Welcome to Grade 6

With the start of a new year, we have a few routines to build into our schedule so that we all keep on track. At first it may seem overwhelming, but once we familiarize ourselves with the schedules, everything falls into place.

In spelling, students work on one unit per week. We correct the questions on Thursdays and do the spelling tests on Fridays. My beliefs for the questions are that they are set up to promote creative thinking. Reading is very important with these questions. Especially at the beginning of the year, try your best and make adjustments when necessary (for example, simplify the question if it's too complicated). I prefer seeing a student's creative version of their understanding of the question rather than saying "I didn't understand" as an excuse for not doing the homework.

My two goals for book reports are to ensure that students realize that reading can be an ongoing fun pass time and that writing is an important way to share your ideas and opinions. First, please make sure that you chose a story that is appropriate for your reading level. If you choose a book that is too difficult, you will feel overwhelmed or not have enough time to complete the project. Conversely, if you choose a book that is too easy, you will not be challenging yourself. Usually for grade 6s, I recommend 100 pages. Second, writing is not a one-time deal or a one-layer experience. Collect your evidence during the whole process. In other words, for handing in the project, I want to see everything from your first brainstorming rough copy notes, your revisions and editing to your final copy. Finally, please remember that if you copy your answers from the internet or the back of the book, you are only cheating yourself. Take this opportunity to invest in yourself.

We will be having an exciting new learning experience together this year as our grade 6 class has a new Math program/textbook, "Math Makes Sense." Sometimes the homework might be to just read and preview the exercises before the next day. Why? On average it takes a person seven times to learn new information. As a parent myself, I know that sometimes it's frustrating or tempting to "tell" our children the answers in the essence of time; however, remember the above rule, and think about the homework as one of the seven times. We will cover the material again the next class and there is no need to feel like the skill has to be mastered the first night.

Another routine assignment will be the "Problem of the Week" aka POW. Because these problems are assigned to develop students' Math strategy skills, I rarely provide a similar problem as an example. In contrast, we discuss the various Math strategies, which ones are more likely to help with solving the problem and how to set ourselves up to narrow down to the answer. The problem is assigned on Monday and to be handed in on Friday. To not steal anyone's chance to solve the problem independently, I prefer students who need extra help in Math to read the problem Monday night and ask for help at Tuesday lunch.

To promote a wider understanding of the topics, the students will have research projects to complete. For example, each student will contribute to "A Zoo in Grade 6" classroom project or will build an electrical project. Please remember that these research projects are another way to promote creativity, enquiry and decision making. The projects are about learning independently, with family or with friends. You choose. My main request is that your presentation makes an impact on the audience. In other words, we want to be "WOWed" by the information and your style of presentation. Be prepared and have fun!!

Remember: Homework is an activity to help students familiarize themselves with new vocabulary and concepts. Please don't worry about getting the answers perfect. We will correct them together in class and then use the corrected work for grading.