Sunday, January 25, 2015

Weekly Update Jan. 26-30

Announcements:


-Math Study Group: Please note the upcoming dates for the math study group: Jan. 29th, Feb. 12th, Feb. 19th. If there is any change in the schedule, I will let you know. As a reminder, if your student will be attending the study group, please write a note or email confirming this and informing me of where your student will be going at 4:30pm. Thanks so much!

-Report Cards will be sent home THIS Wednesday. If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your child's progress, please email me.





* Naydeli for your willingness and time given to help those around you!

* The whole class for trying your best the past two weeks on the STAR tests and F & P test!






What are we learning???

Math:
The students were tested on part B for Unit 4 at the end of last week. Unit 5 will begin on Tuesday after the pre-test on Monday. This unit will cover Geometry skills such as determining congruency, coordinate geometry, and construction of angles. This week, we will learn how to measure/draw angles and interpreting various angles. The test for Unit 5 is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19th and the Written Response will be Friday, Feb. 20th.

Science:

This week, we will be completing our mini-unit on inventions and inventive thinking. Students have been challenged to think independently, creatively, and productively. Through this unit, the students have decided to present their ideas by way of the popular ABC show Shark Tank. On Wednesday, the students will pitch their invention/innovation ideas to a panel of teachers and staff in hopes of receiving an "investment" to pursue their invention/innovation idea.

ELA:
Spelling - For the 3rd quarter, we will be taking a break from Words Their Way. In lieu of spelling groups, students will be creating their own spelling lists in class when they inquire of a word they don't know how to spell during writing time. They will practice these words with various in class activities.

Writing/Reading - We will begin a new structure this week during our ELA block. The first change will be the addition of Book Club groups. Mr. Burress and I will be forming these groups across the whole 6th grade. The students will be choosing their books next week and will meet with their Book Club group each Tuesday and Friday. This week, I will be introducing some expectations, skills, and activities they will be asked to complete with their groups.

Another change I will be implementing is a 3-part lesson each week focusing on a short story. Through each short story, students will be reinforced with skills required for Writer's Workshop, will gain valuable grammar skills, and will complete a weekly assignment in response to the short story. This 3-part lesson will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (opposite of Book Clubs) with the response assignment due each Friday.

We will be continuing our last section of essay writing with a thematic essay. This should be completed in the next couple of weeks.

As usual, students will have the much valued DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time along with a read aloud. We have begun A Wrinkle in Time and the students are thoroughly enjoying this timeless classic!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Ball

mball@gibraltar.k12.wi.us

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