Revision on the use of calculators

Dear girls,

I thought it would be good to type out how to use the different functions of the calculator because as I mark your work, I realise that some of you seem to be keying in the wrong things. Parents, if you happen to be free, it would be nice if you could also learn how to use the calculator so that you can check whether your daughter is using it correctly. Do take note of the following:

1. When you on the calculator, you should only see 'M'(some may not have it, it's ok), 'D' and 'Math' at the top of your calculator. If you see other things like 'STATS', then it means that you are in the wrong mode. To correct, press mode setup, then 1:COMP.

2. For the keying in of fractions. If you prefer to see the boxes to key in the numerator and deminator, then ensure that your calculator is in the MthIO mode. It will always be in this be default unless you have switched it to another mode. To play safe, you can press shift, mode setup, then select 1.
- To key in a fraction, you will press the first button on the left in the second row, indicating 2 boxes. You will key in the number for the numerator first, then press the downwards arrow in the 'replay' button, then you can key in the denominator. To move on, press the right side arrow in the 'replay' button.
- To key in a mixed number, you will need to press shift and the same button (the one with 2 boxes). If you look at the top of this button, you will see 2 boxes, 1 on the left and 2 on the right. This is an indication that this is for the mixed number. Once you do so, you will see 3 boxes in your screen. The first box will be for the whole number, then you will just do the same thing for the fraction part.
- To change your answer from improper fraction (26/5) to mixed number (5 1/5), you will need to press shift, followed by the 'S - D' button, which is the 2nd button from the right in the 4th row. If you repeat the action, you will change it from mixed number back to improper fraction.
- Should you want to change a fraction to decimal or vice versa, you will just press 'S-D'directly.

3. If you prefer the older format of fractions, that is, there isn't the showing of the boxes, then make sure that you change the mode. Press shift, mode setup and select 2:LineIO. While this method of keying in fractions is faster, do ensure that you are able to understand. Parents, this is what you are most used to because this is what the older calculators do. It uses the 'small inverted L' to separate the numbers in the fractions. Do practice a little more if you intend to use this to key in fractions.

4. Always ensure that you press AC before you begin a computation. This will clear any previous memory.

5. If you need to retrive your previous answer, just press Ans and =. This is useful when you have forgot to copy down the answer yet need to use it for more steps.

6. If you need to see what you have done previously (the computation done earlier), you can press the upwards button at the 'replay' button.

7. Should you key in anything wrongly, just press the backwards button at the 'replay', and go to the error, then press DEL to erase the mistake.

I hope this entry has been useful. Should you need more help in the use of calculators, do approach me before your exam. Don't leave it till the very last minute. =)

Stress Management

Dear girls,

I understand that there's quite a lot of homework given today. Try to space them out. Do take a short 5-10 minutes break after every 30-40 minutes. If you really cannot finish, just let your respective teachers know. Explain nicely to them and I'm sure they will understand. Just work a little harder over the next few days then you can rest and relax after the CA1. I'm sure you want to be able tell yourself that you've tried your best, right? Think ahead. Begin with the end in mind. Lastly, I would like to share a quotation with you:

"Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears." ~Gillian Anderson

See you all tmr. Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Belated Birthday, Felicia!

Dear Felicia,

So sorry that I forgot to post this up yesterday. Hope you had a fantastic celebration.

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Felicia,
Happy Birthday to you!

Welcome to the 11-year-old club! =)

Gentle Reminders...

Dear all,

Please take note of the following:

Catholic Welfare
Please try your best to sell the tickets and make sure you handle both the tickets and money with care. Should you lose the tickets, you will need to inform the General Office and make a police report. Kindly return the ticket counterfoil and money to me latest by the end of this month. Do not worry if you are unable to sell all your tickets. You just need to try your best. We will collect all unsold tickets back later on. If you are able to sell more and want to help those of your friends who can't sell, please let me know first.

Charity Week
I hope everyone had an enjoyable CNY break. As we celebrate this joyous festive season, let us not forget those in need as well. You are not expected to give a lot but a small token of donation will mean a lot to those who needs help. Of course, if you are able to afford it, then you might want to donate more generously. Kindly pass your donation to your CME teacher by 22 February 2008.

Math Connection
As mentioned in earlier post, you are encouraged to buy this magazine. There are many interesting activities for you to do. The form has been given to you today. If you are interested, kindly fill in the form and bring the money ($10) tmr, 14 February 2008.

Revision for CA1

Dear girls,

You will be sitting for your CA1 next week. Your Math paper will be held on Tuesday. If you haven't started on your revision, you really need to get started. Don't leave it to the last minute or you'll feel very stressed up. Do a little each day and you will not feel that it's too taxing. Also, do remember to do your homework dutifully. Perhaps due to the CNY break, a record high number of girls did not complete your work over the long weekend but I'm glad all have handed in today. Some of you are still not very good at fractions. Do visit the following websites to get a better understanding. There are some explanations and quizzes/games to be done.

http://www.aaamath.com/fra.html#topic1
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/fractions/index.htm
http://www.funbrain.com/fract/

A video on learning fractions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfWh0ohq_IE

Last but not the least, if you encounter any difficulties, please do not hesitate to approach me. =)

Temperature-taking Exercise

Dear all,

Just a gentle reminder that there is the Temperature-taking exercise tmr. For those girls who have yet to bring their ODT, make sure you bring it to school tmr. You will be taking your temperature twice, once in the morning at 8am and another time at 11am. You have to record your temperature into your pupil's organiser. You are reminded to take this exercise seriously.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Dear girls, here are the pictures that I took during Chinese New Year's eve. Hope everyone is having a good break. For the Chinese girls, enjoy your New Year visiting... As for the non-chinese, use this long weekend to do something that you really like. There's a time to play and there's a time to learn so please do not to forget to spend a little time revising your work as well...Your CA1 is just a week after CNY...See all of you on Monday! =)

To Irena:
Though you will be going to a new school, all your friends in CHIJ and myself will always remember you. All the best to you. Stay happy always. You can email me anytime you want to... =)