Your students are entering an exciting, structured, writing program.  The writing assignments are carefully designed to instill the love of writing.  The daily Writing Workshop is a very special time - active writing every day.  Experience has shown that students love it.  They become empowered to share their thoughts.  Skills and confidence will blossom. 

Students will learn to effectively write persuasive, expository, and descriptive essays.  Additionally they will write several letters and thank you notes throughout the year.  Students will sharpen their interview skills with a highly-rewarding family biography assignment to be explained in November. 

Students will study four large curriculum topics during the year, interspersed with smaller units.  We have begun with a unit on Scientific Inquiry.  This unit will take much of the first quarter and will culminate with the Clissold Science Fair.  In class, students are learning the scientific process with numerous supportive and reinforcing activities.  Students will be very familiar with the process and the requirements.  I have attached a schedule of Science Fair deadlines.  Later in the year, we will study Cells, Ecology, Earth's Dynamic Forces, and Genetics. 

Welcome to 6th grade and a new school year.  We can already sense that students came to school ready to learn.  There is a wonderful enthusiasm coursing through the group.  Sixth grade is Level 1 of our International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) and students have had their first orientation to this international program.  Students have a new class this year call IB tech. 

Next week students will begin creating math games.  This assignment will take approximately three weeks.  Students will work in teams and select their own partners.

The purpose of the game will be to teach a math concept to other kids.  Each group may decide on targeted ages and objectives.  They will design all the components: board, cards, movers, spinners, etc.  They will also write clear and complete instructions and complete a process journal during all stages of the design process.

Students will test their games on classmates.  Peers will evaluate each game.  Students will use the feedback to revise the plan and make changes before making their final presentation.

Final presentations will be scored on neatness, content, clarity of rules, presentation, and creativity. 

Although most of the work will be done in class, your child may need some minimal supplies and may wish to brainstorm their ideas with you. 

I have attached documents that your child will receive for this assignment.