Monday, December 22, 2014

A New Year means a New Start





Happy Holidays Everyone,

It is getting close to the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015. 2015 will be a big year for my 8th graders. This is the year you will enter high school but before you do we need to prepare you.

If you remember, last week you had a bell ringer asking you to write down your goals for 2015. Several of you wrote that you would like to do better in school. One of my goals for this next semester is to help prepare you for high school and if you are in 7th grade help you become more successful in your own learning.

I have big plans for next semester. Be prepared for a big change in the way I am "teaching."



My personal goal as a teacher for 2015 is to reach EVERY student. By reaching every student, I mean I hope to make sure every student learns the concepts and is not left behind. I want to help you learn how you learn best. This goes along with my change in the way I will be teaching. I understand students learn in different styles and at different paces. I am working on plans to allow each student to work on meeting goals at their own pace but in a certain time frame.

 I was so impressed with my 8th graders' project, I have decided each unit we will have an overall project will take the place of homework. Along with the projects, I will be having ticket out the doors to help me determine the level of understand each student is at.

Since all of you are my focus for 2015, I have a quick survey to help me learn what worked and what did not work for you in first semester. Click here for survey.



I am excited about this new year! I hope this break allows you to come back refreshed and ready to learn.


Have a Fantastic Break,
Mrs. Gilliam


Saturday, December 13, 2014

8th Grade Math: Writing Linear Equations Tutorials

Happy Saturday Everyone,

Reminders:

  • Pattern Projects Due Monday/Tuesday
  • Quiz over Linear Equations on Wednesday/Thursday


We have been working on putting together all the parts of writing linear equations over the last month. We have looked at equations through patterns, real world examples, tables, and graphs.

Key Things to Remember:

  • y = mx+b (is the base equation for all linear equations)
  • m represents the rate of change/slope
  • b represents the starting point and y-intercept.
  • Slope is the steepness of a line. The rate of change of the line.
  • Y-intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis.
  • Slope and rate of change are found by finding the change in y divided by the change in x.

Tutorial Videos:
Writing Linear Equations from Tables


Writing Linear Equations from Graphs



Writing a Linear Equation from a Word Problem




Hope you find these videos helpful! We only have one more week before break. Keep giving 100% this week. If you need any help with your project, send me an email or message me on celly.

If you are missing a test, please complete this before break!

Have a Super Saturday,
Mrs. Gilliam