This week, our class is continuing  how to multiply and divide decimals to the thousandths by using place value, estimating to check if answers make sense, and applying step-by-step algorithms to solve real-world problems involving money, measurement, and rates. They practice multiplying whole numbers first and then placing the decimal correctly, as well as shifting decimals in division to work with whole numbers and dividing accurately. Families can help at home by encouraging quick estimation (“Should the answer be bigger or smaller?”), talking through steps to strengthen understanding, and using everyday situations—like shopping, recipes, gas mileage, or saving money—to practice decimal operations in meaningful ways. Even a few minutes of simple problems each day and asking children to explain their reasoning can make a big difference.meone else is one of the best ways to strengthen understanding and confidence!

This week our 7th graders are working on adding and subtracting integers, focusing on understanding positive and negative numbers on a number line and using rules like “same signs add and keep the sign” and “different signs subtract and keep the sign of the larger absolute value.” We’re practicing with real-life situations such as temperatures, bank accounts, and elevation changes to help build fluency and confidence.

To help at home, families can talk through simple everyday examples (“If the temperature drops 5 degrees from –2°, where does it end up?”) or let students explain the rules in their own words. Quick number-line sketches, integer card games, or practicing on IXL (optional) are also great ways to reinforce the skills.

Students are beginning their unit on equations and expressions by solving one- and two-step equations, including those that require using the distributive property, combining like terms, and isolating the variable. They are learning how to undo operations in the correct order, check solutions by substituting back into the original equation, and make sense of equations that represent real-world situations. Families can help at home by encouraging students to talk through each step, asking questions like “What are you trying to get by itself?” or “What operation will undo this?” Practicing with small, quick problems—especially ones that involve distributing, such as 3(x + 4) or 2(x – 5)—builds confidence. Real-life examples, like splitting costs, comparing phone plans, or determining unknown quantities, can also help students see why equations matter. Reminding students to check their answers can make a big difference in accuracy and understanding.