Math: In math, sixth graders began their unit on dividing fractions this week. They started with a series of lessons to review the concept of making sense of division. First, students explored how the size of a divisor affects the quotient. From there, the class used specific vocabulary to draw tape diagrams and explain division problems. To end the week, we thought critically about the connections between multiplication and division.
Writing: In writing, students continued to research their Ancient Greece or Rome topics. Efforts were focused on the specific questions generated last week. As a class, we reviewed how to read nonfiction texts critically to find information. Another focus was on paraphrasing information so as to avoid copying directly from a source.
Reading: This week, students worked with an article on Achieve3000 about school on snow days. It led to a spirited debate about whether students would want to do school work on the day off or make it up in June. Next, we worked on listening comprehension skills by listening to an audio recording of a passage. Students practiced taking notes on what they heard and answering specific questions without having a written version of the text in front of them. To end the week, sixth graders thought critically about nonfiction text structures. They identified key words and phrases used in each one. Students also read passages carefully to determine the text structure.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists had a wonderful visit with Miss Carrie from White Memorial. She taught them about the geology of northwest Connecticut through topics ranging from pangea to glaciers. Students were also able to see and touch area common rocks and minerals. In social studies, we began a study of the Caribbean/Central America. Students were assigned a partner and each group is responsible for learning about one country and sharing their information with the class through a Google slides presentation.
Writing: In writing, students continued to research their Ancient Greece or Rome topics. Efforts were focused on the specific questions generated last week. As a class, we reviewed how to read nonfiction texts critically to find information. Another focus was on paraphrasing information so as to avoid copying directly from a source.
Reading: This week, students worked with an article on Achieve3000 about school on snow days. It led to a spirited debate about whether students would want to do school work on the day off or make it up in June. Next, we worked on listening comprehension skills by listening to an audio recording of a passage. Students practiced taking notes on what they heard and answering specific questions without having a written version of the text in front of them. To end the week, sixth graders thought critically about nonfiction text structures. They identified key words and phrases used in each one. Students also read passages carefully to determine the text structure.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists had a wonderful visit with Miss Carrie from White Memorial. She taught them about the geology of northwest Connecticut through topics ranging from pangea to glaciers. Students were also able to see and touch area common rocks and minerals. In social studies, we began a study of the Caribbean/Central America. Students were assigned a partner and each group is responsible for learning about one country and sharing their information with the class through a Google slides presentation.