HELP WITH SOLVING 1 STEP EQUATIONS

I have spent some time this week introducing the kids to Algebra.   For most of the kids, this is their first time really using VARIABLES as an actual part of math rather than just substituting for them in a problem.  We spent a few days talking about how to change word problems into math equations by picking out key words or phrases and converting them to actual math problems.  Your child should have a list of key words and phrases that correspond to specific operations (example:  'the sum of' means to add, 'the product of' means to multiply) in their notebooks.  Please make sure they have looked them over and are familiar with them.

I then went on to show them how to SOLVE simple equations that have 1 variable in them.  I am including a link below that will direct you to site that gives a very good explanation of how I taught it to my classes.  This may or may not be how you may have learned this, but I find this to be a very easy way for the kids to solve these problems.  I am trying to introduce them to manipulating equations to find missing values.  I am requiring all the kids to be fluent in solving 1 step equations (those that only require one step to solve the problem) and for my more advanced students, I showed them how to solve 2 step equations as well.  The link I am including is for a site called PURPLE MATH.COM  which I have been using for a while and that I use when I am tutoring higher level students in higher grades.  Take a few minutes to poke around on that site and see what they have to offer.  (Don't forget about Kahn academy as well for video lessons)

If you have not already purchased a calculator for use in class, now would be a good time to get one.  As soon as we finish our lesson on solving equations, we will move onto percents and ratios and calculators will become very helpful.  You do not need an expensive graphing calculator (they will need one by 8th grade though).  Please try to find one that does fractions easily.  The TI 30X series is very reasonably priced and will do everything needed for 6th and 7th grade.

I am very pleased with the progress of my students learning integers (negative numbers).  It was a difficult topic and most of the kids seemed to master it.  If your child is still having difficulties, encourage them to ask questions in class and/or stay with me after school for some small group help.

Lastly, please encourage your students to continue working with the MobyMax program.  It is a very good resource to help kids fill in the gaps they have in their math knowledge.  The program seems to go back to the earliest material they have not mastered and gives them lessons on those topics until they catch up.  You can see your child's current grade level assessment according the program.  I am hoping that by the end of the year, ALL of my kids are at a minimum of a 6th grade level and ideally into the 7th or 8th grade material.

NOTES ON SOLVING EQUATIONS