“Without mathematics, there is nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics, everything around you is numbers”. -Shakuntala Devi. On average, only 30% of students actually like math. Maybe a teacher can change your mind. Here is what 7th-grade math teachers think is important for successful students.

Ms.Burkett, 7th-grade math, Orange team

• Participate in activities
• Ask questions
• Pay attention to explanations 
• Do your work
• If you put the effort in, you will be successful, even if it’s difficult 
• If you don’t have your math facts memorized, do that
• There are so many games and apps you can download directly to your phone to get some practice each day
• If you know your facts, the rest of math you learn will be a lot easier 

Ms.Acevedo, 7th-grade math, Green team 

• Use their notes.  In any job you have in the future, utilizing your resources is important.
• Listen.  Whether you are listening to a teacher, a family member, a coworker, or a boss, listening helps you to do your job better.
• Understand.  Understand that what we teach in 7th grade lays a foundation for what you will learn in 8th grade. 
• Know your facts.  Know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.  Just like in 6th grade, there are a couple of units in 7th grade that we cannot use calculators for. 
• Be your best self.  We are preparing you for the future.  Making a habit of being your best self allows you to make good choices, make good impressions on others, and build a positive environment for yourself.  These are lifelong skills.
• Math class is not all about math.  It is about everyday choices and efforts that affect everything around you.

If you were, or are, nervous about 7th-grade math… Don’t be, there will be teachers that will help you 99% of the way there, you just have to have effort and believe in YOURSELF.