Friday, September 25, 2015

Next week...be prepared!

Although we have a partial week, we continue with important classroom happenings.

Wednesday, September 30 "A" schedule: Vocabulary and Roots Unit 3 test, Socrative or paper.
Thursday, October 1 "A" schedule: Preposition test, including diagramming
Friday, October 2 "B" schedule following Simchat Torah Celebration: Work on your Watsons Essay in class

You must complete reading Watsons by Friday. On Wednesday and Thursday, you may work on your essay when your test is completed.
Use your Prepositions Unity Study Guide to review the main concepts to know for the test. Watching the diagramming videos will help you refresh your memory. Don't hesitate to come before school if you have any specific questions you need answered.

***NOTE ABOUT WRITEABOUT = I want to apologize that on your latest journal entries I had wanted to use the voice record feature again for my comments. Unfortunately, I have a rotten cold, and am coughing and sneezing. This would definitely NOT make for a pleasant experience for you to listen to, so my comments are written.

Updated code for the 6th grade Edmodo group: 2fhync

Prepositions from SchoolHouse Rock

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Grand Master Chess Player Josh Waitzkin

For all of you who were present on our 1/2 day Erev Yom Kippur, I learned that Josh, the real boy who is the subject of the movie, has written a book and has a website. Here's a link to his site:
Josh's site .  I plan to read his book; I am interested to get HIS perspective on the events of the movie. The movie was a screenplay of a book that Josh's father wrote. I hope you all had a meaningful day. Mine was filled with reflection.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

By popular request...Edmodo Group

Students, last year I moderated (was in charge of) a grade-wide Edmodo group that students used to help each other stay on top of issues and assignments. Here are some examples of how the group was used:

  • to share what was missed in class when a student was out sick
  • to share Quizlet links/codes for vocab/roots units
  • to ask me questions outside of class time (even about other subjects!)
  • to have some fun, safe, casual on-line interactions such as sharing links, ideas for being successful in school, comments about sporting events (GO DAWGS! BOO TECH! I promise to have good sportsmanship.)
  • and more...
So, by popular demand, I have created a group that EVERYONE in 6th grade is welcome to join and contribute to. Please know that I, Mr. Frank, and Mr. Rothstein will keep an eye on this group. Be polite, be kind, be encouraging.

Here is the group code: syvkyq

I believe everyone should be familiar with Edmodo as your math teachers use it. See you on Edmodo!




Tuesday, September 15, 2015

L'shana tova u'metukah!


     We are in the midst of the Yamim Noraim. Trying to balance life as an American Jew is no easy task. We continue with school while simultaneously staying focused on these days of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah. Use your planner/agenda/organizer to stay on top of your assignments in all classes. Your teachers will help you with daily schedules. Remember to BREATHE! (Enjoy apples dipped in delicious honey.) 

     In Language Arts this week we continue in our Easy Grammar unit, begin Unit 3 vocabulary and root words, embark on our first formal essay, and delve into the capitalization unit (yes there is one). Next week we will talk about literary elements in Watsons, enjoy special programming on 9/22, and will learn about a program called Webspiration Classroom. I will introduce "Bonus Points" - a variety of ways to boost your scores by using your brain!

IN CLASS
9/16 "A" schedule: Grammar - prepositions continued, adverb or preposition?, object of the preposition, compounds
9/17 "A" schedule: Introduction to formal writing - first essay instructions, using Google Docs, annotation
9/18: Rules of capitalization 
9/21: Watsons lesson/reading dialect, literary elements, empathy, trauma and tragedy
9/22: Special programming, noon dismissal
9/24 "B" schedule: Webspiration Classroom
9/25: Review Sadlier-Oxford answers, prepositions review, D.O., diagramming

HOMEWORK
DUE 9/18: 3 sections of vocab, roots cards
DUE 9/25: WriteAbout post - student choice NOTE - minimum 8 sentences!
DUE 9/25: 3 additional sections of vocab

Long range planning: Watsons MUST be completed no later than 10/2.  Next V&R test is 9/30. Essay will be due 10/9.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Cha-cha-charleston!

I am looking forward to seeing your happy faces EARLY Tuesday morning! Feel free to bring G-rated DVDs, cards, friendship bracelet string, anything you enjoy to pass the time on the bus. I also recommend bringing a water bottle with your name on it and COMFORTABLE walking shoes. I am bringing three pairs of tennis shoes, including my famous neon ones. See you there!!!