The leaves are beginning to turn, the weather has cooled, and it is getting darker, sooner- that could only mean one thing! We are ready for another fantastic week of school! Here are some highlights for this week:
-Your student has been doing excellent for guest teachers in our building and we were able to earn ALL OF OUR LEADERSHIP LETTERS! That means PARTY TIME soon!
-I sent home school pictures on Friday. Retakes will be in a few weeks- look for an email from the office.
-I sent home school pictures on Friday. Retakes will be in a few weeks- look for an email from the office.
-Students took a quiz in Science last week and can tell you their scores.
-Tuesday is the final test for Shades of Gray- your student was assigned the end of the book over the weekend.
-Thursday is the Chapter 1 Social Studies test over the geography of the United States. Students will also bring home their clay maps this week.
- A few reminders: Check our classroom blog (CLICK HERE) to see projects we have been working on (including our Words of Stone Padlets) and our daily schedule. We will begin our student blogs this week- if you'd like to be a part of this process, I'll send you a username and password to use with KidBlog.org (this is the blog system we use). We'd LOVE to have you read and comment on our work!
Here's This Week in Switzer:
Literature- Our final Literature Circle discussion is on Monday, and we'll review for the final test. I am really impressed with our group talks and the leadership roles students have taken during the literature circle process. PLEASE ask your student about Will (or Will-yum) Page and why the book is titled Shades of Gray (hint: it's NOT just because the Confederate Army wore gray uniforms).
DEAR- We are working on Summarizing for a few students, and then moving into defining Genre. I still want you to encourage your student to read 20+ minutes per night! Reading IS thinking- if you don't read, you're asking someone else to do your thinking for you...
WIN- We have a skill test (CFA in teacher/ student lingo) every Tuesday. We'll also take the benchmark test next week to see what skills have been retained since the beginning of school.
Math- We began Topic 4 last week over equations and solving for variables. There are some great resources on the web to provide support for your student in these areas, including IXL.com (CLICK HERE)and Khan Academy (CLICK HERE) The Khan Academy is a sign up service, so read the EULA carefully before deciding to enroll. Signing up is NOT required for any student in Cedar Falls; I am merely relaying a quality resource if your student is struggling.
Social Studies- Study, study, study for the Chapter 1 test on Thursday!
Science- Students are working with force, velocity, position, and other pre-physics comcepts.
Writing- We wrote a pre-assessment for narratives last week, and began looking at the blogging process. We'll continue the conversation this week by working on commenting and evaluating blogs from around the world. Finally, we'll get signed up for our Kidblog accounts! VERY exciting and powerful learning here.
I just want to take a second to let you know that I am having a fantastic time hanging out with your student in class. Thanks for sending your best to me EVERY DAY!
Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary
