Last week, students were introduced to MLA format. Their reactions were unexpected! Some were happy to see an organized format for their narratives, while others felt like their creativity was just ripped away. Either way, I broke the bad news to them that they must use MLA format moving forward (for the rest of their academic lives). It was quite a (growing) moment for them! After formatting their personal narratives, they submitted them. They have shared quite beautiful glimpses into each of their lives in the stories.
This week, we will move into an cross-curricular unit for the month of December. The overarching task will be to: "Reflect on a holiday tradition you would like to create or adapt for your family. Describe what it would involve and why it would be meaningful." In order to do so, we will analyze argumentative writing mentor texts in Reading class. In Religion class, we will look at holiday traditions of the Catholic church. Then, in Writing class, we will develop interview questions that students will bring home as the first step of the research process. As the month progresses, students will conduct more research with a goal of drafting a thesis statement and an essay outline. This unit will set them up for writing the Science Fair Research paper in January/February. Besides the interview, this cross-curricular work will be completed in all three classes during the course of the school day.
At home, students should be focused upon their first Independent Reading project. This project is asking students to read holiday-focused children's books, but analyze and connect them in ways that will highlight their higher level reading and critical thinking skills. I'm excited to hear about their progress and see their final videos!
Upcoming Assessments
Test - Wordly Wise Lesson 3
Wednesday, December 4th
Test - Grammar
Thursday, December 12th
- Project - December Independent Reading (click here to view it)
- Monday, December 16th
Homework
Monday Night
1. Review: Lesson 3 Words in Context Worksheet
2. December Independent Reading Project
Tuesday Night
1. Lesson 3 Vocabulary Review Worksheet (test on Wednesday)
2. Interview a family member (Jones only)
- Due Friday, December 6th
3. December Independent Reading Project
Wednesday Night
1. Interview a family member (both homerooms)
- Due Friday, December 6th
2. IXL EE.2
3. December Independent Reading Project
Thursday Night
1. Interview a family member (both homerooms)
- Due Friday, December 6th
2. IXL EE.4
3. December Independent Reading Project
4. Finish Today's AOW #4
Last week, we learned about St. Martin de Porres, St. Cecilia, Mother Cabrini, and St. Charles Borromeo as part of our monthly Saint study.
This week, students will submit their Jesse Tree Project on Wednesday, December 4th. For your ease, here is a link to the project explanation. It is also posted on Google Classroom. PLEASE visit our classroom in December so you can see the ornaments! Students are preparing for the school's monthly mass on Friday, December 6th at 9 am. Please join us in prayer as we begin this Advent season.
On Monday, we will review the purpose of Advent, as well as create our own class Advent Wreath. Later in the week, students will share their Jesse Tree ornament stories, and they will begin researching holiday traditions as part of the cross-curricular project for December.
Homework
Monday Night
1. Jesse Tree Project
Tuesday Night
1. Jesse Tree Project
Upcoming Assessments
- Jesse Tree Project
- due Wednesday, December 4th (all components due!)
Honors Math - We have been solving equations. We began with one step problems and will then look at two step equations. Then, we will learn how to write, graph and solve inequalities.
At Level Math - We have found the percent of a number using fraction equivalents for a percent, decimal values and tape diagrams to model the problem. Each method provides the student the chance to opt for what makes sense in a given situation. Next we will learn how to solve percent applications, like sales tax and discount.
Next week, we will continue to learn about Ancient Rome and the fall of Rome.
As we wrap up the Earth in Space section of sixth grade science, students learned about the moon phases, eclipses and tides. December will focus on space travel- current and past missions. This includes a mini unit on how rockets work, including Newton’s third law.
Looking ahead to the science fair, students completed a mini science fair project in class called “Straw Rockets.” This was a major grade and allowed them to practice going through each step of the science fair with a partner, and myself for help. After Christmas they will start the 3 month process of creating their own science fair projects. If you haven’t discussed this with your child, please do!