1. Late Bloomers Some children have a more difficult time achieving in school. In many cases, these children are “late bloomers”. Many important people have had rough beginnings, yet have persevered, and have gone on to greatness. Beethoven’s music teacher said that as a composer, he was hopeless. Edison’s teacher told him he was unable to learn. Einstein couldn’t speak until the age of 4, and couldn’t read until the age of 7. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because he “had no good ideas”. Henry Ford was once evaluated as “showing no promise”. Isaac Newton’s work in elementary school was “rather poor”.

2. WELCOME TO CURRICULUM NIGHT Debbie Bonacci Dianne Sato Becky Hamid

3. Language Arts- presented by Dianne Sato Comprehensive Literacy ***Reading, Writing, Word Study The Solon City Schools district policy- Differentiation –Whole group –Small group –Individually Independent reading book Reading logs 3 on rubric is end of year goal Vocabulary emphasis

4. Research for Reading Correlational studies The major finders were: –The amount of reading is related to their reading achievement. –Reading at home = higher achievement

5. Reading Benefits Achievement percentileMinutes of reading per day Words per year 90 th 40.42,357,000 50 th 12.9601,000 10 th 1.651,000

6. Math- presented by Becky Hamid Curriculum is not the text Grade is not based on a percent – It is based on the child’s level of understanding. First in Math

7. P2: Use words and symbols to describe numerical and geometric patterns, rules and functions. Question #Possible Point ValueEarned Point Value 181 192 201 211 221 231 Level of Understanding for P2 concepts: FullMostSomeLittleNone

8. Science- presented by Dianne Sato Guided Inquiry Approach Rocks and Minerals Energy in the Environment Chemistry Cells and Heredity Each unit will constitute a large chunk if not all of that grading period. Assessments in science: Process labs Application worksheets (formative) Final unit (summative) Vocabulary knowledge is necessary to answer application type questions. Links from my websites

9. Social Studies-presented by Debbie Bonacci 6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum World Geography Ancient River Civilizations- WEB QUEST West Asia- RELIGIONS (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism) Africa- GOVERNMENTS East Asia- ECONOMICS South America- MAYA, INCA, and AZTEC Europe Please share personal experiences MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS: Loose leaf paper 1 binder Books are provided in class for certain units

10. Social Studies Environment Curriculum is presented whole to part with emphasis on big concepts. Pursuit of student questions is highly valued. Students are viewed as thinkers! Teachers work in an interactive manner with students. Students work primarily together in groups to develop thinking. Assessment of student learning in interwoven with teaching.

11. Achievement Tests and District Assessments- Debbie Bonacci Reading Achievement Test: April 26th Math Achievement Test: April 27th Practice math achievement given in two parts. Avoid making appointments on these days. Common Assessments Formative Assessments: (exit slip/entrance slip)- a type of in class “quiz” given to check each child’s understanding along the way. These provide information as to who needs intervention/enrichment. Writing Assessments- Quarterly writing assessments will be given to all 6th grade classes. These are given in order to see progress at different stages during the year.

12. Success Criteria Packet state indicators for 6th grade terrific study tool for the assessment found in the binder for each subject filled out by the student “We are learning to”…. “We are looking for”…

13. Grading- Becky Hamid Rubrics are used to grade writing. (Mechanics, Expository, Narrative, Persuasive) Reading is a letter grade- see the grading guidelines in the report card envelope. Science and Social Studies and Math are letter grades based on the grading guidelines-not a percentage grade.

14. Math is a letter grade- grading guidelines will also be in the report card envelope Word Study is a continuum number Interims- students below (change) Report cards- given every nine weeks

15. Homework/FIS- Debbie Bonacci Practice No more than an hour a night Use the agenda Posted on website Homework free weekends A homework DROP SPOT is a great idea.

16. Team Discipline Code-Dianne Sato Team Rules I keep hands, feet, and objects to myself. I bring appropriate materials to class. I raise my hand and wait to be called on. I follow directions the first time given. I keep classroom materials in the proper place, in an orderly fashion. School Rules BE PROMPT Be POLITE BE PREPARED BE PRODUCTIVE Rewards Positive note home, Call home, Chip in jar, Prize bin, Luncheon, Quiet ball, Sent to Mr. Acomb or Mrs. Bell for a positive meeting *Be sure to look at the behavior checklist each week as you sign your child’s agenda!