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