Welcome to sixth grade. We have completed the first three days of the new school year, and have begun to settle into the routines of the classroom and the sixth grade expectations. We look forward to working with you and your student to make his or her year successful and enjoyable.
Ms. Buckner will once again be teaching French thirty minutes each day, four days a week, to our classes.
This year, T.E.S. will have a website where classrooms will be posting newsletters, important information about the classroom or school, and up coming assignments and projects. Please fill out the form at the end of this newsletter, detach, and send it back so that we may send hard copies to only those who would need it. You may access the T.E.S. website through this address:
www.thetfordschool.org
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6th Grade Math-- Mr. Minichiello and Mr. Tierney
The mathematics program we are using, Math Thematics, offers your student a broad background in mathematics. Some approaches in this program may differ from those you used as a student . However, they are based on research results, field-tested experiences, and is the mathematics your student will need in the 21st century.
Because Math Thematics is a new program it will requires an adjustment for both students and teachers. Mr. Teirney and I will begin by mixing the two sixth grade classrooms and dividing student into two levels: Math 1 and Math 2. Mr. Teirney will teach the Math 2 level, while Mr. Minichiello will teach the Math 1 level.
Math 2 students will begin with Module 1: “Search and Rescue”. This Module will explore angles, order of operations, integers, addition and subtraction of integers, one-step equations, coordinates, and function models.
Students in Math 1 will begin with Module 1: “Patterns and Problem Solving”. We will investigate order of operations, patterns and sequences, 4-step approach to solve problems, fractions adn mixed numbers, and equivalent fractions.
These groups may change as the year progresses. Some students may move to Math 2, while others may move to Math 1.
The emphasis in the 6th grade mathematics program will be in the following content:
Number, Numeration, Equivalence, and Order Relations
Recognizing place value in numerals for whole numbers and decimals; expressing numbers in scientific notation; finding factors of numbers; representing rates and ratios with fraction notation; finding equivalent fractions; using ratio to describe size change.
Measurement, Measures, and Numbers in Reference Frames
Using linear, area, capacity, and personal reference measures; using metric and U.S. customary units.
Operations, Mental Arithmetic, and Number Systems
Performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; evaluating symbolic expressions; applying the distributive property.
Algorithms and Procedures
Reviewing multiplication and division algorithms for whole numbers; developing algorithms for operations on positive and negative rational numbers.
Problem Solving and Mathematical Modeling
Using probability; using strategies for multiple choice tests; analyzing games of chance; exploring trial-and-error methods, maze problems, mobile problems, and maximum-minimum problems.
Exploring Data
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data line plots, bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs, and step graphs; interpreting persuasive graphs and mystery graphs; identifying land marks of data sets (median, mean, mode, and range).
Geometry and Spatial Sense
Measuring and drawing angles; investigating angles of rotation; making compass-and-straightedge constructions; drawing to scale; exploring tessellations, topology (rubber-sheet geometry), and Mobius strips.
Patterns, Rules, and Formulas
Applying formulas to geometric figures; using variables in formulas; working with Venn diagrams and tree diagrams; solving pan-balance problems.
Algebra and Uses of Variables
Creating number models; working with scientific calculators; exploring variables in formulas; simplifying algebraic expressions; solving equations and inequalities.
Throughout the year you will receive The Math Gazette at the beginning of each unit (Module), telling you about the mathematical content to be studied in that unit. We will begin the first Module on Tuesday, September 7. The first Math Gazette should accompany this newsletter.
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Science News-- Mr. Minichiello
During the first quarter the class will be using the FOSS Models and Designs Module. We will assume the roles of scientists as we try to figure out what hidden systems look like and how they work. Then we will change into engineers as we try to design self-propelled carts from simple construction materials. We have an interesting and exciting couple of months ahead.
In this module, children learn about scientific models. A scientific model explains a natural system or process that is not totally accessible to direct investigation. An example from geology is the ongoing struggle to figure out what our planet is like from crust to core. Each advance in scientific technology provides scientists with more information, and the model for the structure of Earth is refined. But it’s still a model—no one knows for sure whether it’s correct, because no one has been there for a firsthand look. In class we will be confronting less-imposing systems, but the processes of gathering evidence, sharing ideas with peers, creating models, and modifying them based on additional evidence are the same. We will learn how to think productively about the unknown.
After we tackle models and expand our points of view and ways of thinking about systems, we will become engineers who design and create products. We will be designing and building carts from sticks, paper clips, wire, rubber bands, and the like. With each passing investigation students face more demanding engineering challenges, and I expect to see a lot of creativity brought to bear on the problems.
From time to time I will be sending home/school connection sheets home with your child. These describe activities for the whole family, to share a little bit of the fun we will be having at school with models and designs.
Social Studies News- Mr. Tierney
Throughout the year, we will be focusing on two major units in Social Studies. We will study Ancient Greece and Ancient China through simulations of these ancient civilizations. We will use the Interact program to guide us through these simulations and use the computers to investigate virtual tours of interest in these ancient civilizations.
Students will learn about the history and culture of these civilizations and perform independent studies in areas of interest of each civilization. This may be an investigation of nearly any area of interest (clothing, weapons, government, children’s lives, etc.). As they complete research, they will present to the class what they have learned and present an independent project to support the topic. This study will require a lot of long-term planning, which we will monitor every few days to make sure students are sticking to their schedules to complete their projects by the due date. Supported long-term planning is a wonderful skill to learn before the students move on to middle school.
As students are performing research, we will (along with support from Mary Wunderlich) examine the validity of websites and whether or not they are reliable sources of information. Students will also be expected to use books to learn about their topics.
These simulations are a fun and engaging way to get students to learn about cultures that are difficult to understand, because they existed so long ago and are so different from the present.
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Literacy-- Mr. Minichiello and Mr. Tierney
We will begin the year reading short stories from a collection entitled Junior Great Books. These reading will require students to read, discuss, and write about each short story. Through shared inquiry students learn to read critically, listen carefully, and take an active part in discussions. The first short story is “A Game of Catch”, by Richard Wilbur.
The students will begin their word studies in Vocabulary for Achievement and Scholastic Spelling next week. We will use Scholastic Spelling, co-authored by Louisa Moats, Ed.D., a one time resident of Thetford. Dr. Moats is well respected for her work in spelling, language development and dyslexia. This program is organized around spelling patterns emphasizing phonics and structural analysis, with a focus on the high-frequency, high-utility words used in reading and writing. Lists include core words, tricky words, challenge words, and review words. The review words are pulled from previous lessons and grades. We will begin spelling on Tuesday, September 7th. There will be a weekly test on Friday. Vocabulary tests will be every second lesson, on a Thursday.
Students keep a writing journal that will contain responses to writing prompts, as well as responses to poems and “free writing” choices.
Your child should be reading thirty minutes each night, at least four days out of the week (Monday through Thursday), in reading material of their choice and at their independent reading level. They keep a Reading Log to document their progress. This Reading Log is due every Friday.
Additional Notes
If your student is having difficulty with understanding the homework assignment or does not have enough time at night to complete the work, they may come in my back door on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, to get extra instruction or time on assignments. Students should not use this in lieu of doing homework at home, but as a safety net for completing assignments on time and getting extra instruction. If you drop you student off in the parking lot of the Latham Library they can walk across the footbridge and come in the backdoor of the classroom.
If you have any questions or concerns please e-mail, call, or come in to see one of us. Mr. Minichiello is usually at school early so you can stop by on your way to or from work in the morning, while Mr. Tierney is available after school most days.
Please feel free to e-mail us or call if you have any concerns or questions:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
785-4030 ex. 227
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
785-4030 ex. 225
WELCOME TO MR. TIERNEY'S 6th GRADE CLASS
September 16, 2010
Dear sixth grade parents,
I would like to welcome you and your student to 6th grade. Summer vacation is drawing to a close and the new school year will soon be upon us. To make the transition for your child into 6th grade easier, we are recommending that all students come prepared with certain materials and supplies.
It is recommended that your child come to school with the following supplies.
List of recommended materials for 6th Grade:
1. (1) 3 inch three ring binder ( preferably not the Velcro or zippered “Trapper Keepers”)
2. At least (5) subject dividers (with tabs) for three ring binder
3. A supply of lined wide ruled three ring binder paper
4. (1) 12 inch ruler with metric (through mm) and inches (through 1/16)
5. (1) package of 12 assorted colored pencils
6. (1) black ink pen (ball or fine line)
7. (1) blue ink pen (ball or fine line)
8. pencils (even if mechanical pencils are used by students they need a supply of old fashion wood, #2, pencils as a backup)
9. (1) Scientific calculator (Walmart and Staples have a Texas Instrument TI 30xs scientific calculator for about $16.00 .
10. (1) USB Flash Drive
Additional and useful, but not essential:
1. Post-it Notes: 1 x 3 inches and/or 11/2 x 2 inches
2. Highlighters (at least 3 different colors; nothing fancy)
If you wish to buy markers please make sure they are water base markers. Some of the permanent markers give off a noxious odor that causes headaches and an ill feeling.
We will have assignment books for all sixth grade students.
It is advisable to label all materials with your child’s name or initials, so in the chance that something is lost or misplaced it can be returned to its owner.
If purchasing these supplies causes a financial hardship for your family, please know that we will provide them for your child.
Best Wishes,
James Tierney