A Special Man

Jackie Robinson once said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."  Today, we learned about this special man who was chosen by Branch Rickey for his great baseball talent, as well as his emotional stamina, to be the first African American in the Major Leagues.  We learned about his athletic ability, as well as his grace and dignity.  We spent a good portion of the Language Arts period building historical background and knowledge of the vocabulary.  Many students had interesting comments and observations.  Next week, we will spend some time on a little research activity related to the story.  Enjoy the clip!

In Social Studies, Miss Albitz quizzed students on their knowledge of the countries of North Africa.  One group, 310, continued their discussion of the various geographical aspects of Africa's regions. The students did well on their quiz!

Our class meeting went well today!  The students were introduced to The Richest Man in Town - Inspired by Marty by V.J. Smith.  The writer of the book visited our school district a few years ago, and all teachers received an autographed copy.  It is the story of a genuinely kind-hearted man and the lives he affected during the course of his life.  I don't want to give too much away, since we are not close to being finished, but it provides much food for thought in regards to how we should treat each other.  If your child is in this class, please ask him/her about Marty!

Homework:
Math - Practice sheet
Reading - Read chapters 3-4 and complete role for Thursday
Spelling - Study using Spelling City
Social Studies - Review your study guide
SHARE YOUR FRIDAY FOLDER!  PARENTS-YOUR CHILD RECEIVED A TEST PACKET AND THEIR 2011-2012 YEARBOOK TODAY.

Enjoying Time at McD's Cafe!

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A big thank you goes to all who took the time to stop by for Open House!  Mrs. Doman, Miss Albitz, and I enjoyed visiting with all of you, and the students loved sharing what they are anticipating in the year ahead.  A couple of the slides above were taken at Open House. 

Today, Language Arts classes enjoyed their first cafe of the year!  Our menu for the lesson began with a bit of soup.  Students worked together to pick the letters from their soup bowls to spell words from this week's spelling list, as they were called.  They were polite, even though they were picking through the soup with their fingers! No soup was spilled on the table!  Each group displayed great teamwork!

After I modeled my own roles, the Taste Testing on the menu, students began their discussions based on the roles they prepared for class.  I was so impressed by their table manners!  They kept "cafe level" voices, took turns speaking, and really had a lot to offer during their discussions.  Delicious drinks were enjoyed (thanks, Robbie). Some students asked when they could continue their reading!  This was music to my ears. The slides above give a glimpse of cafe.

In Social Studies, Miss Albitz continued her lessons about the geography of Africa.  The students should continue to review the notes she's providing with her lessons.

Homework:
Math - Estimation Action Sheet - #1-12
Reading - Read chapters 3-4 in The Mixed-up Files..., and complete your role for next Thursday.  Also, study your spelling.
Social Studies - Study!  Review notes and poke and peek map.  Quiz tomorrow.
Science - Planet Sheet
Wellness - Answers to questions due tomorrow.

Ready for Open House!

The students and I are very excited about Open House!  It begins at 6:00 p.m. this evening!  Sixth grade teachers will be presenting at 7:00p.m. to ease the schedule for parents with more than one child in the building.  For the first hour, you may tour the building and visit the bake sale!  There is much to see, and I'm looking forward to meeting you!  At 7:00, you will hear from Mrs. Doman, Miss Albitz, the students, and myself.  We will all take part in making you feel welcome!

Homework:
Reading - Read chapters 1and 2 in From the Mixed-up Files... and complete your role.
Spelling - Your trace + 2 is due tomorrow.
Social Studies - Study!  There will be a quiz on Friday.
Wellness - Answers to assigned questions are due on Friday.

Poke and Peek?

The students are learning the countries found in each region of Africa, among other things.  One tool that they have for practice is called a poke and peek map.  This map is in their hands and ready to use!  They should be using the map each night to learn the location and names of North Africa's countries.  Miss Albitz also started a special, colorful presentation using a Powerpoint she created filled with pictures and video clips.  We saw a piece of it today, and this will continue tomorrow.

Students worked on reading and roles, finished a writing prompt relating to a story in our anthology, and participated in our Open House video.  They worked through stations applying their reading, writing, and speaking skills.  Many have done very well with their roles, and the directors are writing excellent questions that will cause interesting discussions on Thursday.

Our next story is called Teammates and is a biography about a relationship shared by Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese.  A new 'Family Times' paper was sent home today which gives a summary, new vocabulary, grammar goals, and the new spelling list.  Students have a tricky list of /ie/ and /ei/ patterns this week. We reviewed a rule that can help them with many of these words, but found there are exceptions to the rule.  Study will be important!

Homework:
Reading - Read chapters 1-2 in The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and complete your assigned role for Thursday.  The role must be cut and ready to go!  Finish your prompt if you didn't do so in class.
Spelling - Trace +2 for new list due on Thursday.
Social Studies - Quiz on North Africa's countries this Friday.
Wellness - Vocabulary questions are due tomorrow.  Other questions are due Friday.

Kicking Off Cafe!

Students were excited today to receive the first novel, The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler!  They followed along as I read the first chapter.  Together, we discussed the main points, particularly who is telling the story, the setting, the conflict, and the main characters.  I stopped frequently to ask about various words and generally think aloud.  The students are responsible for reading the second chapter and completing their assigned roles for Thursday.  We will create our cafe at that time and enjoy our first discussions.

Miss Albitz began her series of lessons on Africa's geography today!  When students entered the room, they saw pictures from the continent and heard African music.  The students talked about what they know and what they'd like to learn about Africa.  They received maps of Africa and some vocabulary that will be important throughout her lessons.  Her enthusiasm was contagious!

Students are taking home a few important items today!  They have their PSSA test results, a fund raiser packet from CISPO, their first test packet, an invitation to Open House, and information about a bake sale that will take place on Wednesday night at Open House.  This is the reason they are bringing home their Friday folders, even though it's not Friday! Please check it out!

Homework:
Math - Finish practice activity
Reading - Read chapters 1 and 2.  Complete your role for Thursday's cafe!
Wellness - Vocabulary is due Wednesday.  Questions are due on Friday. 

Open House is Coming!

The students and I enjoyed another great week together, and more fun is on the way.  In this coming week, our yearly fundraiser will start on Monday, and we'll enjoy another Open House on Wednesday at 6 p.m.  It will be fun to share with our parents and guests, and we're looking forward to it.

We started our day with a visit to the cafeteria to listen to our principal, Mr. Chambers, talk about some of our district policies and his expectations for the year.  Mr. Chambers discussed rules and situations and gave us many examples so that we'd all understand.  He left us with a final thought; to always give our best.  He truly cares for us.

Following our meeting with Mr. Chambers, we opened our classroom wall to take our tests in Reading and Social Studies.  Most students were prepared and did a fine job.  Although the tests are not coming home today, they are scored and will be on-line to view.  The actual tests will be taken home on Monday in the first test packet for review.

Following Exploratory and lunch, students visited Mrs. Shuman for Library, where they participated in a scavenger hunt of the library.  Then, they were off to Mrs. McIlvaine for Music.  She mentioned that she was wearing red, white, and blue today because tomorrow is National Anthem Day.  The students have been learning about our National Anthem.

Homework:
THERE IS NO SCHOOL TOMORROW FOR STUDENTS!  THE TEACHERS HAVE AN IN-SERVICE DAY!
No homework for the weekend!

Novel Prep

Our class was busily preparing for our first novel today in Language Arts!  Our first novel this year is From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg.  It is a two-time Newbery Medal Winner!  Much of the story takes place in a museum, so today we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and History via their website.  The students completed an activity where they explored pieces of art, and later shared what they learned.  I will share Chapter 1 tomorrow, and assign students their very first role for cafe!  Next Thursday, we will enjoy our first cafe discussions!  I can hardly wait!

Ms. Rader and I have enough books for our teams to share, so all reading will be completed at school.  Some students prefer to use their Nooks, ipads, or tablets to read.  That is one reason I'm including the title and author's name today, in case anyone would like to purchase or download the book. Purchasing or downloading the book is NOT required.

 The students will be tested this week on their expert ability to read maps!  They've been working hard, and some have even asked for more global grid activities. Group 308 is being tested today, and group 310 will take their test tomorrow.  Keep studying!
 

Today, Mr. Barzan, our friendly guidance counselor, stopped in for a visit.  He talked with us about the new school year and how we could make it a good one.  We played a game with a blanket which required great teamwork skills.  Enjoy the slideshow!

Tomorrow morning, all sixth grade classrooms will visit with Mr. Chambers in the cafeteria, where he will review rules and expectations for the school year. 

Homework:
Math - Practice sheet
Reading - Review your story, vocabulary and spelling list!  Tests are tomorrow.
Social Studies - Study and prepare for tomorrow's quiz, group 310.
Music - Study for your quiz on vocabulary.