I believe that students need to learn how to set and achieve goals.  At the beginning of each nine weeks, I will discuss with the students what goals they would like to set for themselves.  Then we will develop a plan to help them achieve these goals.  Lastly, students will share their goals and plan with their family so that you can show your encouragement and help them be successful.

 

I have high expectations for my students.  However, I provide a supportive environment so that students feel they can take any challenge, excel and succeed.

 

On our team we emphasize that students should not feel like they are competing against other students. Instead students we encourage them to focus on the progress they are making in their own academic career. Many bright children tend to put pressure on themselves and do not need more.  All children have times when they feel they do not measure up.  When this happens, they need reassurance that they belong in the class and that they are a valued member of the team.  It's important for the students to understand that they are not expected to BE the best at everything; they are expected to put their best effort into everything. Thus, mistakes will happen and that's okay.  As I like to remind the students, it is more important how they act and react when they make a mistake than the mistake itself.  Mistakes are symptoms of learning!

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In Sixth grade we discussed why rules are important and what rules we need to follow in the classroom.  Each student brought home a Teacher's Expectations sheet; this was signed by everyone and returned.

Chiddix has three school expectations for students and staff.   Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe

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Homework is a necessary part of school.  It provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding and skills relative to content that has been presented to them in class.  Homework also helps students develop good study habits and communicates to students the idea that learning takes work at home as well as at school.

 

Our team will meet several times a week to discuss student needs and homework plans.  We try to keep the students from having tests and large assignments on the same night.  We also try to keep homework to 60 minutes or less each night.  It shouldn't be necessary to stay up late with homework.  If this is happening on a regular basis you will want to investigate your child's time management practices.  Feel free to contact me so that we can determine how best to correct the situation.

 

Since, late work can have a very negative impact on the student's learning we have developed a plan to both inform the parents about the missing homework and keep students from neglecting this responsibility. Parents will be notified of missing or late assignments on the  My Week in Review that is sent home on Mondays.  It will list any assignments that were late during the week and if there are still assignments that need to be completed.   If students do not have all late assignments turned in by  team time on Friday, they will miss out on team time and will spend it working on homework.   Two late assignments in a week will result in a 45 minute team detention.

Homework Suggestions Help schedule a time to do homework, showing that it is an important priority and that you value its worth. If possible, provide a quiet area for your child to work. Help set up this area so there is good lighting and materials to work with.  These include pencils, pens, paper, a ruler, and a dictionary. Let your child work on his or her own, but let him or her know you are available for help. Be aware that there is a difference between being a resource and consultant and hovering over a child with constant advice. Be available to check work if needed and to check whether the assignment has been completed. I willc be teaching students about study habits and organization.  Children need to be taught how to study and stay organized.  Assist your child in maintaining these organization skills.  Ask to see the assignment notebook every day. When homework is finished for the evening, the school bag should be packed and ready fore the next day.   Remember that nothing can help like a hug, smile, and word of approval.  Be encouraging and supportive.  Your attitudes are contagious!

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On Team Odyssey we align our lessons, assignments and assessments with the Illinois State Learning Standards.  Students will often see on both assignments and tests what learning standard is being assessed.

 

What does the State of Illinois expect your Sixth Grader to learn?  Click on the link below for the Illinois State Board of Education's Web Page.  Here you will find a list of benchmarks for different academic areas.

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