Welcome to 6th Grade!

“

“Simply learning is not enough.”

-unknown

I strive to cultivate curiosity

and…….create a collaborative, energy-

charged environment in which risk-taking, failure, experimentation and inquiry all exist.

inspire creativity and innovation.maintain high

(outrageously)expectations.model and support compassion.

“Employers are complaining that academic programs from schools to universities simply don’t teach what

people need to know and be able to do. They want people who can think

intuitively, who are imaginative and innovative, who can communicate well,

work in teams and are flexible, adaptable and self confident.”

- Sir Ken Robinson

An Effective Learning/Thinking Environment

1. Mutual respect2. Clear, student-generated behavior

expectations3. Logical, consistent consequences4. Noisy much of the time5. Fun and Humor

ReadingLots of it!

support areas of interestGreater emphasis on non-fictionInteraction with textNot letting go of good literatureDepth and Complexity and Content

Imperatives are emphasizedReading Log

“For all our talk about the importance of higher-order thinking, we continue to overlook the fact that writing, linked to close reading, is the workshop of thought-with an almost miraculous effect on students’ critical thinking.”

-Mike Schmoker

WritingAcross the curriculumGoals

Clear, fluent communicationWriting what we really mean to say

Think BookProcess pieces

Emphasis on argument, informative/explanatory, narrative

Literature CirclesWriting practiceResponse and creative writing

Rubric scored

Speaking

Happy it is backEssential skill in the 21st century

Support at home Eye contact, clear voice, complete sentences Carries over into writing

In classFrequent presentations

Formal and informal One minute speeches

MathematicsSpringBoard 7th Grade CCSS, UCI Math

ProjectHands-on activitiesTeaching for understandingLooking for the WhyCommunicating thinking

Standards for Mathematical PracticeMake sense of problems and persevere in solving them.Reason abstractly and quantitatively.Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of

others.Model with mathematics.Use appropriate tools strategically.Attend to precision.Look for and make use of structure.Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Possible Progression6th Grade7th Grade8th Grade9th Grade10th Grade11th Grade12th Grade

7th Grade CCSS8th Grade CCSSAlgebra IHonors GeometryHonors Algebra IIHonors Pre-CalculusAP Calculus (Ab or

BC)

Acceleration in Middle SchoolCommon Core Standards for Gr. 6-8 are

comprehensive, rigorous, and non-redundant. Acceleration will require compaction and not the former strategy of deletion.

The previous models for acceleration will no longer be viable, so that critical concepts are not omitted and that the continuity of the mathematics learning progression is not disrupted.

Social StudiesLearning Teams – student driven learningLong ago and far away……

Chronological rather than isolated civilizationsAncient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, China, India,

Greece, RomeConnections, critical thinking

Text, other print resources, pictures, videosInformational readingResearch

Connect to 2014-15 current eventsNewspaper, CNN for Students

ScienceSupport of Mrs. Le Blanc’s instructionText, pictures, videoInformational reading

Note taking skills (preparing for middle school and beyond)

Science Fair or Rube Goldberg Project required

Online assessments with written component

P.E./HealthIntegrated with 6th grade – social skillsFlexibility, strength, endurance, coordinationExposure to sportsProper attire

SneakersLight colored shirtGirls- no skirts

Deodorant

HomeworkExpect some struggle. It is what we want them to

do.

Should not exceed 1 ½ hours a night including 30 minutes of reading

Meant to be a meaningful extension of the school day

Math is practice and thinking- quality over quantityStudents need a quiet place to study

Research tells us that students should change study environments when possible

What work is sent home?

Parents’ RolesValue effort (Growth Mindset)Model thinkingProofread written work but please do not

reviseSign homework if student is struggling too muchHugs and healthy treatsMonitor!

Late Assignments

Incomplete math homeworkHomework Club during lunch5 late assignments in one subject, in one

trimester, will mean a lower report card grade

A new trimester is a clean slate

APAAS EnrichmentDepth and complexity across the curriculumOpen ended questions (uncomfortable

ambiguity)Literature Circles/ Novel StudiesResearch (…and lots of it!)Math and ArtService Learning- student driven

Addresses 21st century goals, authentic experience

The discussions we have every day all day

The Adolescent ChildDesires greater independence- Don’t take it

personally.The push/pull beginsBegin to seek own identity – goodbye baby selfLook to peers for approvalStay positive or children can begin to seek negative

attentionRecommended reading: Get Out of My Life! (But first can you take me and

Cheryl to the mall?) by Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.DMindset by Carol DweckA Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink

Keys to Success

Participation – question, comment or answer

Willingness to make mistakesOrganizationStudy skills – build self-disciplineCareful parent involvement

6th Grade is Special!Leadership opportunitiesService Learning through Team KidsGrecian FestivalCIMI- March

FundraisingPayment schedule

Back Bay Bike Ride- MayCrystal Cove Beach Party

Class Website

Textbook accessGeneral informationSpecial Events

CanvasStudent’s regular User and PasswordDaily homeworkOnline assignments CalendarAccess documents

also Google Docs (Drive)

Links to educational sitesHomework Help (from peers and from Mrs.G)

BYODD (Bring Your Own Device Days)Benefits

Access Edmodo in class which allows multimedia assignments and saves paper

ResearchResponsibilitySecurity

School wide topicsPTA

Become a part of the Eastshore familyPTA is one of our greatest assets!

Volunteer ScreeningDress code

Thank you for sharing your children with me!