Writers work on book to use in Rise 'n Shine

In writer’s workshop today we worked more on our book for Rise ‘n Shine.  Each student was given a word that we will use in the book and asked to look it up and write five ways it could relate to Broadmoore.  For example, “Courageous means telling an adult if a bully is picking on someone.”

In science we had to identify the parts of an experiment and find the independent and dependent variables in given examples.  We also found one more way to show energy using our energy bags.  Then we added the drawing, including labels and directions, to our science notebook.

Spelling test tomorrow!

Class works on spelling activities

Today in spelling we did some practice activities by using them correctly, finding correctly spelled words and misspelled words.  We also had to write a sentence using 2 given words from list or 2 sentences using one of each of the 2 words.

In Writer’s Workshop we continued discussion about book we are writing for Rise ‘n Shine.

In science, I allowed a few minutes for the few who didn’t finish their tests yesterday.  If anyone didn’t finish in today’s allotted time, he/she will have to come in at recess to do this.  We then took an experiment and wrote a hypothesis, identified the independent and dependent variables, and wrote a conclusion.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Writers respond in peer conferences

In Writer’s Workshop we worked on a piece already started.  We wrote for several minutes then traded papers with our peers.  We then filled out a peer-response sheet.  It had a place to write what the reader liked, a place for any suggestions, and ended with their favorite part of the author’s piece.

In science we took our first test over the tools, equipment, and scientific method.

Have a great Tuesday!

Sixth graders to present Rise 'n Shine program by adapting book

We took our pretest in spelling and corrected our words.

We also discussed our Rise ‘n Shine which will be September 24^th.  We will be working on book that is similar to one I use in class.  Ours will make it relate to Broadmoore, specifically.  We will work on this during some of our writer’s workshop time.

In science we reviewed for our test tomorrow.  We also glued steps of the scientific process in order.  Lastly, I got out the energy bags and first we explored them before beginning our assignment.

Young authors look at ways to improve their writing

Today in Writer’s Workshop we discussed and modeled how to improve on writing.  We then did a quick write, and picked out parts of speech.  It is my philosophy that parts of speech and other mechanics of writing are taught better through the children’s writings.  We also checked over our punctuation practice from yesterday. 

Today was computer lab day for science.

Have a great weekend!

Sixth grade authors do a 'silent write' in writers's workshop

Today in writer's workshop, we did a "silent write," where students connected with their ideas and got them into their writer's notebooks. Writing is such an important activity for sixth graders -- it helps them to articulate their thoughts and tell their stories, plus it helps them to develop as readers.  In fact, one of the best ways to improve reading is to write, because all proficient writers are proficient readers.

We also did a language arts exercise on sentence-ending punctuation.

In science, we reviewed lab safety and equipment and talked about variables and how scientists use variables to move from the unknown to the known.

Have a great Thursday evening with your family.

Nap time for 6th grade? Maybe that's not such a bad idea

The deadline for book orders has been extended through tomorrow.

It was good to be back today.  We were all a little tired and one student even said he wished we could have nap time in 6^th grade.  I thought that was funny, and I knew how he felt.

Since it is a short school week, we will not be having a spelling list this week.  Since my substitute was very difficult to understand, I did not take grades on Friday’s spelling test.  I knew something was wrong when I graded them.  I had way too many bad grades.  When that many don’t do well, it isn’t because they didn’t study!  We did look over the words today, though.  We, then, chose 2 words and found an antonym, found a synonym, wrote the definition, drew a picture, used it in a sentence, and found words using only the letters in the given word. 

In science, the sub also didn’t allow the students to take the assignment home for completion, so after our challenge question and discussion, time was given to work on that. 

I have extended book orders until tomorrow.  Some forgot theirs.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.