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 Kevin Lavin Dianne Sato

3. English Language Arts Common Core Standards Integration of Reading and Writing o When students are learning about reading, they are writing about their reading. o When students are learning about writing, they are reading to improve their writing.  Reading and Writing Go Together

4. Literacy Comprehending what is read Read a balance of literary and informational texts Read and annotate texts Write using text evidence Building vocabulary Collaborative small group work

5. 6 th Grade Literacy Expectations Read a minimum of 1,200 pages per quarter. Be prepared for 60 minutes of independent reading in school Have more than one independent reading book at school Participate in small group discussions during mini-lessons and guided reading Read and write at home Type in Googledocs

6. Reading Research The major finders –The amount of reading is related to reading achievement. –Reading at home = higher academic achievement

7. 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

8. One Literacy Grade Quarter 1 Guided Reading - 15% Common Assessment - 85% –Reading Midterm and Final –Writing Process Pieces Quarter 2, 3, & 4 Guided Reading -15% Language – 15% Common Assessment - 70% –Reading Midterm and Final –Writing Process Pieces

9. Aligned to the English Language Arts Common Core Standards Literacy instruction is aligned to the Common Core Standards o Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Writing Teachers College: Columbia University o Reading instruction is aligned to the Common Core Standards Planned as a 6 th grade teacher team

10. Author Visit Gary Schmidt October 26, 2015 You may purchase books through the school until September 18 th.

11. Math- presented by Kevin Lavin College Preparatory Math (grades 6-12) Grade is based on the child’s level of understanding Focus is on: –Problem-solving –Developing new ways of thinking –Building connections & explaining their thinking

12. Math- continued WE LEARN… 10% of what we READ 20% of what we HEAR 30% of what we SEE 50% of what we SEE AND HEAR 70% of what we DISCUSS 80% of what we EXPERIENCE 95% of what we TEACH OTHERS

13. Math- continued Cooperative learning is key –Groups of 4 –Team Roles Interacting and communicating with team members enlightens the group to different perspectives Problems can be solved in multiple ways Every child has something important to share

14. Math- continued The teacher is there to support/facilitate We want to develop the child’s ability to think and investigate for him/herself Topics are continuously revisited (spiral) and connected in homework & tests - 60% current, 40% previous Success= active participation and new, deeper understanding of math

15. Math- continued 85% of your child’s grade will be designated for Common Assessments. Chapter Tests (Three – Five Per Quarter) CheckPoint Quizzes (Two Per Quarter)* 15% of your child’s grade will be designated for Team Tasks. Team Tests Team Projects Students can retake CheckPoints

16. Math- continued CPM has created a multitude of resources for you, as parents, to utilize –Homework help –Parent guide –Extra practice Find these and more at cpm.org!

17. Science-presented by Debbie Bonacci Guided Inquiry Approach Cells Rocks and Minerals Chemistry Soil Science will be taught in quarters one and four. Grades will be based on midterm and common assessments (85%) and team tests (15%).  Three ring binder is needed for class.  Books will be passed out with each unit.

18. Social Studies-presented by Debbie Bonacci 6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Six units: India, Past and Present Middle East, Past and Present Africa, Past and Present East Asia, Past and Present Australia and Oceania Europe Grades will be based on midterm and common assessments (85%) and team tests (15%). Binder is needed for class. This is a great place to see what your child is learning.  We welcome show and tell items and guest speakers that fit with curriculum.

19. Common Assessments- Kevin Lavin Avoid making appointments on these days. Common Assessments- Must be signed by a parent/guardian 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. Great idea to use to study for assessments.

20. Success Criteria/Learning Targets Debbie Bonacci state indicators for 6th grade terrific study tool for the assessment found in the binder for each subject filled out by the student

21. Homework/FIS- Kevin Lavin Practice No more than an hour a night Use the agenda Posted on website Homework is lighter on the weekends. A homework DROP SPOT is a great idea. Students are discouraged from calling home to bring in forgotten items-SORRY!

22. Team Discipline -Debbie Bonacci 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 POSITIVE BE POLITE BE PROMPT BE PREPARED BE PRODUCTIVE BE PERSISTENT Rewards Positive note home, Call home, Chip in jar, Prize bin, Luncheon, Quiet ball, Sent to Mrs. Minneard or Mr. Schiarabba for a positive meeting * Be sure to look at the behavior checklist each week as you sign your child’s agenda. ( Signatures are due on Monday-or first day of week.)

23. Snack Time is at the start of first rotation (10:50-11:05). Please send a healthy snack!

24. Activity Period- Dianne Sato Every morning from 8:45-9:20. The activity period teacher takes attendance and lunch count each day. Please ask your child for his or her schedule. If you need to make appointments-this time is the best, rather than during rotations.

25. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Our team, along with the administration will be requesting conferences as needed. These conferences are meant for students that may be struggling and need additional support. As always, conferences occur at OMS year-round. If you need to arrange a conference at any time during the school year, please contact the OMS Guidance Office.