Week of 5/14/12 - Middle of May and so much more.
We have so much on our plates it is hard to keep up with the days of the week. One more week of a super busy schedule and then we just need to maintain our calm and wait for summer break. All students should remember that their World Map assignment is due Thursday, 5/16, and the summary research paper (follow teacher guidelines as noted in my handout) is due Thursday, 5/17. Here we go!
Stay safe.
Mrs. Hoehle
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**The school calendar has lots of pending dates. Be sure to check it out so as to stay in the loop.
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Spelling and vocabulary:
Our formal program of weekly spelling and vocabulary lessons has wound down. We still have several lessons to review and then we begin the testing schedule. There are also several review type spelling activities planned. Here is the preliminary vocabulary testing schedule. All tests will be given between May 11th and May 22nd.
1. Lessons 30-32 test (15 of 30 words)
2. Lessons 33-35 test (15 out of 30 words)
3. Second semester review test. (25 teacher selected words from lessons 25-35.)
**We also will use previously targeted spelling words to play another round of "Spelling Battleship" but this time from a more global perspective. Should be fun!
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L. Arts
- Use research notes and teacher guidelines to create a final draft quality summary paper.
**It is very important that student's use the teacher guideline page in setting of their paper and the required paragraphs as, the assignment will be scored via state guidelines using a district rubric. The final report/paper should be @ one and half to two pages in length and is due Thursday, 5/17/12. We have looked at several sources in previewing what a finished research paper/report could look like and one example can be found in the blue literature book; Digging up the past, pages 925-928.
- The Alligators - finish connections between the story and the theme of "popularity."
S. Studies
- World map assignment due May 16th.
**We had some late starters but most of the kiddos are now in the process of putting the finishing touches on this end of year assignment. The kids and I talked about this assignment in class but the purpose of this task is help build a stronger foundation for individual mental mapping of the world. This goal is also meant to put some tools in place for when it is time for the 9th grade end of course exam in World Geography. I know this event is three years down the road but from what I have heard, many of the fundamental elements covered on this test directly connect to content covered specifically in 6th and 9th grade. Just so you know, the U.S. history segment, 5th and 8th grade, is tested in the 8th grade.
- Chapter 25, Oceania - use text resources to create a post card advertising this region of the world.
- Time for kids activities:
1. Best buddies - read, take notes, test between by 5/17.
2. Sugar overload and a nutrition handout - read, participate in discussion on healthy lunches ...
3. Use various recycled magazines to create a "wanted" poster related to sixth grade and Social Studies
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**Friday, 5/11, the PE teacher sent home a note concerning a bowling related field trip. Here's what I know:
Where: Cowtown Bowling Palace in River Oaks
When: Friday, May 25th Buses leave @9:30 and return @2:30.
Cost: $5.00 cash (to Mrs. Siebman the PE teacher)
**Bring a bag lunch and drink; dress for being outside for lunch (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses ...)
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**Notice from the office:
Student lunch charges, book fines, lost book fees ... must be paid before a student can transition to middle school.
In other news:
May 18th - Field day
**Join the fun and don't forget to stop by the library to check out the wares of some of our local merchants!
May 21st-Holiday
May 22nd-6thgrade Celebration - (I believe it begins at 6:30. Will let you know if I hear otherwise.)
May 25th-Book Exchange
May 25th-6thgrade bowling trip
May 28th-Holiday
May 29th-11:45 Early Release
May 30th-Early Release 11:45
week of 5/7/12, Spring Fever!
Something tells me summer is on its way. That does make sense since we have around @17 days left of school but to be honest, I have really liked the milder Spring weather. Here's hoping we do not have a repeat of last summer. Anyway, things are warming up in sixth grade as we bring our year to a close. I have cautioned everyone to keep your eye on the price and beware distractions. Here's what's up for next week.
Stay safe,
Mrs. Hoehle
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Worth the wait begins Monday, 5/7. Student's will need to use their class time wisely so as to not fall behind in daily and home assignments.
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Spelling and vocabulary
**Last formal week for spelling and the vocabulary book. Next we will begin a series of review tests and closing activities.
Spelling (25)
- Vocabulary lesson 35 (10)
- SS review words (handout given on Friday) ( 5 words)
- Challenge words from last week's handout (5)
- "ing" word pattern - from last week's handout (5)
Second draft - due Thursday, 5/10/12
1. Spelling "battleship" - to be set up and played in class.
2. Writing excerpt - half page themed writing assignment; final draft quality, correct usage of the "challenge" words
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L. Arts
- Research, research, research - country research citation page due Thursday, 5/10; research cards (31 minimum overall) due Friday, 5/11. Final organized report (teacher handout describing steps of the paper given on Monday, 4/30/12) due Thursday, 5/17/12.
- The research paper is taking a bit of doing to get everyone on track. That said, I still want to read/analyze The Alligators before this school year is over. (I think I can .....)
- Power sentences -group and then independent practice
- Finish family themed poems
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S. Studies
- Continue our study of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. This week's focus is on New Zealand using chapter 24, section two as our basis for core information. Student's should plan for a closing test by Friday, 5/11/12. **For Oceania we will use a class activity to replace a closing test.
- World/regional map work and geography key terms review- all students received an end of year world map assignment which is due Wednesday, May 17th. In addition, as noted in our spelling, we are also completing a series of review assignments that allow us to revisit key terminology. We also have one more set of maps for Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
School news:
Mark Your Calendar:
May 7th-18th-6th Worth the Wait
May 8th- PTA Meeting 6:30
May 10th- Volunteer Breakfast
May 10th- 6thgrade Vaudeville Show
Ay 11th- All library books are due back
May 11th- Relay for Life
May 14th- Students start bringing books for exchange
May 17th- Cici’s Night
May 18th- Field Day
May 21st- Holiday May 22nd- 6thgrade Celebration
May 25th- Book Exchange
May 28th- Holiday
May 29th- 11:45 Early Release
May 30th- Early Release 11:45
Week of 4/30/12 - May is on its way!
We made it through our test days! Overall, I am pleased with how the kiddos responded to the tests and think their is a "good feeling" for the results. To paraphrase some of the comments I heard, "it was not as bad as I thought it would be" and, "our MAP tests really helped us prepare." Either way, I know at the end everyone was truly exhausted. Now we wait for the results and I hope all is well. That said, as quickly as possible, we are getting back into our regular groove. We do have more content to cover and skills to polish before the year is over. Here we go.
Stay safe,
Mrs. Hoehle
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**Look at the end of the news page for an update on the every changing events calendar.
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Spelling and vocabulary - lessons 33-35
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We officially started our last three lessons on Friday, 4/27; which is also the same day I gave out the definitions. I am staggering the words for spelling purposes and at the end of our lessons, there will be a review test covering lessons from the second semester.
**Lessons 33 and 34 need to be completely finished by Thursday, 5/3. Lesson 35 needs to be completely finished by Wednesday, 5/9.
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Spelling
1. Vocabulary lessons 33 and 34. (20 words)
2. Teacher handout (we will use this list for two weeks) - pick five of the listed "ing" words.
Second draft work: due Thursday, 5/3.
(We will have time to take the test before we go on the field trip:)
A. Analogy sentences that go with the teacher handout.
B. Create a half page themed story excerpt, final draft quality. **Correctly use the selected "ing" words in your themed writing. Peer editing will be used for this assignment.
L. Arts
- Read The Alligators, a critical thinking story, and use this story to discuss the concept of popularity.
- Country research - organized research, note-taking, citing of sources, closing letter/paper
**In class and at-home.
- Family themed poetry writing
- Power writing - finish group lessons, begin independent practice
S. Studies
- Chapter 24, Australia and New Zealand - test Wednesday, 5/2/12
(This is a short chapter, only @10-12 pages in length.)
Oceania follows chapter 24, which is also just one short text section from chapter 25. For this portion of the world, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, we have to use a lot of outside resources to help build connections.
- Time for kids - "Rain forest" magazine - test Friday, May 4th, main idea notes must be finished prior to the test date.
- Australia/New Zealand/Oceania atlas work
- Begin a closing/end of year map making assignment.
News:
**Don't forget, sixth grade has a field trip on Thursday, May 3rd. Student's will need to remember to dress comfortably and bring their bag lunch and cold drink.
Mark Your Calendar:
May 8th-PTA Meeting 6:30
May 10th- Volunteer Breakfast
May 10th- 6thgrade Vaudeville Show
Ay 11th- All library books are due back
May 11th- Relay for Life
May 14th- Students start bringing books for exchange
May 17th-Cici’s Night
May 18th- Field Day
May 21st- Holiday May 22nd-6th grade Celebration
May 25th- Book Exchange
May 29th-11:45 Early Release
May 30th-Early Release 11:45