March Newsletter & More

The newsletter is available online.

For the latest in 6th grade project and assignment news, please see the Projects tab.  For 7th Grade information, please see the 7th Grade Accelerated tab. Each tab contains valuable information about current projects and other tasks.

6th Grade Project & Reading Assignment

The reading assignment was due today (Friday, January 27), but I know that some students are still working to complete it.

Project 4 is a work in progress -- we will work together in class, and students can work at home. The final essay is due through Google Documents on Friday, February 17.

January Newsletter

Click here to find updates about our classroom needs, current projects & Accelerated Reader.

Fundraising Update

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the fundraiser has been cancelled.  We are still about $240 away from earning the document camera - if you can help in any way, please let me know!

I have enjoyed watching my students begin to recognize the need for the document camera. As we used our older, clunkier overhead projector this week, several students stated, "You really DO need a document camera!" The students will notice a real difference when we have this updated technology to use in the classroom.

November Newsletter

The newsletter went home with students, but you may also read the electronic version.

Fundraising

I am currently fundraising for a classroom item I find myself needing just about every day...a document camera.  This camera would allow me to project both instructional materials AND student work to entire classes of students. Students would be better able to share their work with their peers, get feedback and collaborate using this item.  If you would like to donate, or if you have ideas for how to fundraise, please get involved.  Many parents have already donated — and I truly appreciate it! Every little bit helps! 

To donate, visit Donor’s Choose. 

Reading Assignment 1

I have had some questions about how to complete Reading Assignment 1 (Due Friday, September 16).  The students should be familiar with the format, as we have completed similar charts for other stories we have read together in class.

Still, here are some steps to follow, if you are helping your student to complete this assignment:

1) Cross out "complication" on the list of items to be explained, because we have not covered this adequately in class.
2) Explain how the setting is important (or not) to the plot.
3) Fill in the other blanks as they relate to the book the student has completed (a book of the student's choosing):
* conflict (the problems/challenges the main character faces)
* climax (the most exciting part of the story - - usually having to do with the conflict)
* resolution (when the conflict is resolved/problem is solved).
4) Plot those items on the plot chart (the piece that looks like a graph).
5) Answer two questions about the characters in the story – who are the main characters andwhat words could be used to describe them?

I'm looking forward to reading what the students have to share about the books they have read!