Algebra for Tweens

Algebra I for Tweens (9.5 to 12-year-olds) is a program for gifted and advanced young people to develop their skills as #MathTinkering learners. This is a two-semester program: Algebra I for Tweens Terms I & II.

Tuition     Schedule      FAQs      Registration Form

Learning Algebra is an important step in a young person’s life, developing critical thinking through the expression, manipulation, and graphing of variables.  The challenges of learning Algebra start with transferring knowledge of Arithmetic from using numbers to using variables.

Course Philosophy

This program takes a meta-learning approach by focusing on how we, as individuals, learn math and work as a team to explore ways to master our math challenges.

• Learning math from the concept first, creating a math toolbox based on the exploration of the rules of math.
• Engaging in math as a practice to develop good habits to become effective, active problems solvers.
• Exploring problem solving through the creative process of using our toolbox.
• Using technology as a tool in creating and visualizing math.

Requirements

• Learners are expected to come into the program with a good background in Arithmetic and Pre-Algebra. Examples would be completing courses or self-study in Grade 7 Level Math or Pre-Algebra.
• Access to a Google Gmail account to utilize Google resources.
• High-Speed Internet Access using a computer with the ability to engage in online video-conferencing, located in a quiet room with a desk

Tuition and Fees

Schedule

Live video session times meet twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday

Important Dates

Fall 2015 Term

• Session Begins: September 8, 2015
• Thanksgiving Break: November 20 – November 30
• Session Ends: December 17, 2015

Winter/Spring 2016 Term

• Session Begins: January 19, 2015
• Spring Break: March 12 – March 22
• Session Ends: May 6, 2015

Notes

• Each Term is 30 meeting hours per course.
• The schedule has been padded with extra dates to accommodate for class down time out of our control.
• If there are no cancelations the terms may be shortened.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

If you have any questions, please ask them in this form.

I will try to update the FAQs with the answer or respond directly to a private question. If you would like a call back, please let us know in the form.

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  1.Algebra for Tweens
• What will my child be doing during the sessions?

  
  18-06-2015

  • To compare to a model of another type of program, consider college with more fundamentals support.
  • The weekly meetings with the group are launching points for self-directed learning.
  • We will explore our math mindset and understand the differences between fixed and growth mindsets.
  • We will go over the concepts of math that frame the topics and answer the question of why we can do what we do in math.
  • We will work on the challenges that face us when learning, practicing problem-solving and metacognition skills for when we get stuck.
  • We will discuss and work through individual and group projects that extend the knowledge and practice of math into its application.
  • We will work on a group project of creating a math handbook to work through knowledge and to create an ongoing reference.
  • We will work on becoming creative problem solvers.

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• So what happens on the other 3 days they are not in class? Do they have homework, are there self-pacing activities they are suppose to complete?

  
  18-06-2015

  • At home our learners will be practicing their skills at home on projects, personal learning skills, working with classmates on projects, and practicing content in Khan Academy.
  • Weekly modules offer a consistent structure with prompts.

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• Would I expect my child to spend a couple of hours a day on math homework like she was in public school?

  
  18-06-2015

  • Developing a daily habit of practice is an important self-learning skill.
  • I ask parents to use their discretion on what is appropriate for their child.
  • One hour per day would be the max to spend on math homework per day unless the learner is in a groove.

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• What if I find my child struggling in Khan Academy?

  
  18-06-2015

  • Struggling in Khan Academy is a sign of issues that need to be investigated further.
  • Use these moments  to discuss with your child what struggles they are having. This is a great chance to develop self-learning skills.
  • Discuss how you overcome obstacles and work through challenges.
  • Email Mr. Gelston of issues and they will be incorporated in the sessions. If one learner is having an issue, it is most likely an issue for many.
  • It is important to maintain a positive mindset around any work and not to give up on it.

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• Do you want parents to sit in on the classes?

  
  18-06-2015

  • It is optional for you to sit in on a class based on your child’s needs.
  • The goal is to support self-directed learning, but pre-teens can certainly benefit from a parent watching silently over the semi-distant shoulder.

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• What about grading etc? Are there ‘tests’?

  
  18-06-2015

  • Mr. Gelston does not believe in grading. If you need a grade, we can discuss it individually.
  • The Metalearning coaches work with the learners to develop their strengths in assessing their own learning.
  • As homeschoolers, our learners are creating a portfolio of work that serves for your reporting to schools.
  • Khan Academy provides accurate measurement on the how-to of math.

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• What about Common Core and reporting?

  
  18-06-2015

  • Content in the course can be correlated back to the common core standards through the content covered in Khan Academy for Algebra I and through the ongoing project work.

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Further Details

Algebra 1

Relationships Between Quantities and Reasoning with Equations

• Reason quantitatively and use units to solve problems.
• Interpret the structure of expressions.
• Create equations that describe ...

Barry Gelston, M.Ed.

I have been a passionate learner, tinkerer, and educator all of my life. ... I think that we are creating something very special that is focused on ...

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is the preferred Mathematics self-directed learning program. Although Khan Academy is famous for the Sal Khan videos, Mr Gelston appreciates the site most ...

Registration Form

When submitting this form you will be sent an invoice for the total amount of the tuition to save your spot.