Grade 6 HOMEROOM/SOCIAL STUDIES/ENGLISH: Gabrielle Burkhardt (gburkhardt@stbartholomew.org OR Ext 26) RELIGION & READING: Sr. Nena Laroco (srnena@stbartholomew.org OR Ext. 25) LIFE SCIENCE: Susan Kirkbride (Mrs.K@stbartholomew.org OR Ext 27) MATH: Mr. Bartl sbartl@stbartholomew.org OR Ext 34) ENGLISH This is the last year where the students primarily focus on the basic skills needed in order to become “thoughtful” readers. We work in our textbook and workbook in order to improve and master skills, such as characterization, main ideas, bias, skimming/scanning, figurative language, context clues…. In addition to our textbook, we will read one novel per quarter, which we will analyze closely. For these novels, the students will work on answering higher-level comprehension questions and produce a final project which touches on the major characteristics of narration. Grading Policy In both Reading and English, students keep a grade-sheet of all of their graded assignments. This way, they are able to know where they stand, in these two classes, at anytime. All assignments are awarded a set amount of points (10-20 for homework, 30-50 for quizzes, 100 for tests and projects) and, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the work, students will receive their grade out of that total. At the end of the quarter, all the students’ points are added together and the divided by the total amount of points possible, in order to get a percentage. Vocabulary, English, and Reading all receive a separate grade on the report card. Each of these grades counts towards Honors eligibility. Additionally, all three grades are also averaged together for a cumulative language arts grade. READING Text: Wind by the Sea - Star Walk 1. Increase comprehension and literary skills Examples: main idea, drawing conclusions, summarizing, character traits, story elements 2. Increase vocabulary One book report a month SOCIAL STUDIES Curriculum overview – This is primarily a European history course, beginning with the ancient classical civilizations through the Middles Ages and Renaissance, to the early modern period. We will also be studying the prehistory of America and its indigenous people. This is necessarily a survey; students are beginning to piece together a large world-view rather than learning in depth about any specific time or place. The textbook for the course is Across the Centuries (Houghton Migglin). There is at least one research project integrating social studies and the English curriculum. In addition, we will discuss the arts, religion, and science and technology in the course of our work. Peer learning and group work are an important and intrinsic part of the social studies curriculum. Homework – Daily homework assignments for the most part entail reading textbook pages and answering question in writing. This is in addition to periodic projects and the monthly current events work. LIFE SCIENCE The course is designed with six units: 1. Fragile environment; 2. Cells and Heredity; 3. Simple Living Things 4. Plants 5. Animals 6. Human Body We will be covering such varied topics as scientific classification, digestion and circulation, animal behavior, and the earth's varied biomes. There will be numerous demonstrations, hands-on activities experiments, and videos. In addition, all students will be working on a science project. This is due in May and consists of an experiment, a paper, and a PowerPoint presentation to the class. Each chapter will have a test, and homework will average twenty minutes per night. Please view eboard and engrade for assignments, upcoming testing, and missing work. Grading: A science project is mandatory in the fourth quarter. MATH Math in 6th Grade is taught in two sections. On a typical day, students learn mathematical concepts by analyzing patterns and writing mathematical rules. Instruction frequently includes work at the board, the use of hands on materials, and working with partners or in small groups. Homework is assigned daily, along with weekend enrichment and cumulative review assignments. Homework Grading Policy Homework is an essential component within the learning process and will be graded as follows:
An assignment is considered on time if it is complete, with the directions properly followed, the work shown as directed, mistakes corrected, the appearance of work satisfactory, and the assignment handed in at the time of class. If a student is absent, handing the assignment(s) in upon their return to school would be considered on time. If an assignment is late, it will be indicated the students’ assignment book. A 'late' mark will be written the assignment and initialed. Please monitor your child’s assignment book to keep informed on how they are doing. The homework grades throughout the quarter will be averaged to determine the quarterly Text : Houghton Mifflin Math / Book 6 Objectives: Strengthen and expand understanding of concepts involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, Workload: HOMEWORK is assigned daily. Assignments, along with weekly and special projects, should require between 20 and 30 minutes of work per night. If your child consistently puts in more time than that, please do not hesitate to contact me. Weekend assignments will focus on enrichment and review. A CUMULATIVE REVIEW PACKET is assigned approximately two times a quarter. The packet provides the opportunity for review, practice and remediation of concepts and skills learned both during the week and throughout the year. A REMEDIAL PACKET is distributed to students on an individual basis. Its purpose is to focus on specific needs. A WEEKEND ENRICHMENT / SKILL DRILL assignment is given most weekends. The assignment provides review of facts and skills learned during the week, computational drill and practice, and enrichment activities which require analytical and logical reasoning. SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS will be given at various times throughout the year and will focus on gathering data, using resource materials and graphing. Grading: Materials: 1 black two-pocket folder in school - 1 black two-pocket folder at home Additional: The Math Envelope will be sent home Mondays approximately every two weeks. The envelope will contain an assessment form, along with graded materials. Please sign the assessment form and return all materials the next day. Contests: Maryland Math League |
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