Welcome to the

2012-13 School Year!

Mrs. Goheen’s 6th Grade APAAS Class

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Philosophy

“Simply learning is not enough.”

-unknown

GoalsFoster higher-level thinking by providing

opportunities for students to make connections between subject matter, the world around them, and their own lives

Inspire creativity and innovation to prepare children for a fulfilling career and the job market of the future

Create an energy charged environment in which thoughtful discourse is part of every day

Model and support compassion

Creativity and Innovation“Employers are complaining that

academic programs from schools to universities simply don’t teach what people need to know and be able to do. They want people who can think intuitively, who are imaginative and innovative, who can communicate well, work in teams and are flexible, adaptable and self confident.”

• - Ken Robinson

Original ResearchProblem solutionLocal issuesWorld issuesAreas of interest

Classroom Management

1. Mutual respect 2. Humor3. Clear, quick logical consequences

accompanied by consistent follow-through

HomeworkShould not exceed 1 ½ hours a night including 30

minutes of readingMeant to be a meaningful extension of the school dayMath is practice and thinking- quality over quantity

Expect some struggle. It is what we want them to do. Students need a quiet place to study

New research (New York Times) tells us that students should change study environments when possible

EdmodoWhat work is sent home?

Parent’s role

Serve as a guide when necessaryEdit written work but please do not

reviseSign homework if student is struggling too muchHugs and healthy treatsMonitor!

Late assignments

Incomplete math homework5 late assignments in one subject in

one trimester will mean a lower report card grade

A new trimester is a clean slate

Adolescents entering the adult world in the 21st century will read and write morethan at any other time in history. They will need advanced levels of literacy to perform their jobs, run their households, act as citizens, and conduct their personal lives.

-Richard Vacca

Authentic Literacy

Reading and Writing with purpose

Deep reading with pen in hand

Discussion/ argument

ReadingVariety of texts and types of mediaStudents make connectionsState standards- informational reading, literary

analysisFrequency

support areas of interestindependent reading level

Literature Circles (Depth and Complexity is emphasized)Written workDiscussionOral interview

Reading Log

Writing is the very litmus of thought….the very center of schooling.

-Ted Sizer

For all our talk about the importance of higher-order thinking, we continue to overlook the fact that writing, linked to close reading, is the workshop of thought-with an almost miraculous effect on students’ critical thinking.

-Mike Schmoker

WritingLots of it! Goals

Enjoyment (less stress): writing what we really mean to say not what we think someone else wants to hear

Think BookThinking about essential ideas across curriculum

Literature CirclesResponse and creative writing

Process piecesEmphasis on persuasive, narrative and compare contrastAlso include descriptive, response to literature

On-demand expanded timeRubric scored

SpeakingEssential skill in the 21st century

Support at home Eye contact, clear voice

In classFrequent presentations

Formal and informal Poetry – dual purpose

Performance TBD

MathGoals

Understanding the ‘why’Problem solving (non-routine problems)Concepts across the strands Computational skillsApplicationThe ability to have a conversation about

mathematics verbally and in writingFriday Morning Math Clinic (or as needed)

What do colleges want?Students who have taken advantage of the

highest levels of rigor offered by their high school.

“We do not care when a student takes a particular math course.” –Harvard, Yale

Students who make a long-term commitment to an interest/cause that reaches beyond the borders of their high school

Strong writersYoung people who have discovered a passion

Social StudiesGlobal AwarenessLong ago and far away……

Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, China, India, Greece, Rome

Connect to 2012-13 current eventsText, other print resources, pictures, videos

informational reading- independent note takingResearch reportNewspaper, CNN for StudentsIOLA, written assessments, group projects

ScienceSupport of Mrs. Leishman’s instructionText, pictures, videoInformational reading

Note taking skills (preparing for middle school and beyond)

Science Fair Project requiredOnline assessments with written component

P.E./HealthIntegrated with 6th grade – social skillsFlexibility, strength, endurance, coordinationExposure to sportsProper attire

SneakersLight colored shirtGirls- no skirts

Deodorant

APAAS EnrichmentDepth and complexity across the curriculumBrain ExplosionsShakespeareLiterature Circles/ Novel StudiesOriginal ResearchMath and ArtService Learning- student driven

Addresses 21st century goals, authentic experience

The discussion we have every day all day

The Adolescent ChildDesires greater independence- Don’t take it

personally.The push/pull beginsBegin to seek own identity – goodbye baby selfLook to peers for approvalStay positive or children can begin to seek negative

attentionRecommended reading: Get Out of My Life! (But first can you take me and

Cheryl to the mall?) by Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.DMindset by Carol DweckA Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink

Keys to Success

Participation – question, comment or answer

Willingness to make mistakesOrganizationStudy skills – build self-disciplineCareful parent involvement

6th Grade is Special!Leadership opportunitiesQuikscienceService LearningCIMI- March

FundraisingPayment schedule

Back Bay Bike Ride- May

Class Website

Textbook accessTest datesGeneral information Hand-outsAre you receiving e-mails?

School wide topicsPTA

Become a part of the Eastshore familyPTA is one of our greatest assets!

Lunch assistanceApply prior to October 1st

Technology/Library Use AgreementsVolunteer Screening

I promise to take good care of them.