Monday. Don't wait until the last minute!


Literature - Today, we finished reading "The Third Wish". There is no homework.


Grammar - Capitalizing Geographic names and names of other things. You are doing Exercise B & C and DWS. pgs. 276-281. Follow the directions!


Math - Lesson 1-3. #2-44 evens. Remember the two rules:


If the signs are the same, add the numbers and keep the same sign. For example:

(-3) + (-7) = -10

(+5) + (+8) = +13 (This is just a basic addition problem!)


If the signs are different, subtract the numbers and use the sign of the bigger number. For example: (-7) + (+5) = -2. Because the signs are different, you would subtract 7-5 and because seven is bigger than five, you use seven's sign to get -2.

Remember how we used the tiles. If it isn't making sense, you could use colored pencils and draw yellow and red squares like I did on the board to help visualize the problems.

8th Grade

Lesson 1-4. #2-20 ALL. Remember, to find the LCM of two numbers, you can use factor trees. For example, if you were to factor the numbers 40 and 70, you would get 2x2x2x5 and 2x5x7. Then you look at both of those and list everything that each has. Since one of them has three 2's, you would write 2x2x2. Then, there is one 5 in both, so add a 5 to that: 2x2x2x5. Then, there is also one 7, so you need a 7: 2x2x2x5x7. Now, you have everything that is listed in both factorizations as least once. Multiply that out to see what the LCM is: 280.

If you have variables with them, you would just make sure to include the variables that are in both. For example: 25xy and 40xyz. First, you would do the numbers just like above: 5x5 and 2x2x2x5 would give you 2x2x2x5x5 = 200. (You included the 5x5 from the first factorization as well as the three 2's from the second. Since you have two 5's, you don't need to add another one.) Now, they both have "xy", but the second also has "z" so you have to have all three. The final LCM is 200xyz. If there were exponents, you would just make sure you write the exponent for each variable that is greater. If x squared is part of one term and x to the fourth is part of the other, you would have to have x to the fourth in the LCM.

I hope this helps!

(Hey, Kendall! Try writing again. I got it to work for me finally.)

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

6th Grade

Lesson 5 - Order of Operations. Remember, you must first work any part of a problem that is in parenthesis first, then work the rest from left to right. If there are no parenthesis, just work the problem from left to right. If you have a fraction bar with problems on top and bottom of it, do those first, then divide the top number by the bottom number. The lesson is due tomorrow!

7th Grade

Spelling - Unit 1, Vocabulary Connections pages.

Grammar - DWS on pg. 274 and Exercise A on pg. 275. Follow the directions exactly on both!

Vocabulary - Remember, cards are due on Monday and the unit is due Tuesday!

Math - Today in math, we began exploring the rules of adding integers. We used algebra tiles to discover how to add a positive number to a negative number. Everyone really caught on! There is no homework tonight.

Literature - We began reading a story, "The Third Wish" today. We will finish it tomorrow. No homework!

8th Grade

Lesson 1-3. Greatest Common Factor. Remember, to find the GCF of two numbers, first write the prime factorization of the two numbers and write what the two have in common. For example, to find the GCF of 60 and 84, you would use a factor tree to get 2x2x3x5 for 60 and 2x2x3x7 for 84. You can see that both of these have the numbers 2x2x3 in them. 2x2x3=12 so the GCF of 60 and 84 is 12. To simplify fractions, divide the numerator and the denominator by the GCF. If you don't know it, just divide by what you can tell goes into both numbers, but remember you may have divide more than once. To write a decimal as a fraction in lowest form, first SAY the decimal number (properly) and then write that as the fraction you hear. So 1.5 is not "one point five". You would say "one and five tenths" which is easy to write as a fraction. Then just reduce the fraction to simplest form! Lastly, you have four problems that I wrote on the board (Kendall, I will give these to you tomorrow - or when you come back) that have variables in them. Remember, the GCF is what the two expressions have in common. So if one expression is 3x squared (the x has 2 as an exponent) and 6x to the third (the x has 3 as an exponent) then what the have in common is 3x squared. 3 goes into both 3 and 6 and both expressions have two x's. I can't do exponents in typing! Sorry. (I know...it's a pain) The assignment is #2-30 evens, #38-56 evens and the four problems from the board.

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

Tuesday

Parents - Don't forget that tonight is Back To School night! I hope to see all of you there!

6th Grade

Today, the assignment in 6th grade math is Lesson 4. Missing numbers in multiplication and division. Remember, when you are missing a number to be multiplied, you will always divide the product by the number you know. In division, you can find a missing number in two ways. If you are missing the dividend (the number INSIDE the box or on top of the fraction) you will multiply the quotient and the divisor. If you are missing the divisor, but have the quotient (the answer to the division problem), you will still divide. For example: m ÷ 3 = 4 Here, you are missing the dividend, the first number in the problem, so you will multiply 3 x 4 to get 12. Another example is: 35 ÷ m = 7. Here, you know the dividend, so you use division 35 ÷ 7 to find the missing number - m=5. Take your time and make sure your answer fits the problem. Test it by plugging it in where the missing number was supposed to be. Don't forget the practice problems!

7th Grade

Spelling - 2nd two pages of Unit 1. The test will be on Friday so be sure you are studying!


Vocabulary - Unit 1. Today, we discussed the words. For homework, the students need to write 10 sentences using 10 of the words. The sentences are due tomorrow. Vocabulary cards are due next Monday and the unit will be due on Tuesday. This is a shortened time frame from last year, but I expect the students to finish on time!


Math - Lesson 1-2. Today, we talked about ordering integers with and without a number line. Remember, before you can put them in order, you need to first identify the number, then put them in order. Be sure you are reading the directions carefully because you have to order some least to greatest and some greatest to least. The assignment is #2-58 evens.

8th Grade

Today's assignment was Lesson 1-2. Identify the additive inverse, which is just a fancy words for the opposite. The additive inverse is what you would add to a number to get zero. So, the additive inverse of -3 is just 3. It's that simple! Also, you will be placing rational numbers on a number line. Remember, absolute value is always how far the number is away from zero on the number line. So, the absolute value of -3 is 3 and the absolute value of 3 is 3. Absolute value is ALWAYS positive. You will be asked to identify the additive inverse and absolute value of numbers. For -5, the additive inverse is 5 and the absolute value is 5. For 10, the additive inverse is -10 and the absolute value is 10. The assignment is #2-54 evens and #55-64 ALL.

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Swickey

Monday

6th Grade

The assignment for today is Lesson 3 - missing numbers in addition and subtraction. Remember, if you are missing one of the addends in an addition problem, subtract the addend you know from the sum to find the other addend. In subtraction, if you are missing the top number, just add the difference and the number being subtracted to find it. If you know the top number and the difference, subtract to find the missing number. Remember, in subtraction the top number is always the biggest so make sure your answer makes sense! The lesson is due tomorrow. Don't forget that you must do the practice problems with every lesson.

7th Grade

Spelling - Unit 1. The class took the pretest this morning and marked the ones they missed on a list for home study. They will get these each week. For homework, complete the first two pages in the book. The test will be Friday, so be sure you are studying each night, focusing on the words you missed, but still reviewing the other words on the list. The entire unit will be due on Friday.

Literature - The class took the test over the summer novel, A Wrinkle In Time, today. There is no homework!

We will begin our first vocabulary lesson tomorrow.

Math - Lesson 1-1: Integers and Absolute Value. Integers are all the whole numbers and their opposites, such as 4 and -4. Zero is an integer too. To write the opposite of a number, first determine what the number is. For example: -(-4) is actually the number 4, so the opposite of that would be -4. For absolute value, remember that you are naming how far away from zero the number is, so the absolute value of -3 is 3 and the absolute value of 3 is 3 because both -3 and 3 are 3 spots away from zero on the number line. Absolute value is noted with the straight lines on either side. Whatever is inside those two lines is a positive number, no matter what, but if there is a negative sign, then the absolute value lines with a -3 inside, then you'd still have the number -3 because inside the lines is the number 3, but the negative on the outside doesn't go away. If you have the following -(-5), that would represent the number 5 because the parenthesis are NOT absolute value, so the two negative signs cancel each other out: "not a negative" or "plus a positive". I know this is new and confusing stuff, but do your best and read through the lesson for any clarification. I will help you with questions tomorrow! Your assignment is #2-52 evens.

8th Grade

Lesson 1-1, #2-54 evens, and #55-64 All. Please refer to the chart in the sourcebook to tell which numbers go in each set. Read the directions carefully and take your time! If it asks you to write the answer in the form a/b where b ≠ 0, it is just asking you to change the number into an improper fraction. (do the u-turn!) If it asks you to write a fraction or mixed number as a decimal, remember to divide the bottom number into the top. If it is a mixed number, change it into an improper fraction first, then divide the bottom into the top, and don't forget the decimal point!

Friday

6th Grade

Today, the class turned in Lesson 1 as well as the summer math assignment. For homework this weekend, I assigned Lesson 2. It is a review of multiplication and division. Please remember to label any answers that should be money with a decimal point and dollar sign, or a cents sign. Also, if it is a word problem and the answer is, for example, 15 cookies, don't just write 15 as your answer. You will get these wrong! Please take the time to make sure your answer makes sense. The homework policy information needs to be signed and turned in on Wednesday, August 19th.

7th Grade

Today's idiom is: a day late and a dollar short

For Literature, we discussed the book A Wrinkle In Time and went over the vocabulary words and definitions. There is a test over the book on Monday, so be sure you are studying the vocabulary words and characters, and reading through your chapter summaries. Your reading packet needs to be turned in on Monday, so don't forget it!

We will be starting Grammar, Spelling, and Vocabulary next week.

For math, the class took a timed test over subtraction and then took a Diagnostic Test. This was to check to make sure they knew the skills necessary for Chapter 1 of our textbook. We will be beginning Chapter 1 on Monday!

8th Grade

We checked the order of operations homework from yesterday and most students did very well! Then we discussed the rules for integer addition and subtraction and worked through a practice sheet together. For homework, the students must finish side B of the worksheet. This is due Monday!

Remember the rule: If the signs are the same, ADD and keep the same sign. If the signs are different, SUBTRACT, and use the sign of the bigger number.

Also, if you see a subtraction sign followed by a negative number, change it to "plus a positive", then follow the above rule. If the subtraction sign is followed by a positive number, change it to "plus a negative" and follow the above rule. I know you can do it! Be confident in your abilities and just take your time to be sure you are following the rule.

Have a great weekend and I will see you all on Monday!

Mrs. Swickey

First Day of School!

Hello! I hope everyone had a great day today! I enjoyed seeing everyone again and meeting all our new students.

Please check my blog daily for updates on homework and other information.

6th Grade

Today in 6th grade, we spent a lot of time going over procedures, expectations, and organization.We discussed the homework policy and all the students signed the policy. Parents, please sign this as well and return with your child no later than next Wednesday, the 18th. Then, the class began Lesson 1 from the book. The lesson is a review of addition and subtraction, so it shouldn't be a problem for anyone! Remember, the practice problems are part of every lesson. They will count as points so don't skip them! Please follow the format we discussed in class, referring to the sheet I handed out if you don't remember. Also, don't forget labels! You will miss the problem if you didn't label correctly. Lesson 1 is due tomorrow.

7th Grade

We had a very busy day in 7th grade! The day started with a few specials - Spanish and P.E. After the specials, we discussed procedures, rules, expectations, etc. We discussed the homework policy and all the students signed the policy. Parents, please sign this as well and return with your child no later than next Wednesday, the 18th. We also got organized! The students will be using binders and we set them up properly today. A few students didn't get three binders because they didn't see the updated supplies list. Please make sure you have these as soon as possible.

For Vocabulary, the students will be working with idioms as well as the vocabulary book. We learned what an idiom is and the class wrote sentences with the idiom for the day - "a day in the sun". Each day, the class will learn a new one, write it and the definition down, and write a sentence using the new idiom. Then, at the end of each two week period, when the class takes the vocabulary test, they will also have an idioms test. I will also take a grade on the idiom sentences.

In math, the class just took a timed test over addition today. We will be diving into curriculum tomorrow so be ready!

8th Grade

It was so nice to see the 8th graders again! This will be our third year and I'm very excited. After discussing procedures, rules, expectations, and the homework policy, we reviewed order of operations and I passed out a homework assignment consisting of five problems to solve. Please read through the homework policy, sign, and return to me no later than next Wednesday, the 18th.

I'm looking forward to a great year in middle school!

See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Swickey

Tuesday Night

It was so nice to see all the returning students as well as to meet some new faces! I'm excited about 7th grade and hope everyone else is too. We will have a great year! While we will all miss those students who are moving on, I hope all the returning students will join me in welcoming Adriana, Rain, Blake, Trai, and Merhzad. We are so glad you are going to be at St. Charles this year.

6th and 8th grade - I didn't get a chance to see many of you tonight because I was busy in 7th, but I'm looking forward to getting started on Thursday!

See you all then,

Mrs. Swickey

Ice Cream Social - Tuesday!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night at 6:30! Bring all your supplies and you can get settled into your classrooms. We have several new students in all three classes so be ready to make some new acquaintances!

Don't forget, your summer assignments are due the first day of school. I will be collecting the summer math in all three grades. 7th grade, you will also need to turn in your summer reading assignments.

Get ready for a great year!

Mrs. Swickey