It was a short but productive week in sixth grade! In writing, we reviewed the importance of transitional language in nonfiction texts. Students applied these specific transitions to their picture books. They also thought about appropriate text features and worked to include them in a rough draft. Next, sixth grade readers thought critically about nonfiction texts in new ways such as examining how details fit together and how central ideas are developed. Students also had the opportunity to practice their listening comprehension skills. In addition, sixth grade mathematicians applied their knowledge of multiplying/dividing decimals to solving problems involving area and volume.
Math: In math, sixth graders continued their work with fractions this week. First, they started by solving real world problems involving multiplying and dividing fractions. From there, students reviewed the standard algorithm for fraction division (keep-switch-flip) with more complicated numbers. Next, the class compared/contrasted objects with fractional lengths. Finally, sixth graders used their knowledge to find the area of rectangles with fractional side lengths.
Writing: In writing, students completed their ancient Greece or Rome research. From there, they examined a sample table of contents and thought critically about how to organize their own writing in a powerful way. We discussed the importance of including various text structures in order to help teach readers effectively. To end the week, students started the exciting work of creating a picture book to share knowledge of their topic. Reading: This week, students worked with an article on Achieve3000 about three African American leaders who changed the world (Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass). Next the class continued to read and summarize nonfiction texts. We discussed the importance of finding the main idea and keeping that a focus of a summary. Also, how to determine the most relevant details and tying it all together with transition words. Students were able to practice this skill both in small groups and independently with their Achieve3000 articles. Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists learned about weather from meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan and Snow Monster. They asked thoughtful questions and were treated to a tour of the awesome jeep. In social studies, students continued to learn about a country from the Caribbean or Central America and create a Google presentation to share with the class. Math: In math, sixth graders continued their work with fractions this week. First, they used diagrams to answer “What fraction of a group?” questions. From there, students thought critically about finding how much in a group. They solved problems involving batches of cupcakes and matched tape diagrams to corresponding scenarios. Finally, sixth graders used their problem solving skills to reason about real world situations and created their own division scenarios.
Writing: In writing, students continued to research their Ancient Greece or Rome topics. They used the questions they generated to focus their efforts. From there, sixth graders examined sample table of contents and used them to organize their notes into specific chapters with subtopics. Reading: This week, students worked with an article on Achieve3000 about the Pokemon Go craze of summer, 2016. We focused on learning new vocabulary words and their possible relevance to the article. Next, the class continued to read nonfiction texts and examine their structures. Students read two texts on the same topic. They compared/contrasted the author’s use of different text structures to get their point across. To end the week, the class began a study of nonfiction summarizing. We focused on using the main idea as the central point of the summary and keeping it free of personal opinions Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists completed their review of the types of heat transfer and visual aids with definitions and drawings. They thought critically about the impact of weather and climate in the United States. Specifically, what role they play in the school calendars of students in Connecticut versus Florida. In social studies, students continued to learn about a country from the Caribbean or Central America and create a Google presentation to share with the class. Math: In math, sixth graders continued their work with fractions this week. First, they used pattern blocks to reason about fractions and create multiplication/division equations to represent “how many groups?” questions. Next, students used tape diagrams to show equal sized groups and find the number of groups. They also learned the standard algorithm for fraction division (keep, switch, flip). Finally, sixth graders ended the week by examining "what fraction of a group?" questions and reasoning about when a fraction division problem will result in a quotient of less than one.
Writing: In writing, students continued to research their Ancient Greece or Rome topics. They used the specific questions they generated to focus their efforts. As a class, we again practiced reading nonfiction texts critically to find detailed information. We also looked at ways to organize information into chapters with various subheadings. Reading: This week, students worked with an article on Achieve3000 about school a cold snap in the U.S. that took place in February, 2014. It led to a thoughtful discussion about the science behind changing weather patterns. Next, the class continued to read nonfiction texts and examine their structures. Specifically, students worked to identify the various types of structures and explain the author’s purpose for using it. Finally, sixth graders read two texts written on the same topic. They compared/contrasted the author’s use of different text structures to get their point across. Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists spent time reviewing the types of heat transfer and the connection this has to weather on Earth. They created their own visual aids with definitions and drawings. In social studies, students continued to learn about a country from the Caribbean or Central America and create Google presentations to share with the class. |
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June 2018
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