The problem of writing.

One of the problems that I hear over and over when it comes to writing is, "I can't think of anything to write about." Yet we can always think of things to talk about. So one of the solutions to this problem is to ask yourself, "What do I want to talk about." Consider this post for example, because my hope is that it sounds much like what I would say if I were instructing class. So next time you can't think of what to write about, maybe you can just write about how you can't think of anything to write about!

Updates

Just a few notes...

• P/T Conference confirmation notes go home Monday (10/17). Please check your time and return a.s.a.p.
• Literacy Night is Oct. 17, times are 2:00 and 6:00
• Book Fair is October 17-24. Students will be able to go during their Library times. Our Library time is on Thursdays.
• Dance after school on Thrusday, October 20.
• Love and Logic, 6:00 on October 20
• P/T Conferences are on October 25 and 26. Please don't forget!
• Fall Break is October 27-28.

Coats for Caring

Again  this year, NSIS will be taking donations of new and gently used coats. These will be used to help those in need this winter. Cash donations are also accepted.

Last year, over 300 coats and $1,000 was collected.

FYI

Here are the standards we will be focused on for the next 3 weeks of class:

6.3.1  Recognize the origins and meanings of frequently used foreign words in English and use these words accurately in speaking and writing

6.5.8  Write summaries that contain the main ideas of the reading selection and the most significant details

6.6.4  Use correct capitalization

6.6.5  Spell correctly frequently misspelled words (their/ there/ they’re)

Math

6.3.2  Write and use formulas with up to three variables to solve problems

6.2.3  Multiply and divide decimals

6.5.10  Add, subtract, multiply, and divide with money in decimal notation

 Mid-terms were sent home last Wednesday, you should have seen your student's by now.

I have seen a date set for Parent/Teacher conferences. It is the Wednesday before break, 10/26/11. I will let you know when I have more information!

Math Homework Help

Here is a site were you can get help with Study Link Homework!

http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/homework_help/6th_grade/

They give you specific Student Reference Book (our math textbook) pages for each problem.

Picture Day

Just a reminder that PICTURE DAY in Monday, September 19th!

School Uniforms are still to be worn on that day.

Some pictures of the classroom

Grand Re-Opening!

The blog is up and running, although still in its infancy. I will try to update is as I have time to include some postings and more features. My intention is that this will be a resource for those who can use it. There will also be some good information posted from time to time, like the standards that we are focusing on for each 3-week period as a part of our new 8-step process.

Standards for this 3 week period (Sept. 12 through Sept. 30)

English/Language Arts:

• 6.2.3  --  Connect and clarify main ideas by identifying the relationships to multiple sources and related topics.
• 6.2.6  --  Determine the appropriateness of the evidence presented for an author's conclusions and evaluate whether the author adequately supports inferences.
• 6.6.1  --  Use simple, compound, and complex sentences; use effective coordination in subordination of ideas, including both main idea and supporting ideas in single sentences, to express a complete thought.

Mathematics:

• 6.7  --  Problem Solving -- All indicators.
• Look for a pattern
• Guess and check
• Draw a picture
• Act it out
• Make a table, chart, or graph
• Work backwards
• Make an organized list
• Write a number sentence
• Make a simpler problem