This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Note about Pre-Algebra from Mr. Lawrence
Seventh Graders have had a big, fast start to math this year. The first several weeks were spent on a geometry unit. During this time, students developed formulas to calculate the areas of rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids. Students also developed ways to calculate volumes of prisms: boxes (rectangular prisms), traingular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, parallelogram prisms, etc. Through this study, students got used to using letters to stand for numbers that can vary (variables). They also learned a variety of algebraic habits: working backwards through a problem, using inverse operations, and generalizing their arithmetical thinking.
This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Events Around the Corner
October 21-22: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 this week on October 21 (after school and evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at this time. You should have already received an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
October 28: Math Night
On Thursday, October 28 at 7pm, Mustard Seed invites all parents in Grades 3 - 8 to come to "Conversations with Parents, Math Night". This will be the first of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics that are planned for this year. [On November 16, we will do "Conversations with Parents, Science Night", so mark that date as well.]
The focus on October 28 is Fostering Algebraic Thinking. The night will include:
looking at how algebraic thinking is fostered in the early years, and how it develops through a student's career at Mustard Seed.
listening to recent MSS graduates speak about their high school experiences in math. Were they well prepared? In what ways? What might have been stronger?
speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject of mathematics at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.) We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
November 5: Movie Night!
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Eighth Grade Students have already been registered for the third showing and, with your permission, will serve as ushers during this last show and then attend the desert with guests. This is free of charge for 8th grade students. Please know that we do realize this is the same day as the COOP test, which means that several students will not be in school during the day (due to the test), but will come to the show in the evening.
We do hope parents will attend as well. You may register for any of the three showings at:
www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary November 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Until the big day, do stay tuned for webinars and read what filmmaker Brian Fuller says about the film at: http://www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary/interview-with-brian-fuller
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 this week on October 21 (after school and evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at this time. You should have already received an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
October 28: Math Night
On Thursday, October 28 at 7pm, Mustard Seed invites all parents in Grades 3 - 8 to come to "Conversations with Parents, Math Night". This will be the first of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics that are planned for this year. [On November 16, we will do "Conversations with Parents, Science Night", so mark that date as well.]
The focus on October 28 is Fostering Algebraic Thinking. The night will include:
looking at how algebraic thinking is fostered in the early years, and how it develops through a student's career at Mustard Seed.
listening to recent MSS graduates speak about their high school experiences in math. Were they well prepared? In what ways? What might have been stronger?
speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject of mathematics at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.) We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
November 5: Movie Night!
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Eighth Grade Students have already been registered for the third showing and, with your permission, will serve as ushers during this last show and then attend the desert with guests. This is free of charge for 8th grade students. Please know that we do realize this is the same day as the COOP test, which means that several students will not be in school during the day (due to the test), but will come to the show in the evening.
We do hope parents will attend as well. You may register for any of the three showings at:
www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary November 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Until the big day, do stay tuned for webinars and read what filmmaker Brian Fuller says about the film at: http://www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary/interview-with-brian-fuller
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October Events
Spruce Lake
Another wonderful time at Spruce Lake. Seventh graders learned the importance of communication in their challenge courses. Pictures will be coming soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 21 & 22
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 on October 21 (after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at that time. You will receive an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
Upper School Parent Conferences, Grades 4-8
October 21 (after school)
October 22 (during the day, until about 5:00 PM)
No school for students in grades 4-8 on October 22, due to conferences.
Students in grades 6-8 attend conferences.
School is in session for younger children that day.
Another wonderful time at Spruce Lake. Seventh graders learned the importance of communication in their challenge courses. Pictures will be coming soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 21 & 22
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 on October 21 (after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at that time. You will receive an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
Upper School Parent Conferences, Grades 4-8
October 21 (after school)
October 22 (during the day, until about 5:00 PM)
No school for students in grades 4-8 on October 22, due to conferences.
Students in grades 6-8 attend conferences.
School is in session for younger children that day.
October Service Project
Our worship theme for the month of October is "Buildings and Builders." During this month we will partner with the Esmirna School for the Deaf in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. One hundred deaf students attend the day school and their afterschool programs serve more than 250 poor children in the local neighborhood. As the number of children wanting to attend the school has grown, they have started building additional classrooms. One way Mustard Seed students can help this growing school is to provide school supplies!
Collection has started and it will continue through Thursday, October 28.
Each grade level at MSS will collect a specific item:
K: new boxes of crayons
1st: crayola markers
2nd: glue sticks
3rd: kids scissors
4th: tape (rolls of masking tape and scotch tape)
5th: one subject spiral notebooks
6th: pens
7th: pencils
8th: pocket folders
Our worship theme for the month of October is "Buildings and Builders." During this month we will partner with the Esmirna School for the Deaf in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. One hundred deaf students attend the day school and their afterschool programs serve more than 250 poor children in the local neighborhood. As the number of children wanting to attend the school has grown, they have started building additional classrooms. One way Mustard Seed students can help this growing school is to provide school supplies!
Collection has started and it will continue through Thursday, October 28.
Each grade level at MSS will collect a specific item:
K: new boxes of crayons
1st: crayola markers
2nd: glue sticks
3rd: kids scissors
4th: tape (rolls of masking tape and scotch tape)
5th: one subject spiral notebooks
6th: pens
7th: pencils
8th: pocket folders
School Picture Day October 18th
Once again this year, Irvin Simon Photographers will come to Mustard Seed to take individual and class group photographs. Please make note of the date--Monday, October 18.
Once again this year, Irvin Simon Photographers will come to Mustard Seed to take individual and class group photographs. Please make note of the date--Monday, October 18.
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