I teach Math and half of the Science units for Team Odyssey. I also teach  Language Arts to students in my homeroom.  Mrs. Linton will be teaching Social Studies, the other half of the Science Units, and Language Arts to her homeroom.

This page will provide some basic information about the curriculum this year.  In addition, there will be links with more information about the curriculum.  These web sites are intended for parental use; kid web sites are located on the Cyber Adventures web page.

Math Reading Spelling Writing Science

Math
 In 6th Grade we use the Everyday Mathematics series created by The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project.  This math series enables children to learn more mathematical content and become life-long mathematical thinkers.  

The series has many hands on math projects and uses math "games" to explore math concepts covered in class.  One change students will notice is they will now use Math journals instead of Math books.  However, students will have a Math resource book which can be used by both you and your child to review steps for solving problems.  

It is my goal to help students become "doers" of mathematics.  This means that they will:
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be capable and resourceful problem solver, 

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develop the ability to communicate and reason mathematically, 

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make important mathematical representations and connections and 

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value mathematics as worthwhile and essential.

These goal can only be accomplished if mathematics makes sense to the students and if they believe in their mathematical ability.  Thus, in  Math class I will present students with real life problems and let them explore ways of solving these problems.  Students will be encouraged to expand their mathematical thinking by exploring and developing answers for themselves.  Sometimes this means making mistakes, but we must remember that mistakes are symptoms of learning.  

There are six main concepts we will cover in Sixth grade:  
   1.  Operating and Computation - facts, mental math, number
                                                 stories, etc.
   2.  Numeration:  estimation, fractions, decimals, percents, etc.
   3.  Patterns, Functions and Algebra - variables, formulas, properties,
   4.  Data and Chance - mean, graphs, probability, etc.
   5.  Measurement - area, volume, angles, capacity, coordinate grids
   6.  Geometry - two & three dimensional, symmetry, congruence, etc.

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME:
Make sure that your child has all of their basic math facts memorized.  This will enable them to work more quickly and feel more confidence in math.  Also, show your child how math is used all around us. Cooking, measuring, telling time, counting money and estimating are all life skills that we use so often in our daily lives.  Most importantly, help your child believe that their success should not be measured by comparing themselves to other students.  Instead, encourage them to find success in their own progress, and finding answers to previous mistakes.  As I always tell the  students, a person's intelligence is not based on whether or not you make a mistake, it is based on what you do after you make the mistake.  
Links:

Everyday Mathematics website for parents: 
http://www.sra4kids.com/everydaylearning/infofor/parents/index.html

Everyday Mathematics Parent Resource web page:
http://www.kent.wednet.edu/curriculum/math/edmath/parents.html

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Family Corner:
http://www.nctm.org/corners/family/index.htm
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Reading

This year your child will read a number of different books.  We begin the school year with the entire class reading the same books.  We will work in groups called literature circles to discuss the books.   Once students understand what is expected in a literature circle they will choose books that interest them and are at their own reading level.  We will then form small groups where they will be responsible for leading at least one literature circle.  Then parent volunteers and I will join these groups and help guide the students through the important aspects of the story.  In addition, students will be expected to read several books on their own.  They will keep a log of all books they have read and will be asked to respond in a journal about their reading.

My goal is for students to enjoy reading and find the importance of reading.  We will look at different genres of books and learn how to find a "good" book.  We will also work on reading comprehension and explore the author's intent for writing the book.  

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME:
The only way to become a better reader is to read, read, read, so encourage our child to read in their spare time.  There is great selection of books at both the Bloomington and Normal library. Students should be reading a minimum of 15 minutes every night. They also need to see that reading is important and enjoyable in your life. Let them see that reading is part of your everyday life. (newspapers, recipes, tv guide, dictionaries, magazines, comics, closed-caption tv, novels, fix-it manuals, etc.) One of the best ways to make sure children grow up to be a reader is to have good books read to them. Remember that sixth graders are not too young to have someone read to them.  Try finding time at home to share a good book.  Show your child that reading is important and FUN!
Links 
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Spelling
We will have pre-tests every other Monday where I will quiz students on a group of 20 words from our spelling program.  These are words that successful students would need to know and they are aligned to a particular spelling rule that we will be working on. 

 

bulletAny of the words that students miss on the pre-test will become part of their individual spelling list.

 

bulletStudents will then complete their list to contain 10 words by choosing words that they have misspelled in their own writing, words that are being used frequently in class, or words that are commonly misspelled by elementary and middle school students. 

 

bulletStudents will work with their list of words for two weeks.  Then they will be given a spelling test.




WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME:
At home you can help your child check all of their written work.  A good way to do this is by giving them a hint of the misspelling by putting a small dot in the left margin of the line or paragraph where you see the error.  Then your child can look at the line to find the mistake. Also, encourage your child to study each week for their spelling test.  Talk with them about how spelling is an important part of your life.  If your child is struggling with a few words, write them on a post-it note and place them around the house.  Once your child has learned the word they can take it down and feel the satisfaction of success!    
Links:

Rebecca Sitton's Spelling home page
http://www.sittonspelling.com/
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Writing

This year your child will explore different forms of writing and different ways of expressing their thoughts and ideas.  Students will participate in several creative writing assignments.  In addition, students will work on individual writing projects.  I will work with each student to set personal writing goals, and we will work to meet these goals.  Students will write at least one informative, one narrative, one persuasive and one expository papers.  

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME:
Keeping a personal journal would be a fun way for your child to write a little every day. Other writing activities could include writing letters, email, and notes to other family members. Kids also enjoy "publishing" their own books complete with illustrations.  You should look over any of your child's written homework and praise their creativity. Help them remember that neatness is always important because if no one can read what you have written then it is of little use.
Links
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Science
bulletWe are using a new text book this year for science.  This book will focus on the physical sciences. 
bulletWe will be learning about physics, chemistry (matter), and energy.
bulletThere are many hands on activities and labs that will be conducted to reinforce the learning concepts.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME:
Links:
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