2. Course Syllabus 6th Grade Social Studies covers several areas of history mandated by the NJ State Department of Education in its Core Curriculum Content Standards. From September through June, we will complete the American History requirements outlined in the NJCCCS including an examination of the beginnings of our country. We will begin with the first Americans, go through the Revolutionary War, and end with the War of 1812. Throughout the year, we will create constant and meaningful connections to the 21st Century to accurately show our students the relevancy of the eras we will be studying.

3. First Americans Exploring the Americas Colonial America Life in the American Colonies The Spirit of Independence The American Revolution A More Perfect Union The Constitution The Federalist Era The Jefferson Era Curricular Sequencing American History

4. Materials Needed Daily Interactive Notebook--- a composition which houses all of your S.S. notes and assignments (5 needed for the year) Pencil pouch - pens, pencils, etc. Agenda book- keep track of test dates, long-term assignments, and homework Chromebook Students welcome to bring personal headphones

5. Classroom Systems Absentee Files– System where handouts are available, if necessary for the day’s lesson. This is where you go to get what you missed. Class notes and resource materials can be found online. If you are absent, you should look for these online to keep up with what is going on in class. Chrome Books- used to access the online textbook series. Students will be assigned a chrome book to be used IN CLASS. Students will be RESPONSIBLE for the CARE of the chrome book assigned to them. More information to come. Please be aware of sign out and drill procedures for your classroom.

6. Tests All tests are based on the text and information located in your interactive notebook There are usually 2 or more tests per marking period Tests are announced at least 2 weeks in advance; in fact, they are usually posted in the chapter planner/study guide for each unit. Tests are designed to show application of knowledge. Examples are essays, open ended questions, primary source analysis, map analysis, etc.

7. Grading Grades reflect the demonstration of knowledge and the understanding of concepts. Tests 30% Quizzes/Concept Checks 25% Graded Work 15% Notebook 20% Homework 10%

8. Studytools Studytools are active methods of studying (such as- flashcards, sequence cards, outlining, bulleted list, practice tests, etc) A detailed list of studytools will be provided for you to choose from (in your notebook and on google classroom) Students will create 10 study tools per lesson, so they will need to prioritize (make study tools for the most difficult terms, not the easiest) Studytools will be checked and graded as homework and are due on the day of quizzes Your homework on a weekly basis is to create a studytool for the information that was presented in class that day CAUTION! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE THEY ARE DUE --- MAKING THE STUDYTOOL IS ONLY STEP 1, YOU MUST USE THEM NIGHTLY TO EFFECTIVELY STUDY

9. Stations/Graded Work Stations are assigned after the lesson has been taught Stations are designed to extend and enforce your knowledge of a topic and are creative in nature Stations are done both as group work and independently Stations are due the day of the quiz Stations should show your understanding of the objective(s) Graded work consists of other various assignments/activities in addition to Achieve throughout the year

10. Achieve This year, Achieve counts as graded work. Achieve articles will be assigned by the teacher, and the score will be used. You are allowed to replace that score by completing another article of your choice. You have until the end of the marking period to replace scores. You may do this as time allows (during ELO, on Fridays, when finished with classwork, etc.) You may do achieve at home, but activities done at home do not count in the gradebook.

11. The Interactive Notebook Is your lifeline for this class All teacher provided notes will be taped or glued into the right side page Any summary notes taken at the end of the lesson will go on the right side pages Demonstration of your understanding of the concept is done on the left side page using one of the left side strategies A list of these strategies will be taped into your notebook The Interactive Notebook will be “spot-checked” weekly on the day of the quiz in addition to periodic checks throughout the marking period. For each lesson, the teacher will assign one activity, and then you will choose one activity. (total of 2 per lesson)

12. Homework Students are expected to copy homework in their planners and it is available on google classroom as well Reading will be assigned weekly - generally providing students with multiple days for completion Reading is “active” in nature and will require you to reflect, write, summarize, answer questions, etc. Reading homework will be scored on a scale of 1-10 based on completion and thoughtfulness of responses In general, homework assignments are long-term and require time management. Students should plan on spending 20-30 minutes a night on social studies in order to avoid being overwhelmed the night before a due date. Typical weekly homework: reading assignment, completing stations, making study tools, finishing left side reflections, checking over notebook for completion of activities done in class, and studying for quizzes/preparing for a test. Many students are able to finish many assignments in class if they are using class time well.

13. Late Homework If an assignment is not handed in on the due date students must still hand in the assignment. Students will have until the notebook check (the day of the quiz) to complete the assignment, at which time they can earn back half of the points (5/10). (If you are absent due to illness you will receive full credit.) No homework will be accepted after that time. If you are absent due to anything besides illness, you must hand in all assignments upon return. One exception: study tools can not be handed in late. If you do not have them the day of the quiz, it is a “O” and cannot be made up.

14. Typical Week Monday and Tuesday: Teacher presents the week’s lesson via google presentation. Students receive a copy for their notebook and it will also be available on google classroom. Students should write one “I Say” per page. Students will be assigned one left side reflection and will choose one left side lesson per lesson. Students are assigned reading homwork to go along with the lesson. Wednesday/Thursday: Students will work on activities in stations. Stations are due the day of the quiz and count as graded work. Friday: Students usually work on achieve and finishing stations, study tools, and left side reflections. *Quizzes are usually on Mondays/Tuesdays. Please note that study tools, stations, and notebook activities are due the day of the quiz.