Ask your 6th grader about ...

Taj Mahal  - Agra, India

• Grandparents Day
• Absolute Value
• The Scientific Method
• LA Interactive Notebooks
• Dogo News
• Azeez Narain & Indian Culture
• Peacemakers & the 5 A's

Upcoming Quizzes with Mrs. Schulze

Vocabulary, Unit 2 - Tuesday
Spelling, Unit 2 - Tuesday
History, Chapter 1 - Wednesday (A study guide will be handed out on Monday)

Reminder!

Vocab Unit 2 is due tomorrow!

Science Homework - Due Monday Sept 21

The Scientific Method

Do you know the steps? What is a hypothesis? What is a conclusion?

If you watch Study Jams, and Tim and Moby, they will help you understand. Fill out the shared Google doc that you received in an e-mail. This will help me know that you know what the Scientific Method is all about.

Go to www.watchknowlearn.org  and search for the Scientific Method - or check your e-mail; I have sent you the links to the videos.

Have fun.

DOGO News

In World History today, the 6th grade was introduced to a current events site called DOGO News. We will occasionally get on this website, read some articles, watch some videos, and answer critical thinking questions about what we are reading.
The kids were really excited about this today! Have them give you a tour of DOGO News!

Vocab Retake - Unit 1

Getting used to a new format can be tricky. Our vocabulary tests this year are completed online using a platform called Google Forms. Each question is multiple choice and might offer a definition, synonym, antonym, or fill-in-the-blank question for which the students must choose the best word from the list given.
Since this is a new format for them and their first time taking a vocabulary quiz like this, I am offering them the ability to retake the quiz if they would like. If your child would like to take advantage of this, they must schedule a time with me, and it needs to be completed by Tuesday of next week (September 22).
While retakes will not always be an option (it's much easier to work hard the first time!), grace abounds this first trimester of middle school. There is a lot for 6th graders to get used to in this new environment.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Subject Update - World History

Thank you for your cooperation in getting those textbooks covered - they look great!

Our first history test is coming up on Friday. We have been working on learning how to study for and take tests. Today they received a study guide for the upcoming test that they worked on completing. Some finished while others did not. There will be no more class time devoted to the study guide, so check in with your child this evening to see if they completed it or not.

Every single student assured me that they would study both this evening and tomorrow evening for this test (hence it's on Friday rather than tomorrow). I'm excited to hear how dedicated they are to studying!

Subject Update: Math - 9/15

We have worked our way to our review and test for Chapter 1 this week.  Our test will be on Thursday, September 17th.  Today, the 6th graders were assigned a review assignment in their book (p. 40 1-35).  This is a long assignment, but it is not due until Thursday.  Tomorrow, we will be spending all of class using this assignment to review for our test.

Scholastic Book Orders Due Tuesday September 8

Encouraging reading is one of the most important things we can do to help your child succeed. It can be tough finding the right books to keep them interested, which is why I am so excited that our class will be participating in Scholastic Reading Club this school year.

With Scholastic Reading Club: 
- Every book you buy earns FREE Books for our classroom library 
- You can choose from handpicked, grade- and reading-level-specific books for your child
- You'll find the best values on a variety of formats

Each month, your child will bring home Reading Club flyers. Together you can choose from books hand-selected by teachers and experts, and then order online or send your order form and payment to me. 

If This Is Your First Time Ordering Online:
- VISIT scholastic.com/readingclub
- ENTER the one-time Class Activation Code: NBCR9
- SHOP from a carefully curated selection of the best books and value packs
- SUBMIT your order and earn FREE Books for our classroom

Vocabulary Has Begun!!!

The much anticipated (and often feared) Vocabulary Workshop began today for 6th graders. This book can be daunting, but never fear - it gets easier with time! 6th grade has two vocab classes each week during which they will work with their teacher (Mrs. Schulze on Tuesdays and Mr. Plucknett on Wednesdays) to guide them through the book and help them learn how to do the activities and become comfortable with the book. The book focuses on 20 words every two weeks. Our goal is three-fold:

1. To know how to spell the words
2. To know what the words mean
3. To know how to use the words

The activities in the book are designed to help each student accomplish all three goals with each of the 20 words. Look through their book with them this week to see what the different activities are. The activities are the same for each chapter, with only the word list changing.

The rule of thumb I shared with the 6th graders is if you complete one activity each day, it shouldn't be too overwhelming to complete the chapter.

Here's the general schedule for vocabulary:

• Week One: Work on a unit
• Tuesday Night: Choosing the Right Word
• Wednesday Night: Synonyms
• Thursday Night: Antonyms
• Weekend: Completing the Sentence
• Monday Night: Vocabulary in Context
• Week Two: Review the unit for spelling and vocabulary quizzes

Unit 1 was assigned today. It is due next Tuesday, September 8. The quizzes for Unit 1 will be on September 15. Unit 2 will be assigned that day after we've completed the quizzes.

Units will nearly always be due on Tuesdays, and quizzes will nearly always be the following Tuesday (unless the school schedule prevents it).

Students can access vocabularyworkshop.com for learning activities and games related to the words.