TWIS 11/25-11/27

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

  Here's what I am thankful for:

-Thanks for sending your student to me everyday.  I have so much fun with them both academically and as 11 and 12 year old kids.

-Thanks for being the kind of parents that challenge your student to be their best and to be a leader wherever they are.

-Thanks for your encouragement as we try new things in 6th grade and stretch our thinking beyond our walls.

-Thanks for your patience and support as Lincoln has numerous learning opportunities for students of all ages, from 5 to 25 (UNI pre-service teachers).

-Thanks for taking some time this week to be thankful.

Here's This Week in Switzer-

Literature- We're wrapping up our Narrative Elements mini-story and iMovie trailers.  I'll give you an opportunity to download these videos in the next week or so- they are GREAT for those slow days over winter break AND those Graduation Open Houses (years down the road).  Your student will have a test over Narrative Elements on Wednesday (make sure they know the elements and can explain them!).

DEAR- Most students have completed their 15 second book review of a free-read book of their choice.  They will need to document their understanding of three more books they have read over the course of this trimester.  If you are wondering if your student has posted their 15 second book review, please CLICK HERE and look for their video.

WIN- Mr. Switzer's WIN class is presenting on Math concepts they researched through the MATH section of Lincoln6.com.  I registered for the Math Bee this year- so be ready for some math competition coming in March!

Math- We are working through Topic 7 on adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators- your student should have homework EVERY NIGHT.

Social Studies- Students began work on Chapter 3 of the Social Studies book dealing with the start of the Civil War.  In Literature, many students will also be reading about President Lincoln and Civil Rights issues in American History.

Science- Students have a quiz over fluids and pressure on Tuesday; please reference the email from Mrs. Heine I sent earlier last week.  It has a study guide attached to it for you to use with your student at home.

Writing- Students are learning how to become much more descriptive writers by using the senses and similes to become much more expressive.  We'll continue to post to KidBlog- feel free to login and comment (sign your comments, please)!

Have a fantastic week, and PLEASE send your child to school with WARM CLOTHES- or let me know if there's a way I can help you in this.  Thanks!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

Brother Future

In Social Studies we are watching a movie called "brother future. Its about This Boy and he becomes a slave. He needs to find a way out. He helps one person that he became friends with and he teaches him how to read and write, because he wanted to write this girl that he likes a rap/poem,the person he was teaching to read and write stole their masters book. their master whacked him. Luckily he was still alive. a couple of his friends gave him this medicine that healed him.

TWIS 11/18-11/22

Parents,

  I just want to thank you again for allowing your student to come and participate in student-led conferences.  I can give you plenty of information about your student, but nothing as rich and honest as the information your student can give you about their learning.  Please continue the conversations at home that your student began with you during conferences.

   Speaking of conferences, I plan to send you a quick 4-5 question feedback form to gauge your thoughts on student-led conferences.  The 6th grade team at Lincoln will use this information to help the entire school decide the validity of having student-led conferences.

  Here's This Week in Switzer:

 

Literature- We have been working diligently on Narrative Elements and Theme, and began collaboratively writing the "bones" of a story.  Our ultimate goal is to demonstrate our understanding of Narrative elements by creating an iMovie trailer of our collaborative stories.  Look for these to be posted to my youtube channel in the next few weeks.  This will be a great video to show the relatives over the winter break ;-)

DEAR- Students finished a 15 second book review using Educreations over a book they read recently.  This Trimester, your student will be required to demonstrate understanding of 3 of their DEAR books in similar ways.  I'll post those projects to our classroom blog soon.

WIN- We worked on Tessellations last week just to take a break from the regular stuff and have fun with geometry.  We'll get back on track this week.

Math- Lots and lots of fraction work is coming in these next two topics- get ready!

Social Studies- Students will begin Chapter 3 over the logistics of the Civil War after they are done with the movie, "Brother Future."  Make sure to ask your student about this film!

Science- I am duly impressed by our students and their work with physics- motion, inertia, acceleration, and gravity are all difficult concepts.

Writing- Writing will get back on track this week by looking at how to make our writing much more descriptive with sensory words.  Every student is required to add a blog post at least once a week along with five or more 5 point comments.  I ALWAYS give students time to complete this on Fridays (we call them "Fix-it Fridays")

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 11/4-11/8

Parents,

  We have another full week until Student-led conferences!  Just a reminder to use this website (CLICK HERE) to register for a conference time.  Please use the password: lincoln2013.  

  Here's why the 6th grade is doing Student-led conferences:

1- As leaders, we feel it is important for your student to take ownership of their learning, and

2- the conference format allows an open dialogue between everyone involved in your student's experience.  Thanks for your support in this process. 

Another reminder- There will be a Social Studies Chapter 2 test this Friday.  Make sure your student reviews their book every night.  Here's This Week in Switzer-

Literature- We will begin looking at how stories are built using conflicts, resolutions, climaxes, and falling action.  We are also working with themes in literature.

DEAR- Students were challenged to create a book project where they did a book review over their free read books.  The review was recorded using the Educreation app, given a QR Code, and hung in the group room.  Now, any students can use iPads to watch video reviews of books your student had read.  A great way to generate excitement for reading!

WIN- Switzer's WIN class will be presenting on a web/ math technology that they have been working with.

Math- We are working our way into Topic 6 over fractions and ratios.

Social Studies- review this week for the Chapter 2 test on Friday.

Science- Students took a quiz last week over forces in motion, and will continue working with forces this week.

Writing- We are working on our data notebooks/ portfolios and getting ready for student-led conferences.  As always, students are expected to add one new blog post every week and make 5 comments on other blogs.  I am very proud of our efforts and thinking here!

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary