|
This new book consists of 160 daily lessons and investigations, which are to be covered in the order presented. There are no chapters. We may cover about half of the lessons this year.
Each lesson has four parts. The first part is a mental math box. We will do many of these together as they include the skills we’ve already covered. Sometimes the Mental Math Box will be a quiz, with the “problem solving” problem offered as an “Extra Credit” opportunity for the students. This is a good opportunity for Extra Credit points.
Next comes the lesson where the day’s topic is covered. There are vocabulary terms in dark print and example illustrations. This is laid out so that students should be able to read through it if absent and be able to figure it out.
The practice problems (lettered-not numbered) are designed to cover the new skill or concept covered in the lesson. We usually do these orally together; sometimes they are assigned.
The fourth part is the problem set. It is 30 problems that provide practice on previously presented skills and concepts. Preferably, students should be doing all 30 problems of each lesson. I have cut the problem set so students will do about half or more of the problems. Tiny reference numbers in parentheses by each problem set problem number refer to the previous lesson where that skill was covered. The Saxon series wants students to look back in the book for help.
I will prepare short quizzes on certain topics. I will test after I feel students have had enough exposure to the skills covered on the test. The tests are designed by five lesson intervals.
Students will receive “Warm-Ups” that are graded. This is a paper with two half-sheets of problems covering a variety of skills the student should know with a “Bonus” on the bottom. Sometimes the “Bonus” is required as part of the assignment, but usually it is an “Extra Credit” opportunity. These “Extra Credit-Bonus” problems are worth many percentage points. I strongly urge the students to give them a good effort.
I am available for extra help before school (except when I have morning duty), during homeroom, and noon recess when I’m not on duty. I stress that students come see me if they are having problems, or need some extra help. Write a note if your child needs to come in for help before school.
|
