Sixth Grade Newsletter for April May 2006



6th Grade Newsletter for April

April is a busy month for 6th graders. Please encourage your child to follow through with the assignments and to keep making their best efforts through the end of the school year. The milder weather can be a time of "spring fever" which may lead to slumping grades. We recommend that parents check assignment books and Schoology as means of monitoring current and future assignments.

English

This month students will be working on persuasive/argumentative essays. The goal is to write a well-organized, multi-paragraph essay that supports an opinion and is based on facts. Good word choice, paragraph structure, and careful revision will be stressed. The study of grammar will continue throughout the month, and Sparks will be given.

Reading

Students will finish exploring short stories this month. Reading classes will engage in comprehension strategies such as making inferences and organizing story information in think-alongs and the ink-pair-share strategy. Techniques such as student-led discussion groups and Socratic seminars will be utilized to enhance understanding. Vocabulary study will continue throughout this unit as well.

Science

As our study of bacteria proceeds, we will be taking samples from throughout the school and growing them in a sterile environment. We will then begin our study of protists, algal blooms, and fungi. After studying protists we will prepare wet mount slides of live specimens of paramecium, amoeba, and euglena for observation. We will also gather pond water and use microscopes to hunt for protists in their natural environment.

Social Studies

In April we will continue our study of South Asia. We will be learning about the history of the region as well as modern issues and challenges that face one of world’s most populated areas. Students will have the opportunity to independently research a specific country or topic from the region as well. We will also continue to discuss current events that relate to all regions of the world.

Math  On-level:  

The on level students just completed the Geometry unit and will continue practicing the accurate use of geometric formulas. Students will also begin a unit of study focusing on Variables. In this unit students will be introduced to basic algebraic concepts such as pattern recognition, writing expressions and solving equations.

 

Math   Above- Level:

            The above level students just finished learning about probability.  The students have had fun using logic to solve a variety of problems that involve odds and probability, and applying these concepts to a myriad of real-life situations. Furthermore, they solved independent and dependent event problems which involves “combined” probability, a higher level thinking skill. They are now beginning the statistics unit and then will commence with an extensive study of geometry including terminology and notation.  Nightly vocabulary study is encouraged!

 

Math  Pre-Algebra:

           Pre-Algebra students completed their study of measurement of both plane and space objects.  They are now moving onto a unit studying measures of central tendencies, data analysis and probability.  Students will be making connections to real-world uses of these concepts along with complex situations dealing with dependent and independent events and mutually exclusive events.

 

Have a great month!!

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