Teacher Template

Hi, my name is Louise Compton and this is my first year at Skyview Middle School and my seventh year with Pueblo School District 70. I am excited to be here this year, especially with the new math curriculum. This year your student will be working on learning many of the fundamentals of algebra. As I told my classes, this year is like building the foundation of a house. The stronger the foundation, the better the house will stand. As with math, the pre-algebra content your student is learning this year will help with the math classes required in high school. So I encourage you to support your child as best you can. I have included some study tips that I hope may help. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave me a message at the school. I will return your call as soon as I can.

You already have a lot of knowledge stored in your memory. The problem is pulling out the correct information when you need it. Picture your brain like a giant filing cabinet full of file folders and the hard part is remembering the headings on the file folders.

1Know how to distinguish between the various types of problems. This is the hardest part.		6 Do as many problems as you can until you feel comfortable with the material.
2 Most math texts have chapter tests at the end of each chapter. Try one problem from each section. Make a note of their differences. Write down the first step to each problem -- this is usually the hardest to remember.		7 In the class session a day or so BEFORE the test, ask the teacher to please point out any major similarities or differences among the various types of problems you will encounter on the test.
3 Go back to the section in the text where you are having difficulty. Follow the examples making sure you understand each step. This takes time.		8 Get the phone number of someone in your class who won't mind if you call them with questions.
4 Reading a math book is not like reading a novel. It goes slowly. It may take you 20 minutes to go through one example problem.		9 If possible, form a small study group with members from your class and meet periodically during the semester.
5 Don't leave preparing for a test to the last minute. Make sure you leave time to ask questions in class AFTER you have studied.		10 Math is a cumulative subject. You REALLY need to understand today's material to understand the material the next day. Ask questions immediately in class as soon as you don't understand anything. Don't just "let it go".

Welcome to 7th grade Mathematics!