On Friday, 6th grade students will start taking the Smarter Balance Assessment in English Language Arts. They will take the test during their LA period with Jennifer for several days.
On May 4th, Students will begin taking the Math test. It will also take their math period for several days.
Other than that students will continue working on Biography project and current events in science.
Make sure your student is getting plenty of sleep and good nutrition.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Week before spring break
We have entered the 4th Quarter.
Some teachers may be trying to re-establish expectations for school behavior and work quality!
So far this week:
In Math:
Jon's class is working on the surface area of 3 dimensional objects (prisms). There is a packet (a student pointed out to me that it wasn't a CHOW, but a packet).
Kurt's class is doing IxL. The goal is to completely master and be fluent in addition and subtraction.
Both classes have been taking some time to practice SBAC protocols.
In Social Studies:
Students are researching, taking notes on, and writing speeches to perform as their historical figure.
in LA
Students are practicing the SBAC and continuing to read their short story packet for groups.
In Science:
The students were studying the effect of a disaster (mt St Helen's) on an ecosystem. They are now studying the effects of killing off and then re-introducing wolves to an ecosystem.
Some teachers may be trying to re-establish expectations for school behavior and work quality!
So far this week:
In Math:
Jon's class is working on the surface area of 3 dimensional objects (prisms). There is a packet (a student pointed out to me that it wasn't a CHOW, but a packet).
Kurt's class is doing IxL. The goal is to completely master and be fluent in addition and subtraction.
Both classes have been taking some time to practice SBAC protocols.
In Social Studies:
Students are researching, taking notes on, and writing speeches to perform as their historical figure.
in LA
Students are practicing the SBAC and continuing to read their short story packet for groups.
In Science:
The students were studying the effect of a disaster (mt St Helen's) on an ecosystem. They are now studying the effects of killing off and then re-introducing wolves to an ecosystem.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Yes, 6th grade does in fact have homework
Some 6th grade students seem to be confused about how to use their time at home. Salmon Bay does in fact have homework! There are ongoing projects that require students to follow through and work outside of class times.
In Math,
for Jon, students are working on graphing. They have a chow where they are designing a floor layout for a house.
for Kurt's Math class, I am now having students do Ixl online at home if possible. Right now I want them to finish section D-Properties. This is largely practicing fact families as number sentences. This supports our more difficult class work on equations and expressions.
In ELA,
Students are still working in Short Story Packet groups. This often involves reading the story at home and filling out a short sheet. This has to be done prior to class to participate in the group. Student are really focusing on finding claims about characters and plots in these short stories.
For Social Studies,
Students went to the library on Monday to find sources for their biography project. Students are expected to become experts on the famous person they have chosen. They will need to read their sources, write notes, and compose a speech that they will perform from memory. In the years I have taught Special Education, I have never seen a student who did not memorize a speech and perform it.
And in science,
Students are diving into ecology. This involves invasive species. food webs, and the effects of disasters on ecosystems. They are doing most of their work in class, but must finish it at home iuf they are not using their time wisely. They also still have current events to do on their own time ever week!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Correction on short story groups
We are not meeting again until next Tuesday. Jennifer has a sub tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Language Arts Short Story Groups
A new thing is happening in 6th grade language arts. We are doing short story clubs. Right now they are meeting on Tuesday and Thursday, but when WEP is over, they will meet on Tuesday and Friday.
Students are personally responsible to be prepared for these groups. They must read the passage ahead of time and fill out the assignment sheet they are given. This means the dreaded bane of every student: HOMEWORK!!! Students all have been given reading packets and sheets. They also have plenty of time between meetings and the passages were picked to be readable by all students. Any reason for not finishing is an excuse.
There is no time given in class to reading the story and preparing the sheet. Students will need to manage their time so they are prepared to share and don't let their group down.
Students are personally responsible to be prepared for these groups. They must read the passage ahead of time and fill out the assignment sheet they are given. This means the dreaded bane of every student: HOMEWORK!!! Students all have been given reading packets and sheets. They also have plenty of time between meetings and the passages were picked to be readable by all students. Any reason for not finishing is an excuse.
There is no time given in class to reading the story and preparing the sheet. Students will need to manage their time so they are prepared to share and don't let their group down.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Auction items
6th grade homerooms are putting together auction items. Unfortunately, we got some pretty late notice on this and they are due next Thursday!!! Ask your student what his or her homeroom's theme is.
Kurt's homeroom's basket theme is coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kurt's homeroom's basket theme is coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Need to Know
Stuff you should know:
There is a new WEP field Trip permission form going out for students who were going skiing. Other WEPs are moving forward as planned.
6th graders!
For Jon, Chow 19 is due friday.
Katie has a Mayan Ball Game compare/contrast due Wednesday.
In Language Arts we are working on "characterizations." These are internal/external traits.
It's a busy time for Joel! This week an invasive species poster is due. Also, every Tuesday starting today, Current Event reports are due (see my previous post about the subject).
This week, at various points, students are amplify testing.
There is a new WEP field Trip permission form going out for students who were going skiing. Other WEPs are moving forward as planned.
6th graders!
For Jon, Chow 19 is due friday.
Katie has a Mayan Ball Game compare/contrast due Wednesday.
In Language Arts we are working on "characterizations." These are internal/external traits.
It's a busy time for Joel! This week an invasive species poster is due. Also, every Tuesday starting today, Current Event reports are due (see my previous post about the subject).
This week, at various points, students are amplify testing.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Science Current Events
In 6th grade, at Salmon Bay, we are starting Science Current Events in Joel's Science class. These are recurring weekly reports on a science news article from the last year.
Historically, students have had some trouble with these. They require self motivation to find an article, read it independently, and write the short report (there is a format sheet students can use).
Unlike most of the 6th grade work, student will have very little class time to work on these. These are essentially homework or work to be done on the student's own time.
They are due on Tuesdays, and when students fall behind on them, it is very hard to catch up. There really isn't an excuse to hand them in late either. Joel already had them write each one in their planners (check your student's planner for this). Even if a student willfully didn't write it in their planner, they should assume it's due on every Tuesday. If a student knows he or she will be absent, they can work ahead. I had a student once who one weekend busted out 10 of them and then sat back for the rest of the quarter.
Here is a handy slide show:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Xev5Wq5tZxEGG4uDTUAdHHVtIPEkN5_itCrS9-b0yL0/edit?usp=sharing
Historically, students have had some trouble with these. They require self motivation to find an article, read it independently, and write the short report (there is a format sheet students can use).
Unlike most of the 6th grade work, student will have very little class time to work on these. These are essentially homework or work to be done on the student's own time.
They are due on Tuesdays, and when students fall behind on them, it is very hard to catch up. There really isn't an excuse to hand them in late either. Joel already had them write each one in their planners (check your student's planner for this). Even if a student willfully didn't write it in their planner, they should assume it's due on every Tuesday. If a student knows he or she will be absent, they can work ahead. I had a student once who one weekend busted out 10 of them and then sat back for the rest of the quarter.
Here is a handy slide show:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Xev5Wq5tZxEGG4uDTUAdHHVtIPEkN5_itCrS9-b0yL0/edit?usp=sharing
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
back from mid-winter mini break
Welcome back to school. We have a short be packed week!
WEP is happening for middle school students. Since there is not enough snow to ski and snowboard, those students are going to see the acclaimed film, Lincoln. Other WEP activities will their normally scheduled plans.
6th grade students are taking AMPLIFY testing Thursday the 19th and next week. This again consists of a computerized test that asks questions that align to 6th grade common core standards. Some students will take math on Thursday, others Monday. ELA will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.
WEP is happening for middle school students. Since there is not enough snow to ski and snowboard, those students are going to see the acclaimed film, Lincoln. Other WEP activities will their normally scheduled plans.
6th grade students are taking AMPLIFY testing Thursday the 19th and next week. This again consists of a computerized test that asks questions that align to 6th grade common core standards. Some students will take math on Thursday, others Monday. ELA will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Post Super Bowl
After much excitement and buzz, our beloved Seattle Seahawks have lost. While this is a major blow to the city, life goes on. In fact, since the 1st Superbowl, in 1967, a team has lost the super bowl 49 times (every time).
Back in school, we are in a new semester and classes have changes slightly. If you have any questions about your student's schedule or grades, consult your student's homeroom teacher.
In Jon's math class, students are finishing ChOW 17. It's about dividing fractions.
Kurt is now also teaching a math class for a few students. We are focusing on targeted skills. We will have a few different types of homework. I will keep the parents of those students posted via email.
In science, 6th graders have switched from basic biology to ecology. Their first reading is about the "miracle fish" the Nile Perch. There are questions in the text. If your student doesn't finish in class, Joel can provide them a copy or book to take home (but they need to ask for it!)
Social Studies. Students are making power points about ancient India or China. They are due Monday.
LA: Jennifer's students are working on persuasive essays. They have used graphic organizers to write their ideas, plan their paragraphs, and expand their ideas. The draft is due Tuesday Feb 10th. The final is due Feb 13th.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Stuff to know
6th grade science final exam Wednesday the 28th. Students can have a notecard with notes, but chances are anyone who makes a really good notecard knows the information pretty well.
There is no school Friday, so if WEP happens (snow doesn't look great) it will be on Thursday the 29th.
There is no school Friday, so if WEP happens (snow doesn't look great) it will be on Thursday the 29th.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
The best plans...
So today we had a science test. I know one was coming up, but didn't realize it was today. Fortunately our students can make corrections. Study up on snails.
On Jan 28th, there will be a Science Final. Students will be able to make a notecard with information on it. This is a good opportunity for students to show their study skills be working ahead to make sure their notecard is helpful.
Math-ChOW 15
LA- 3 annotations (2 theme, 1 other).
Social Studies- Buddhism reading packet. Students were also writing a short, mythological story.
One of the kids told me that wearing your PJs inside out and putting ice cubes in the toilet helps it snow, so everyone do that so we can have WEP!
On Jan 28th, there will be a Science Final. Students will be able to make a notecard with information on it. This is a good opportunity for students to show their study skills be working ahead to make sure their notecard is helpful.
Math-ChOW 15
LA- 3 annotations (2 theme, 1 other).
Social Studies- Buddhism reading packet. Students were also writing a short, mythological story.
One of the kids told me that wearing your PJs inside out and putting ice cubes in the toilet helps it snow, so everyone do that so we can have WEP!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Week of Jan 12-16
WEP is cancelled this week (again). Hopefully we we get enough snow to have WEP next week!
Math-ChOW 14. Students have also been handed a practice test for adding and subtracting fractions, which means, at somepoint in the near future, we can expect one of those!
Science- This seems to be the time of year when students have many missing science assignments. Your student's source should guide them to any missing assignments they need to make up.
They are also Reading about and observing snails. Ask your student about "love darts."
Social Studies- On Wednesday we are having an MLK assembly. This includes a guest story teller about African-American perspectives from the American Revolution. This means Katie is doing a crash course on american revolution for background knowledge.
Language Arts- We are pushing forward with persuasive essays. This will guide our understanding of claim and reasons.
There are 5 post-it annotations due on Friday.
Math-ChOW 14. Students have also been handed a practice test for adding and subtracting fractions, which means, at somepoint in the near future, we can expect one of those!
Science- This seems to be the time of year when students have many missing science assignments. Your student's source should guide them to any missing assignments they need to make up.
They are also Reading about and observing snails. Ask your student about "love darts."
Social Studies- On Wednesday we are having an MLK assembly. This includes a guest story teller about African-American perspectives from the American Revolution. This means Katie is doing a crash course on american revolution for background knowledge.
Language Arts- We are pushing forward with persuasive essays. This will guide our understanding of claim and reasons.
There are 5 post-it annotations due on Friday.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Happy New Year
It's time to welcome students back to school. Returning for a break can be a big adjustment for many students. To adults, two weeks doesn't seem like like away from rules and work, but to students, two weeks of unstructured time can be a life altering event! Help your student return to their home/school routines, as we remind them of the expectations at school.
Math: Jon's students have a new Chow (13).
Science: Joel is planning on having a science exam Wednesday (Jan 7th)
Language Arts: In addition to reading at home, students are beginning a unit on persuasive essay. Specifically your student should be able to tell you the difference between claim and fact.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Winter Break
Happy Holidays to all! Have a safe, restful and fun break!
This week has largely been spent catching up before student go off to break and forget everything they worked so hard to learn.
In Science, Students spent this week learning about the flowers and the bees. Literally. Specifically they are reading about pollination and dissecting flowers.
In math, students are retaking tests and finishing ChOWs as needed. Make sure your student checks the source over break to see that he or she is caught up.
Language Arts: We learned that Theme was the main idea or moral of a story or piece. It is rarely explicitly stated and must be inferred by the reader.
Social Studies: Students finished their Egypt essays, bibliographies, and visual projects.
This week has largely been spent catching up before student go off to break and forget everything they worked so hard to learn.
In Science, Students spent this week learning about the flowers and the bees. Literally. Specifically they are reading about pollination and dissecting flowers.
In math, students are retaking tests and finishing ChOWs as needed. Make sure your student checks the source over break to see that he or she is caught up.
Language Arts: We learned that Theme was the main idea or moral of a story or piece. It is rarely explicitly stated and must be inferred by the reader.
Social Studies: Students finished their Egypt essays, bibliographies, and visual projects.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
News of the week
Your student should be bringing in more WEP forms. The permission slip your student received on Friday is due this Friday.
There are no Post-its due due this week.
Social Studies: We are finishing our Egypt Essays and starting to bring in materials for our visuals.
Science: Test Thursday
Math: Chow 12
There are no Post-its due due this week.
Social Studies: We are finishing our Egypt Essays and starting to bring in materials for our visuals.
Science: Test Thursday
Math: Chow 12
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Vocabulary
In Language Arts students are working on getting vocabulary words out of text they are reading. Building vocabulary is a key skill. I find the hardest part for students is admitting that they don't know what a word means. They tend to blow through the reading and say "I didn't find any words that I didn't know." Usually with some prodding, it becomes apparent that there are plenty of words students (and adults) can't easily define or fully understand. This is also a chance to explore why English has so many words that mean similar things.
What is the difference between saying huge or saying colossal? The words we choose to use while speaking and writing say more about us that the topics we're sharing.
What is the difference between saying huge or saying colossal? The words we choose to use while speaking and writing say more about us that the topics we're sharing.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Welcome back from Thanksgiving Break
Now that we've all had our fair share of food and family, it's back to work!
In Social Studies, students are continuing to work on Egypt research. They are now begining to cite their sources with a bibliography.
Language Arts: students are getting back into reading after a long stint of writing. Due this Friday is 4 character annotations (post-it notes) and 210 minutes of reading.
Science is finishing the roots and shoot lab by compiling their data and drawing scientific conclusions.
Mathematicians are working on ChOW 11 and finding way to find Least Common Multiples and Greatest Common Factors*.
*Edited 3 December: Thanks to T.S. for pointing out that I had multiple and factor backwards!
In Social Studies, students are continuing to work on Egypt research. They are now begining to cite their sources with a bibliography.
Language Arts: students are getting back into reading after a long stint of writing. Due this Friday is 4 character annotations (post-it notes) and 210 minutes of reading.
Science is finishing the roots and shoot lab by compiling their data and drawing scientific conclusions.
Mathematicians are working on ChOW 11 and finding way to find Least Common Multiples and Greatest Common Factors*.
*Edited 3 December: Thanks to T.S. for pointing out that I had multiple and factor backwards!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Week before conferences
STUFF TO KNOW ABOUT!
Your student will be leading you in a conference Monday-Wednesday next week (Thanksgiving week). Please set up a 30 minute time slot with your student's homeroom teacher. Your student will tell you about their classwork and reflect on what is going well and not so well.
WEP forms are due the 25th (the Tuesday of next week). They go to the office. There are many great program options for your student this year!
Last week we finished our second round of Amplify testing. Not all student tests have been graded yet, but on average those that have have shown great progress!
In Math, the students are transitioning from studying ratios to percentages. They have a ChOW to work on this week.
In Language Arts, the students are finishing their personal narrative final drafts. Students have written several pieces in class and chose their favorite to publish as a final draft. While they have time in class to do this, some students may have brought theirs home in order to type.
In Social Studies, students are working on Egypt research projects. These include reading source material, taking notes, writing a report, and creating a visual presentation of some kind.
In Science, student are performing an experiment on seed growth. Independent variables include the type of seeds and the amount of light, while the students measure the dependent variable of how much the plants grow.
Your student will be leading you in a conference Monday-Wednesday next week (Thanksgiving week). Please set up a 30 minute time slot with your student's homeroom teacher. Your student will tell you about their classwork and reflect on what is going well and not so well.
WEP forms are due the 25th (the Tuesday of next week). They go to the office. There are many great program options for your student this year!
Last week we finished our second round of Amplify testing. Not all student tests have been graded yet, but on average those that have have shown great progress!
In Math, the students are transitioning from studying ratios to percentages. They have a ChOW to work on this week.
In Language Arts, the students are finishing their personal narrative final drafts. Students have written several pieces in class and chose their favorite to publish as a final draft. While they have time in class to do this, some students may have brought theirs home in order to type.
In Social Studies, students are working on Egypt research projects. These include reading source material, taking notes, writing a report, and creating a visual presentation of some kind.
In Science, student are performing an experiment on seed growth. Independent variables include the type of seeds and the amount of light, while the students measure the dependent variable of how much the plants grow.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Science test tomorrow
Tomorrow, the students have an exam on the parts of cells. These parts are called organelles. The important things to know are what organelles all cells have and what the difference between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell are. Eukaryotic cells can be multicellular (animals, plants, fungi) or single celled (protists and some fungi). Prokaryotic cells are all single celled and are mostly bacteria.
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