Unit 4 Planning Guide: Teaching Functions, Relations, & Domain and Range in Algebra 1

Being asked to identify the domain and range of a function can often make even older and more experienced Algebra students fumble, but we’re in luck! We were so intentional in choosing the content that was included in our first three units of the year, that this unit will come together with a little smattering of everything that came before.

The functions, relations, domain & range unit will feel like the natural next step continuing off what your students have already learned, allowing for a fumble-free, stress-free unit.

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Unit 3 Planning Guide: Teaching Solving Multi-Step Inequalities in Algebra 1

Solving inequalities is a skill in Algebra 1 that is useful on its own, but it is much more powerful as a connecting unit. The solving multi-step inequalities unit both serves to re-emphasize everything that was learned throughout the solving multi-step equations unit and also sets students up to be successful and stress-free when learning how to identify the domain and range of functions in subsequent units.

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Unit 2 Planning Guide: Teaching Solving Multi-Step Equations in Algebra 1

Solving equations is an essential Algebra 1 skill that comes back in so many ways throughout the year, from rearranging equations to slope-intercept form before graphing a line, to solving systems of equations and even solving quadratic equations.

Solving multi-step equations is at the heart of what we ask Algebra 1 students to do – it is certainly a Top 5 unit if we were ranking them all by importance.

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Everything You Need to Know: Using Interactive Notebooks with AVID

So you just found out you are working at an AVID school and are trying to figure out how to incorporate all the things into your lessons.

Lucky for you, interactive notebooks (INBs) or interactive student notebooks (ISNs) and AVID are a perfect match — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t overwhelming learning how to get started.
PS: There’s no difference between INBs and ISNs, it’s more of a tomayto/tomahto situation.

If you’re new to AVID, here’s a quick rundown:

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How to Save Time with Interactive Notebooks in Algebra 1

“I’m wanting to do interactive notebooks, but how do you make it not take so long?”

This is, by far, the #1 question I get from other math teachers.

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How to use Interactive Notebooks as Study Tools in Algebra 1

Interactive notebooks are study tools at their core. There are many ways to encourage students to develop this relationship with their notebook. Here are a few:

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How to Grade Interactive Notebooks in Algebra 1

“How do you grade interactive notebooks” is a common question I get.

And, to be honest, I don’t.

Not always anyways!

To Grade or Not to Grade?

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Routines for Using Interactive Notebooks in Algebra 1

One of the most important things to ensuring that your experience with interactive notebooks runs smoothly and doesn’t waste class time is through your use of routines and the organization of your classroom. In another post I talk about supplies you’ll need and how I organize them, and in this post I’ll walk you through how to set yourself up for success with routines that utilize that organization. 

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Interactive Notebook Supplies & Organization in Algebra 1

If you’re wanting to do interactive notebooks, you’re going to want to make sure you have several supplies ready and organized. 

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