SIXTH GRADE

It is hard to believe that half of the school year is over already.  We have begun rehearsals for our yearly drama production; this year’s production is “Aladdin Jr.”.    Several of the sixth graders are involved with the program this year, both as actors and stage crew members.  Our school offers so many extra-curricular activities in addition to the fine academic program; our students really benefit from a well-rounded education. 

             
Our Religion focus this term is on the choices of the Israelites and the role of the prophets.  Parallels are drawn between the choices of our ancestors and the consequences of those actions with the choices we make today and the resulting consequences.  While we remember that God is forgiving in every way, we must also remember that consequences are a part of every choice, good or bad.  Also we continue our Family Life studies, letters will be sent home to parents as we complete each unit to enable you to continue the conversations begun in class. 

In Social Studies we will begin studying ancient western cultures.  We are currently studying the Maya civilization and we will move on to study ancient Greece and Rome.  At the end of our unit on ancient western civilizations, students will choose one civilization and create a brochure highlighting, the geography, politics, economy and contributions of their chosen topic.  We have also begun to “follow” the primary process in the race for the presidency.  The students were not “eager” to follow this process at the start, but they have really taken hold of the idea.  Often, I am greeted in the morning with, “Did you hear what happened on the debate?”  I love it when the students begin the conversation!

             
In Science we have finished our studies of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes and will move on to a unit on Astronomy.  Students will create a sky journal and we will use this journal to study the phases of the Moon and the approximate age of stars.  Once again, we will be fortunate to have Talcott Mountain Science Center enhance our learning experience in this area. 

             
In Literature we have just completed reading the class novel Walk Two Moons and as we study Greece and Rome in Social Studies, we will begin to read the myths passed on by these cultures.  Students will begin working on compare and contrast essays in Language Arts classes and we will continue to use the Six Traits of Writing program to guide them in the writing process.  

             
In Mathematics, the students just completed a unit in solving algebraic equations.  We will then begin a study of basic geometry.  Students will be encouraged to explain their thinking in this unit.  

As always, I am impressed by the thought processes of the students in my care.  I look forward to a productive second half of the school year!

                             Mrs. Kersey