Welcome to 6th Grade Core

Jann GeyerRoom 308, WCI

What is core?

Core is made up of three periods during the school day.

It covers Social Studies and English

Family Concept

Students are placed in “families” to provide smaller, more manageable groups of 6th grade peers. Students in a core family share the same math teacher, science teacher and one of two core teachers.

Your child is in this family: Jann Geyer - core Kirsti Davis- math Mike Delnista- science

Language Arts includes

reading,writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary development

Literature

The Language of Literature McDougall Littell Publisher

Variety of Novels: Color of My Words, Seed Folks, Boy of the Painted Cave, Single Shard, and choice novels

Independent reading program: Accelerated Reader

Reading Thoughts

Students should read each and every day of their lives. 

We know that our students who stay on grade level read two million words a year, including summer reading. 

  Reading matters. 

Writing

We write daily.

We will write narrative/memoir, an I Search (a beginning research paper), a traditional research paper, poetry, editorials, non-fiction, and response to literature.

Writing Thoughts

Students should write everyday- in class to show that I value it enough to spend precious time on writing.

And at home- to explore genres and topics outside of school expectations.

Writing well serves people in all walks of life.

Vocabulary and Spelling

Vocabulary: Wordly Wise A formal vocabulary program that all the

Core 6 classes use.  We’ll schedule one lesson every three weeks.

Spelling: We'll use the Wordly Wise

words as one source of spelling words, and

student’s writing as another. 

Ancient Civilizations

Archaeology, early humans, and early ancient civilizations of the world: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush, Israel, India, China, Greece, Rome.

Ancient Civilizations, Glencoe. We also use activities from TCI,

which emphasizes multi-sensory learning and problem solving skills.

Homework

Homework philosophy: Homework should not be onerous. It should involve practicing skills learned in class.

Reading for 25 minutes is a nightly homework assignment always. There are no exceptions.

Writing is a 15 minute nightly activity as well. Practice makes better. It also makes it easier to sit down and do it.

Use a timer to help reluctant readers and writers.

Grading - tests and quizzes

Tests and quizzes: are the assessments that give students and teachers feedback if the material is being studied or understood. Tests and quizzes are graded in the traditional way.

Grading - projects

We have a few projects throughout the year. They are graded on following directions, incorporation of lessons taught, understanding, insight, and effort.

I often give extra credit for projects completed for under $10.

WCI grading policy

6th grade core classes follow the grading guidelines for WCI.

Attempt to turn in all work on time.

Students are responsible for work they miss when they are absent. They have time to make up their work with no penalty.

Grades

Grades are posted approximately every two weeks. A progress report will be sent home mid-quarter from the core family teachers. If you have questions or want an update in between, please email me with a request.

jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us

Potential Trouble Spots

Not taking advantage of class time provided for work

Not reading directions Not completing homework Not turning in work, even though it

is done.

Parents Help Students

Read the website. Check your student’s backpack and

planner nightly. Set a timer for reluctant readers

and writers. Reward them for fulfilling the time obligation.

Email me and check in for weekly grade reports.

Parents Can Help The Classroom

Books you no longer need in your libraries can serve more readers here.

If you have time and inclination, you can help provide one on one attention to a student in need.

Particular knowledge or skill to share? Let’s talk.

All Core 6 Activities (maybe due to $ and program decimation)

1. Civic Arts walking trip to pottery

studio 2. Classroom visits by an drama

specialist and fine artist 3. Greco-Roman field day at the end of school in June

Communication

Feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email.

jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us

925-944-6840 x8308

Contact Information

Jann Geyer Room 308 jgeyer@wcsd.k12.ca.us Homework website:

http://www.walnutcreeksd.org AM Core 2nd,3rd, and 4th periods PM Core 5th, 6th and 7th periods