IMS 6th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies

My Background Seattle area 20 years Certified Teacher: Middle Level Humanities & 9 th -12 th Grade English and German Issaquah School District—Substitute & Full- Time

Why do I teach? I want to provide ALL students with the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to ensure a rich and fulfilling future. I want to inspire them to achieve their very best each day and to view learning as a lifelong endeavor. FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: Confidence + Hard Work + Perseverance

Language Arts Independent Reading 35 Reading Points CHOICE: Worksheet Activities Drawing Comic Strip 5 Minute Book Talk

Language Arts Vocabulary Greek and Latin Roots SAT vocabulary cartoons Vocabulary strategies Presented Mondays--Quiz Fridays

Language Arts Trimester I Reading Fiction Plot, Conflict, Character, Point of View Short Stories & The Cay Reading Informational Text--Scope Writing Narrative (Smarter Balanced Rubric)

Language Arts Trimester II Reading Fiction Theme, Mood, Tone, Style Short Stories & The Giver Reading Informational Text--Scope Writing Expository (Smarter Balanced Rubric)

Language Arts Trimester III Reading Fiction Poetry & Myths Reading Informational Text Scope & Biographies Writing Persuasive (Smarter Balanced Rubric)

Language Arts Speaking and Listening Individual and Group Presentations Graded Discussions Collaborative Work

Reading Strategies Collaborative Strategic Reading Informational Text Preview Click and Clunk (“get it” or don’t) Get the Gist (Main Idea) Wrap Up (Questions and Review)

Reading Strategies Notice and Note Fiction Signposts Contrasts and Contradictions Aha moments Tough Questions character raises Words of the Wiser Again and Again

Homework Average Amount = 10 minutes/night Independent Reading & Vocabulary Finishing up any class work (most days ample time for this) Posted on website

Classroom Website Daily Blog Click on each date for complete information—color coded for period and subject Files (Important Documents) Syllabus, Major Assignments Links Finding an independent reading book

Please complete the Parent Survey.

Social Studies History Geography Civics Economics Critical Thinking

Social Studies Historical Perspective Uses knowledge of the past to construct meaningful understanding of our history in order to enrich and enlighten our lives

Social Studies Geographic Perspective Uses knowledge of geographical concepts such as spatial patterns, and both human and natural systems, to understand processes that impact our world.

Social Studies Civic Perspective Uses knowledge of government, law, and politics to make decisions about and take action on local, national, and international issues to further the public good

Social Studies Economic Perspective Uses knowledge of production, distribution, and consumption within economics to make decisions.

Social Studies Critical Thinking Skills Used to investigate and analyze a variety of resources and issues and seek answers

Social Studies Trimester I Geography (landforms, maps) Early Humans (hunters/gatherers) Mesopotamia (agriculture)

Social Studies Trimester II Ancient Egypt Gift of the Nile Life in ancient Egypt Pyramid Builders The New Kingdom

Trimester II (continued) Ancient Greece Beliefs and Customs City States and Democracy Sparta and Athens Golden Age Alexander the Great Legacies

Social Studies Trimester III Ancient Rome Republic Empire Daily Life Empire’s Decline Legacies

Trimester III (continued) The Rise of Christianity The Early Church A Christian Europe

Homework Average Amount = 10 minutes/night Reinforcing class learning or preparation for following day Posted on website

Classroom Website Daily Blog Click on each date for complete information Files (Important Documents) Syllabus, Major Assignments Links CNN Student News

Having FUN!!! Movies and video clips to introduce and enhance learning Simulations/Dramatizations Integrating students’ interests into lessons Games Group Work

How can you help? Quiet place to study without interruptions (no cell phone, no TV) Be sure your child is recording homework and due dates in planner Check website for essay, project, and test dates—help student learn to organize/manage time (use student planner)

Contact Information and Extra Help CONTACT: Phone: Leave message on voice mail: EXTRA HELP: After school--Best to make appointment

Thank you for coming!