My emphasis is research-based conceptual understanding, not just rules.

• Warm up puzzles reviewing challenging homework problems as a group

• Math games

• Direct instruction to work on foundational concepts: modeling with tiles, note taking, classwork practice problems

• Brief recess for a brain and body break

• Twice a month low-stakes practice quizzes in the form of games or traditional quizzes to enhance recall and see if students need to do additional HW problems or can move on.

• Discussion and practice of smart studying techniques

• Chapter tests about once a month because research shows that tests help us master material and improve recall.

Students build expressions using x, y, x², y², manipulatives and base-ten blocks called algebra tiles.

This hands-on and visual-geometric foundation enables students to make the leap from concrete to abstract thinking which is at the heart of algebra thus facilitating a deeper conceptual understanding rather than simply a rote memorization of algorithms.

Students learn to factor quadratic expressions using blocks, simplify complicated looking expressions, even multiply and divide polynomials.

After modeling problems, we then apply these skills to traditional pencil and paper problems. Student comprehension increases significantly when students can model problems with algebra tiles first.

Games make learning fun!

Some math concepts need time to sink in so we often play math games to introduce new concepts.

Games help students become familiar with math vocabulary and to lay a foundation for more complicated problems. Then when we delve into the hard topics they feel familiar and students have the tools to handle them.

We also use games to review old material, pique curiosity, and for the sheer joy of solving a good math puzzle.

FIRST: I offer a free Math Support class right after math class one day a week. Students stay to

• play math games that sharpen skills,

• get one-on-one help from Ms. Lisa with homework,

• get a head start on the hardest parts of that week’s homework

SECOND: We do review problems nearly every week

Students do review problems with most homework sets to help them remember what they’ve already learned. This keeps our skills sharp and deepens our understanding. As the year progresses we apply these skills to novel situations and more challenging problems to build flexible mathematical thinking.

THIRD: Class time to practice tricky problems

After I introduce a new concept, students have time to practice those types of problems. Student can also volunteer to show their peers how they approached a problem. This helps solidify their understanding as they develop the vocabulary (and confidence) to teach concepts!

FOURTH: Curated Video Library

I have a curated library of online videos for at home reinforcement covering most topics. Students may watch demonstrations of how to solve similar problems once they get home if they need more reinforcement or they need to watch a slightly different explanation of how to tackle a problem.

Parents students aren’t stuck sifting through dozens of mediocre or partially relevant videos while looking for a good one! I’ve already found the best videos pertaining to our homework sets to save time.