Mrs. Knoedler’s 6^th Grade Classroom Newsletter

April 17, 2015

Dear Families,

I hope you all have a restful break next week.  This will be a short newsletter. Students have been working diligently on writing opinion pieces, learning about the Middle Ages, and reviewing math skills. 

The one big assignment on the horizon is the Castle Project due Friday May 22.  Also, please remember that on the Tuesday after we return, April 28, we will begin the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) testing.  Please try to make sure your child has a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast.  The testing days for the 6^th grade are:  April 28, 29, 30, (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and May 5, 6 (Tuesday and Wednesday).  If possible, try to schedule medical appointments around these dates.   It is important for students to be in school on those dates. 

See you in a week!  Ellen

April 10, 2015 Newsletter

Friday April 10, 2015

Dear Families,

Thank you for the wonderful parent teacher conferences.  The next few months of school will be passing by very quickly for your 6th grader.  

The date for graduation will be set soon.  As soon as I find out the date, I will let you know.  There will also be information coming out soon about how parents can help with the graduation planning.   

Social Studies:  We are in the midst of the Middle Ages.  We are learning about the daily life of the people, their social structure, as well as, the importance of religion in every aspect of life.  Reading this information text involves specific topic vocabulary.  Some of these words are new to students, but understanding the definitions and how some of these words have morphed into words we use today is very interesting.  Our read aloud, Catherine, Called Birdy and written by Karen Cushman, is the diary of a young girl in the Middle Ages with all her observations of daily life.  It is at times comical and irreverent.  Students also watched an excellent video on castles.  There were many examples of castle defenses mentioned that could be incorporated into the castle project that is due May 22nd.   Students generated a list of defenses and that list is hanging up in the classroom.  

Literacy:  Students are reading Crispin: the Cross of Lead, written by Avi.  In keeping with the Middle Ages theme, this book is “an action-packed historical narrative that follows the frantic flight of a 13-year-old peasant boy across 14th-century England.”  It is full of twists and turns and mystery.  The vocabulary in this book is very specific to the Middle Ages.  Some homework includes having students define words, as this will increase their understanding of the text.  

Writing:  Students have started writing an opinion/argument piece.  We discussed ways to begin an introduction in this writing genre.  We also talked about how arguments have to be based on more than gut reactions.   They have to be backed up with evidence.  Students will be researching their argument to find facts to support their opinion and to refute counterclaims. Students were also given a basic outline to use to begin their writing.  After that, adding elaboration and details will bring their writing to life.  I look forward to reading these opinion pieces!  

Math:  In math we are reviewing what we have learned from the beginning of the year, from adding to subtraction to multiplication to division to fractions to percents to decimals and everything in between.  We will continue measuring angles and negative and positive numbers next week.  

Next week the weather is slated to be in the 60’s.  This means that the playground will continue to be wet and muddy.  Thanks for having your child have two pair of shoes at school.  It helps to keep the school and the classroom clean and sparkling.  

Next week is School Spirit Week!

  Monday- Camo and Glitter/Bling Day
  Tuesday- Crazy Hat/Hair Day
  Wednesday – Favorite Book, TV or Movie Character Day
  Thursday- Dress-Up Fancy Day
  Friday- Comfy, Cozy Day

Have a great weekend!   Ellen