TWIS 5/19-5/23

Parents,

  Our time is running short, and as I reflect on the school year I feel very blessed to have had your student in my class.  It has been my great pleasure to get to know them, challenge them, and watch them go.  Thanks for sending them to me everyday.

  This week is a big one; we will be heading to Hartman Reserve (finally!) on Thursday, and our field day is Friday afternoon.  Again, let me know if you are planning to go to Hartman with us.  Feel free to meet us here at school and follow the bus to the reserve (we leave around 9:15 am). Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature: We are trying to finish a novel this week- it has been a great deal of reading at a high pace, but I am certain that we can finish our books!  I challenged the students to choose a character and make a "Fakebook" page for that character- a fake Facebook page that shows how the character develops and interacts with other characters throughout the story.  These are usually VERY fun, but require LOTS of thinking.  Your student should be reading their novel every night.

WIN: Switzer's WIN class is continuing to work on designing a solution to the student population increase at Lincoln using iPad CAD software.  I don't know how far we'll get, but I am excited to see lots of futuristic classrooms, buildings, and furniture.  How cool!

Math: This week, all 6th graders are taking the end of the year test which covers everything we covered this year.  It's a big test, but it is not used to determine grades or placement for next year.

Social Studies: Students are in the middle of Chapter 8!

Science: We are continuing to look at body systems and how they interact.

Writing: We are continuing to blog, and expand our writing in different ways!  Feel free to read our blogs and leave comments.

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 5/12-5/16

Parents,

  Another exciting week in 6th grade!  As we finish up our Exit Interviews this week, feel free to ask your student about their interview and what they have learned from the experience.  Your student will be able to take home their portfolio during the last week of school.  

  There are various band concerts in the morning this week, so check with your band student to see if they need to be at a different school in the morning.  Friday, we'll leave school around 9:15 am to head to Hartman Reserve.  I sent a letter home about this before the weekend.  It will be a great day!  Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature- I challenged your student to do something great for their community last week, and tomorrow they will present their "Genius Hour" ideas- some students are organizing 5K races, bake sales, and donations for a number of local agencies.  Thank you for your support in this- I am leaving all the planning up to your student and will check on their progress periodically.  It is so encouraging to see our young people so passionate about helping others!

On Tuesday, we'll begin a final novel project for the year.  Students will most likely have a reading assignment every night.

WIN- Mr. Switzer's Win class is designing a new school (or classroom, etc.) to help solve overcrowding using CAD software on the iPad.  The software is also available free online through Autodesk (the app is called 123D Design).  We'll export our designs into Augment (a free iPad app), which allows us to visualize the design to scale.  

Math- We are beginning the last two topics in the textbook, and will take the end of year test soon.

Social Studies- Students took a test last week over Chapter 7 and will begin the new chapter this week.

Science- There will be a quiz over the Skeletal System next week.  Feel free to allow your student to study and play games using the Science section of Lincoln6.com!

Writing- Along with finishing Exit Interviews, we are turning our attention to our blogs and extending our learning by connecting with other classrooms around the world.  We'll wrap up the year with the Great Blogging Challenge- stay tuned!

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 5/5-5/9

Parents,

   Welcome to Exit Interview Week!  Your student has been assigned an interviewer and will defend their data notebook/ portfolio learning sometime in the next two weeks.  At the end of the process, we'll celebrate by having a great day at Hartman Reserve.  Speaking of which,

-If you'd like to hang with us at the Reserve on Friday, May 16th, just let me know.  We'll find a spot for you!  Whether it's fishing, canoeing, hiking, orienteering, grilling, or providing popsicles at Pfieffer park, we can use you!

-Student portfolios will go home with your student to keep at the end of the year.  There are great artifacts in there to display at open houses in a few years!

A few reminders- Monday, 6th grade band members are travelling to give concerts to elementary schools and need to be at school early.

-The Variety show will be on the last day of school

Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature- We are going to take a week to work on Genius Hour- where students decide what they want to learn about and how they can present their learning- along the theme of: Community.  I'm excited to see what they'll create! Next week, we'll begin our final novels of the year.

DEAR- We are still working and testing over vocabulary.  Encourage your student to read at least 20 minutes every night.

WIN- I posed a problem to the WIN group- how can we design a new Lincoln school to accommodate our growing population?  We'll use the free iPad apps 123D Design by Autodesk to design the schools, and Augment by Augmentedev.com to take virtual tours of our designs.  This task will take the rest of the year to complete!  I am also bringing in Brad Leeper from Invision architects to talk about school design.

Math- We are beginning to look at volume and surface area, then will move into graphs and data analysis.

Social Studies- Chapter 7 test will be on Thursday of this week.

Science- The skeletal system is what the 6th grade is learning about this week!

Writing- Along with Exit Interviews and Data Notebooks/ Portfolios, we'll be revisiting our blogs and looking to expand our writing to classrooms around the world.

Family Living- We covered the growth of a person from infants to adulthood, and how and why puberty works.  This included talks about the Endocrine system.  We'll continue this conversation this week- be prepared for some heavy questions at home!

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

Science -Elizabeth-

          In Science, we learn about body systems. Currently, we are reviewing all the body systems. We are cutting and coloring, a paper skeleton and digetive system.

Writing -Sabrina-

In writing we are working on our portfolio for our exit interviews. For our exit interviews we have to go threw our portfolio that holds all our important grades, and read some reflection tags to an adult. A exit interviews is a interview that you have to pass to go on to seventh grade. If you don't pass the first time you will have to do it until you pass. 

Math -Sabrina-

In math today we are learning about solid figures. We have to find out the vertices, edges, faces, and bases. Every time we go to math we have to turn in our homework, and if we don't get 80% or higher we have to redo it and turn it in the next day. For some people its easy and for some its hard. We are also learning about  the perimeter and area of shapes.

Social Studies -Elizabeth-

            In Social Studies, we are working on chapter seven. Chapter seven is about World War 1, Wilsons Fourteen Points,Wilson's League Of Nations, and Womens Rights. We have a test coming up next Thursday, on chapter seven.

Spelling -Sabrina-

Every week on Wednesday we have to go to spelling and take a test. If we pass the test 90% or higher we don't have to do our eight points for next week. What we have to do for eight points is write a short story with all of our spelling words in the story or write each spelling word in pen three times, ect. If we dont get our eight points done on time them we have to come in for recess and do it then.

TWIS 4/28-5/2

Parents,

   First, I just want to thank you again for all your support- I love that you have a desire to volunteer and help us here at school.  I've heard from a few parents in this regard:

-Snack day May 1st with UNI students- thanks to these parents that have volunteered to bring juice and snacks for the morning of May 1- Wendy W for snacks, Vic and Mary O for juice boxes.  If anyone else would like to bring something, just let me know!

- Hartman Reserve Friday, May 16th- Jim S, Michele and Ed M, and J.D. C, for volunteering to help with the BBQ crew- I'll send more information shortly.  Again, you moms or dads that love grilling for about 90 people, please let me know if you would like to help!

Here's This Week in Switzer:

-Literature- We have two things wrapping up this week- the UNI PDS pre-service teachers will celebrate working with our students on Thursday by showing student made current issue videos and having a "Thank you!" party.  We also have our two Level 2 pre-service teachers from UNI, Miss Dudley and Miss Lyman, concluding their lesson over propaganda with an iPad gallery walk (we'll post those in the hallway- feel free to use your "smart' device to scan QR codes and listen to your student explain their poster!).

-DEAR- We have been focusing on vocabulary the past few weeks, and students are working incredibly hard to find and learn new words from their independent reading books.

-WIN- Switzer's WIN group did a presentation on an analysis of unit rates for chosen occupations against sports figures.  Beginning this week, we will work on solving a physical space issue here at Lincoln- our population keeps growing but our space remains constant.  We'll be using CAD programs, augmented reality, and iPads.

-Math- We are moving into Topic 17, covering geometry (one of my favorite subjects!).

-Social Studies- Students are working through Chapter 7

-Science-  We are wrapping up body systems and will begin our unit on the reproductive system.  Typically, we teach this at the end of each day, so expect your student to come home with some questions about the process.  Of course, we will use medical/ doctor terminology when discussing this.

-Writing- Exit Interviews begin on Friday, and will continue for the next week and a half.  You can support your student by:

-Making sure they have 6+ artifacts and reflection tags

-Practice asking them interview questions

-Helping them to find professional attire (I have plenty of ties I can loan to students for the day- FYI ;-)

This is our last major project of the year, brings the community in to interact with your incredible student, and serves as a celebration for all their hard work and perseverance this year.  Let's make it count!

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 4/14-4/17

Parents,

   We have an interesting week planned- remember, there is NO SCHOOL FRIDAY for teacher inservice.  I also have a couple of requests:

1) The UNI pre-service teachers want to have a celebration of their time with our students on May 1st from 9:30-10:30 am.  We'd like to request a few parents to volunteer to bring snacks, juice boxes, and healthy treats for our 24 students and 9-10 UNI teachers.  Let me know if you'd be interested!

2) On Friday, May 16th, the 6th grade will be taking a field trip to Hartman Reserve to learn about the reserve and to celebrate our 6th grade Exit Interviews.  I have two requests here- I would like a few parents come that are willing to spend the day with us and hang out with a small group of students as they participate in activities throughout the day- we have fishing, hiking, canoeing, and orienteering.

   Also, for the past few years we've had 4-5 parents (dads, mostly) volunteer to grill out hotdogs and hamburgers for the students, teachers, and parents at the reserve.  We'd love to have a few parents volunteer for this VERY big job as well- it is much appreciated!  Let me know if you'd like to help out.

Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature: We are reading non-fiction texts in our trophies books, and working with UNI pre-service teachers.  We took a CFA over Point of View last week, and will continue building on those skills.

DEAR: Students are building digital vocabulary walls using Quizlet or Padlet.  We'll continuing adding words and building schema, then test over the words.  A strong vocabulary base creates a better chance at comprehension and thinking.

WIN- Switzer's WIN students are presenting their findings of careers using concepts of unit rates.  I'll post a link to the presentations later this week.

D.I. Training- After lunch each day this week, I'll be working with the administration at CF to teach our students about our new Dangerous Intruder protocols.  An email was sent out to all parents in the past few weeks about this.

Math- Switzer math is moving very quickly through some tough algebra concepts- linear equations- and looking at how we can graph functions to give us solutions.  I know, I know, it sounds like I am writing French.  Go ahead and ask your student about it!

Social Studies- Students took a test last Friday over Chapter 6.  Look for those results this week.

Science- Students took a quiz over the respiratory system and will continue working through the body systems.

Writing- We are looking at logical fallacies this week- and how we CONSTANTLY commit those when we argue with our parents (funny thing is, many adults make the same fallacies!)  We are using this infographic (CLICK HERE) as a starting spot, and will analyze videos about Aristotle's ethos, pathos, and logos.  Along with all of that, we will continue preparing for the 6th grade exit interviews!  So exciting!

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 3/24-3/28

Parents,

   Welcome back to school!  I am excited to get going again- especially now that the snow is mostly gone and the sun is shining- it's going to be a great week!  So here's This Week in Switzer:

Tomorrow- All the 6th graders in the district are taking a field trip to Gallagher Bluedorn to watch the play, My Heart in a Suitcase.  We'll leave around noon and be back around 2 pm.

Literature- This week we'll cover point of view and how to figure out the point of view in a text.  We'll take a CFA over this skill at the end of the week.  Next week, we'll be taking the Iowa Assessments in the morning during this time.

DEAR- With the new trimester, comes a renewed look at our independent read time.  We'll set reading goals, check our reading levels, and continue challenging our thinking during this sacred time.

WIN- New WIN groups for Monday will continue to work on math concepts and extended our thinking skills.

Math- We are finishing up Topic 12, and will take the Benchmark 3 post-test.

Social Studies- Students are beginning Chapter 7 in the Social Studies book.

Science- Students are finishing up their packet on Astronomy before moving into the final unit of the year.

Writing- We need to wrap up our Doggy World articles, including getting YOUR HELP in editing and writing, then publishing those articles into a GIANT e-Book.  We've never attempted an e-book before, so there will be plenty of learning going on!  Students are also expected to work on their Graphic Novel they have been working on with UNI pre-service teachers.

    Finally, The Heine family welcomed baby boy Eli into their home on March 14th.  We wish them the best as Mrs. Heine remains home for the rest of the school year.  Mrs. Anderson will take over as a Guest Teacher for Mrs. Heine- please get a hold of me if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to Science or Math, and I can pass those along to Mrs. Anderson. 

   I will be out of town Thursday through Sunday this week, but will continue to check email.  Ms. Patterson will be my guest teacher Thursday and Friday.  Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 3/10-3/12

Parents,

  Welcome to Student-led conference week!  A reminder that conferences take place Monday and Tuesday evening, and Thursday afternoon.  Your student is expected to attend and lead their conference.  We have been working hard on our data notebooks/ portfolios, and are proud to defend our learning to you!

   It's a short week before an extended Spring Break, but I want to urge you to ask your student to finish the week well.  We have plenty to do still- with that said, here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature/ Reading- We finished the novels, Number the Stars and the UNI PDS pre-service teacher assigned novels.  It was a tremendous amount of work, and I am VERY proud of our devotion to the reading.  We had some great discussions about themes and characters in these books.  This week, we'll be finishing up our research writing, and maybe throw in a Genius Hour if we can find time.

DEAR- We are still working on our portfolios and helping other grade levels build data notebooks!  6th Grade is a pioneer in our school when it comes to student-led conferences, and other students are asking us to teach them how to do a student-led conference!  How fun is that?  AND it allows us to be proactive and synergize with other grade levels.  It's a WIN-WIN all around!

WIN- Our Math Bee teams competed last week at AEA267- while we didn't finish in the top 10, we had a blast and felt really good about the tests.  Plus, Mrs. Beving bought us lunch at Pizza Ranch afterwards!  Yay!

Math- We are finishing up Topic 12, and will look at taking the Benchmark 3 test after Spring Break.  We also finished creating ThingLinks over geometric terms- it was a big project, but I can see from the finished products that students have a great grasp on the terms.  Plus, I LOVED their "How to use a Protractor" videos.  Check them out! (CLICK HERE)

Social Studies- Students took a test over Chapter 5 last Friday and will review their tests this week.  Ask them how they did- many students indicated to me that the test was, "easy!"  That's thanks to your devotion in helping your student study.

Science- We are looking at the Solar System and how the Universe operates (in general terms).

Writing- Parents, your student really needs your help here- this week we are trying to tie up our loose ends in a Doggy World Article research project over a particular dog breed.  Your student may ask you to help proofread their writing- this is an excellent way to be a part of their learning!  They may also ask for someone else to help- we hate to turn away assistance!  Our goal is to finish up this week, but I am afraid that the final product may need to be pushed back until after Spring Break.  We'll keep trying though!  Make sure to check Lincoln6.com to find out all you can about the Doggy World Article (under the red "Writing/ Blog" button).

Thanks for sending your kids to me everyday!  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns-

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 2/17-2/21

Parents,

   Thanks for a great week last week- I know we're trying to provide a rich and diversified learning experience for your student, and thing like dance marathons and fundraisers help us to do that.  Of course, we have a ton of fun doing stuff like this, too!  Thank you!

   We need to dial it in this week because some important things need to happen before Student-Led Conferences next month.  Here's This Week in Switzer-

Literature- Well, I've thrown the gauntlet down by challenging your student to read a novel for their UNI PDS school teachers (on Tuesday and Thursdays), AND read a novel for my pre-service level 2 teachers from UNI (Number the Stars by Lois Lowry).  I am monitoring both novels to make sure we stay on track.  I've been VERY impressed by your student's dedication in this- let's continue to encourage them!

DEAR- We'll use this time to read and discuss Number the Stars, so we can avoid taking it home at night.

WIN- Switzer's WIN group is working toward our Math Bee competition the first week of March.  I'll most likely assign homework for this group to give them every opportunity to succeed at competition.

Math- We are cruising through Topic 11 covering Geometry and Polygons- easily one of my favorite topics in Math!

Social Studies-  Our students did GREAT overall on their Chapter 4 test- let's carry the momentum through Chapter 5!

Science- Students are wrapping up work on their rubber-band carts.

Writing- We will begin a Mini-Research Monday covering blogging goals and the Gold Star Teaching Award- students will have a week to complete the project.  Also, we begin our major research topic for informational writing- the final piece will have elements of non-fiction that we have been looking at in Literature, Writing, Science, and Social Studies.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again- I truly feel blessed that you send your student to me everyday.  Thank you!

TWIS 2/10-2/14

Parents-

   Welcome to Valentine's Week!  Lots of important things to note, including:

-Raffle Tickets were handed out Friday to go home.

-Our Valentine's Party will be Friday afternoon

-The Dance Marathon will take place Friday after a week of selling 1$ Valentine hearts with all proceeds going to the Iowa City Children's Hospital.  Thanks for considering this worthy cause!

A very busy week, no doubt, punctuated by some great learning opportunities!  Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature- UNI Lit circles are in full force (students have homework EVERY night with this), we are looking at the features of Non-fiction texts (like Headers, sub-headings, diagrams, DONUT Paragraphs, references, etc.), and our two Level II UNI pre-service teachers will introduce the novel, Number the Stars, at the end of the week.  

DEAR- With so much reading going on, I have been allowing students to take care of some of it during this time.  I keep encouraging them to read their independent reading books as well.

WIN- Now that we are back on a normal WIN schedule, I am in the process of assessing students interested in participating in this year's Math Bee at AEA 267 on March 6th.  More information is to come.

Math- Switzer math is moving from our Theoretical/ Experimental probability games right into Geometry- easily my favorite topic in Math!

Social Studies- 6th graders took a test last week over Chapter 4 in their books- and according to them, it was "EASY!"  That's a tribute to moms and dads that helped their students study this week for those very difficult tests.  Thank you!

Science- Creating Carts powered by rubber bands is the task... figuring out the best design is the conversation.  Go!

Writing- We co-wrote a couple of paragraphs on the History and Rules of a particular Winter Olympic Sport.  I've been duly impressed with writing- now we plan to format the text and add diagrams with labels.  Eventually, all this will come together in a major research project.

Thanks for sending us your student everyday!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

Mid Week Update

Parents,

   Here are some mid-week updates to be aware of:

-For Wacky Winterfest, 6th graders are asked to donate bags of Tootsie Rolls to raffle off.  As of today, I have one bag donated.  If this interests you, please purchase a bag and give to your student to bring to class.  Also, raffle tickets for the event will go home (to sell) on Friday, February 7th.

-Wacky Winterfest needs parent volunteers to work in rooms for one hour shifts beginning at 4 pm.  I cannot guarantee that you would be assigned to my room- but I do know that the PALS coordinators are going to make that effort.  See below for the open time slots.

-We are having a Dance Marathon on Friday, February 14th.  Students can purchase a paper heart for a dollar from the student council; all proceeds will be donated to the Iowa City Children's Hospital.  Students are encouraged to wear red that day.  Mr. Switzer's class will be dancing from 10:55-11:25.

-February 14th is our Valentine's day party- 6th grade will NOT be handing out Valentine's cards, but we will have an end of the day party.  These people have volunteered to bring supplies for the party:

Treats: Michele M.

Juice Boxes: Tracy M.

Paper Products: Sue M.

We have 24 students in our classroom.

Wacky Winterfest Volunteer Schedule (2+ volunteers per hour):

4-5 pm: Michele M., <VOLUNTEER NEEDED>

5-6 pm: Christopher K., Jonathan T.

6-7 pm: Vic and Mary O.

Have a great week!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 2/3-2/7

Parents,

   Welcome to February!  Here's to hoping the deep freeze of January is behind us as we look forward to spring.  Let me put some things on your radar:

- Holmes Junior High counselors are beginning to schedule 6th graders for next year, and will be visiting our classroom at the end of the week.  

- The Wacky Winterfest is coming up this month and we need 6th grade parents to donate packages of Tootsie Rolls to give away as prizes.  Money earned from the Wacky Winterfest goes to purchase books, iPads, apps, etc., for student use.

- I also need parent volunteers to manage the game in our classroom during the Wacky Winterfest.  Volunteers need only to sign up for a 1 hour rotation- see my previous email from Friday for more information.

- In the next 2-3 months, I'll be looking for community members that would be interested in interviewing 6th graders for our 6th Grade Portfolio Exit Interviews in May. I usually put the feelers out now, but do not schedule anything until April sometime.  Be on the lookout for people that you interact with that might be interested in doing something like this.

Finally, here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature- We are working hard here- reading and learning about Non-fiction text features, and reading through our UNI Literature circle books.  Your student has HOMEWORK every night reading for this- please encourage them to stay on top of it!

DEAR- We are logging and working through our independent reading books.  Students should read 15-20 minutes every night.

WIN- Mr. Switzer's WIN group is working through the CMA, a placement test for math next year in 7th grade.

Math- We are working on probability and odds, and creating games that explore different probabilities compared with "fairness."

Social Studies-  Students are reviewing chapter 4 in their book, and will have a test on Friday.

Science- Students will have journal work and reading to complete in science most days.

Writing- We are refining how we write informational paragraphs and turning them into great DONUT paragraphs.  Ask your student what this means!

Big things are happening in February!  Thanks for sending me your student everyday-

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 1/27-1/31

Parents,

  We seem to be under another freeze here in CF, so I want to send you some links of things your student can work on this week if we happen to cancel school (a possibility on Monday, for sure).  All of these items require a computer with internet access, and all can be done from home.  I do expect all of them to be completed by the end of the week.

1) Students need to watch the video and take the quiz HERE.  If a student misses a question, the quiz will ask them to try again until they get the right answer. CLICK HERE for quiz.  If you'd like to watch the video as well, it is called "Web Search Strategies" by CommonCraft.  Click here to view.

2) Students need to finish their MINI-RESEARCH MONDAY paragraphs on Google Drive.  They have accessed this document twice last week, and should be able to find it.

3) If their paragraph is complete (I've only had about 13 turned in so far from the ENTIRE 6th grade), they need to FILL OUT THIS SURVEY (CLICK HERE) about their research.  The survey lets me know, among other things, that students are ready for me to rubric their paragraphs.

Some students have finished their paragraphs, but should double check the document/ their email for their rubric score.  As always in writing, students should make corrections and fixes so I can adjust their rubric score- even if they think they are done, ask to read their paragraph and rubric!

4) Students need to make sure they are caught up in their reading for the UNI pre-service teachers on Tuesday!

Here's This Week in Switzer:

Guidance- We are wrapping our conversations with Alcohol and substance abuse.  The guidance team is also coming in Monday afternoon to talk about the Take Charge of Your Body curriculum (unless you've opted your student out of this in writing in accordance with the email Lincoln sent out a few weeks ago).

Literature- We have some make-up to do here, especially since we were unable to meet with our UNI pre-service teachers.  Students have a bunch of pages to read and be prepared to talk about on Tuesday.

DEAR- I sent home a Blackhawks Hockey reading record sheet in action planners on Friday- students should record the number of minutes they read each night (weekends included) for a chance to earn tickets to a Blackhawks hockey game.  The form can stay home until the end of the 5 weeks.

WIN- Eligible 6th graders will be taking the CMA for advanced math placement as 7th graders next year.  Students that are eligible were sent letters from Holmes Junior High last week- if you did not receive a letter, and you think this is in error, contact me immediately.  Only about a fourth of the 6th grade is eligible to take the 80+ question math test.

Math- We are cruising through integers and coordinate graphing, and have started looking at combinations and permutations.  Our goal is to figure out how lottery/ contests/ drawings/ giveaways calculate odds of winning, and to evaluate games of chance.

Social Studies- We are continuing through Chapter 4 dealing with the reconstruction of the United States post-Civil War.

Science- Ask your student about how they are building a "Humdinger."

Writing- As I noted above, we're working on research techniques, identifying reliable online information, and creating informative paragraphs (I call them DONUT paragraphs).  We've also moved up a level in blogging- we are commenting on classrooms around the district to help other students improve their thinking and writing! In the next two months, we'll begin expanding our classroom to schools around North America, and eventually the world!

Lots going on this week~  remember to stay warm and ask your student about what they are creating at school.  Even though 6th graders tend to act like they don't do much, they really care when you take a vested interest in their development.  Thanks for all your support!

One final note- soon, I'll begin looking for community volunteers to participate in our "6th Grade Exit Interviews" to take place in late April.  Keep your eyes peeled!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 1/21-1/24

Parents,

  I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and took some time to reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with your students- I love those teachable moments when kids ask, "Why didn't we have school today?" 

  Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature: UNI PDS pre-service teachers have assigned your student a novel to read- expect your student to have 15-20 minutes of reading work for this every night.  We are also working on Non-fiction summarizing and traits of non-fiction texts.

DEAR- Students are logging their DEAR books, checking their Lexile goals, and working on book projects.

WIN- Mr. Switzer's WIN group is working hard with geometry- a very difficult topic in Algebra.  Our CFA's this week deal with absolute value, and graphing on a number line.

D,D,D- We're reading the book, Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn.  It's spooky- and great at suspense!

Math- We are moving into the world of integers, negative numbers, integer operations, and graphing.  This is really fun stuff!

Social Studies- Our TIME magazine articles were due last week, and now we're working on Chapter 4 in our books.

Science- Students took a quiz last week over models and designs, and will start trying to figure out how certain models are built- and how to build a replica!  Ask them about the Flood Stopper and Humdinger this week.

Writing- We are starting to look at how to do research effectively on the internet and how to gauge information as accurate and reliable.  We'll continue writing about our research using great DONUT paragraphs- ask them what this means!

Have a great week and stay warm!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 1/13-11/17

Parents,

  The weather in Iowa is always an adventure, isn't it?  Looks like a full week of school this week, so let's get right to it!  Here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature- We're working on non-fiction texts still, and, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we'll have UNI pre-service teachers leading literature circles with Dr. Montgomery's PDS class.  The class meets in our building, then works with our 6th graders in the mornings.  This is a great, and powerful, learning experience for both our 6th graders and the pre-service teachers.  Expect reading homework every night for this.

DEAR- During DEAR we are still exploring our independent reading books, working on book projects, and meeting with Mr. Switzer on reading goals.  Please encourage your student to read 15-20 minutes every night.

WIN- Mr. Switzer's WIN group is practicing Geometry for the Math Bee in March.  

Math- We are about halfway through Topic 9, dealing with dividing fractions.  At first, I typed, "divining;" working with fractions certainly feels that way sometimes... continue asking your student about their math.  

Social Studies- The Time Magazine research project will be due soon- feel free to proofread what they are writing and add suggestions to make their writing better.  This is one of many small research projects your student will undertake this trimester.

Science- Students are working with models of systems and how models work.

Writing- Our focus this trimester is informative and non-fiction writing.  We will be doing plenty of research and collaborative writing using Google Docs.  This will culminate in a biographical research project in March.

Have a great week!  And congrats to our qualifiers for the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee- Kyandra G., Jackson K., and Cade M.  Good Luck!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary

TWIS 1/6-1/10

Parents,

  Stay warm!  This week will be a short week with the cancelation of school on Monday- and just a reminder, on days where we are delayed for school, please make sure your student does not arrive before 10:00am.  We cannot guarantee your student will be supervised if they are at school before the supervision begins!  This is a safety issue more than anything.  With that said, welcome back to school and here's This Week in Switzer:

Literature- We finished our narrative non-fiction novels before the break and most students have completed their literature circle tasks, including blog posts and creating an infographic.  I gave some students a little extra time to get those completed last week.  I am excited because our students want to read their 2nd choice of narrative non-fiction books!  We'll start those soon as well.

DEAR- Students are working on book projects and continuing to read their independent books.  Just  a reminder to encourage your student to read 15-20 minutes each night- and reading with them is a powerful way to help your student succeed in school.

WIN- Mr. Switzer's WIN group has a laser focus on getting ready for the Math Bee on March 6th- lots of practice and challenges until then!

Math- We've moved into Topic 9 still dealing with fractions and how to multiply and divide with fractions.  This is tough stuff and it is likely that your student has homework in Math everynight- continue to ask them about it.

Social Studies- Students are researching a Civil War topic and generating a Time Magazine article- complete with cover page!  They will transition to Chapter 4 soon.

Science- Students are moving into the Models and Design curriculum and learning how scientists create models to represent things they might not completely understand.  Make sure to ask about the "Black Box!"

Writing- Most students have completed a narrative and now we are looking at informative and explanatory writing- we are also looking at how to build informative paragraphs this week.  Soon, we'll be discussing how to identify reliable information; this is an important skill since we have so much information available to us on the web.

One last reminder to have your students get plenty of rest at night and to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning, especially after having an extended break from routine.  I witnessed many students who were not quite ready to be their best at school last week- and I want them to have the best opportunity to learn everyday. Thanks for all your support and make sure to stay warm!

--

Matthew Switzer
6th grade teacher
Lincoln Elementary