Course Website: Math and Computer Science with Mr. Elliott

What is Bell Work?

Bell Work generally describes a short period of time at the beginning of class when students complete exercises while the teacher accomplishes administrative tasks such as taking attendance or catching up with students who were absent the previous day. For mathematics courses, these types of exercises range anywhere from mental math to review problems to problems from last night's homework.

What I have found to be successful is reserving the first ten minutes of class for a daily, concerted effort to fill learning gaps and ensure that students are prepared to engage with new concepts and ideas. By consistently taking baby steps in the right direction, over a long period of time, a tremendous amount of growth can be achieved!

Bell work runs in two-week cycles and focuses on five skills at a time, culminating in a Bell Work Quiz every other Thursday. Each skill that is addressed is part of a larger thread of skills, each building upon its predecessors. Consistency is key!

What goes in my math notebook?

Each student needs a 3-ring binder (with dividers) to keep their course materials organized. Students will add new information to their notebooks daily, so it is imperative that students bring it to class consistently.

Bell Work

Students complete five bell work problems each day. Students need to keep their bell work problems in their notebook. When a student misses class, it is their responsibility to complete the bell work problems and include them in their notebook.

Lesson Materials

Course units are divided into lessons. Each lesson will have objectives, vocabulary, concepts, skills, practice problems, notes, handouts, and more. An organized notebook will ensure that students know where to go for assistance and can easily prepare for exams.

Homework

Each lesson has a homework set that students must complete. After a homework set has been assigned, it will typically be due the following class period. Exceptions are made for longer assignments or projects. When homework assignments are graded and returned, they are to be kept in the notebook.

Quizzes and Exams

After all students have completed a quiz or exam, the assessment will be returned to the students. Keep all past assessments in the notebook.

Homework, guided notes, quizzes, exams, and all other handouts will be 3-hole punched. Mr. Elliott goes to great lengths to ensure students can easily organize their notebook and materials.