Math: Sixth graders started a new unit about ratios and rates this week. They began by investigating the concept of “how much for 1”. Students created equivalent ratios to solve real world problems involving different heights. From there, the class learned about various units of length, weight/mass and volume. They used a card sort activity to determine items that would match each measurement. Next, sixth graders enjoyed participating in hands on stations designed to show that when they know a measurement in one unit, they can decide whether it takes more or less of a different unit to measure the same quantity. To end the week, students explored the concept of converting measurements from one unit to another, using double number lines, tables, or by thinking about “how much for 1”.
Writing: In writing, students worked to wrap up the drafts of their fantasy stories. They created a list of all skills worked on over the course of the mini-unit. The class used this list to edit and revise both independently and with a peer. Next, we started our new unit on informational writing. Students brainstormed about what activism means and watched video clips about Malala Yousafzai. They practiced the skill of synthesizing information and responding in writing.
Reading: This week, students began by learning new vocabulary words connected to an article on Achieve3000 called “Lincoln in the News Again”. Due to a technical glitch, we were not able to read the article this week but look forward to learning more about the topic next week. From there, students started work with their new unit on nonfiction reading. First, they explored the different frames of mind needed to read nonfiction versus fiction texts. Students then used a mentor text, Lincoln: A Photobiography to explore text and craft features.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists explored the water cycle this week. We made a model as a class using a plastic shoe box and were excited to see many parts of the cycle come to life. In social studies, the class began to take a closer look at the history of Central America by participating in a jigsaw activity. Each small group read a section of a text and taught the class what they learned.
Writing: In writing, students worked to wrap up the drafts of their fantasy stories. They created a list of all skills worked on over the course of the mini-unit. The class used this list to edit and revise both independently and with a peer. Next, we started our new unit on informational writing. Students brainstormed about what activism means and watched video clips about Malala Yousafzai. They practiced the skill of synthesizing information and responding in writing.
Reading: This week, students began by learning new vocabulary words connected to an article on Achieve3000 called “Lincoln in the News Again”. Due to a technical glitch, we were not able to read the article this week but look forward to learning more about the topic next week. From there, students started work with their new unit on nonfiction reading. First, they explored the different frames of mind needed to read nonfiction versus fiction texts. Students then used a mentor text, Lincoln: A Photobiography to explore text and craft features.
Science/Social Studies: Sixth grade scientists explored the water cycle this week. We made a model as a class using a plastic shoe box and were excited to see many parts of the cycle come to life. In social studies, the class began to take a closer look at the history of Central America by participating in a jigsaw activity. Each small group read a section of a text and taught the class what they learned.