This past week, we have focused on computing with decimals in math. We worked with adding, subtracting, and multiplying and then applied our skills to several problem solving assignments. This week we will focus on dividing with decimals. I feel confident that the sixth graders understand how to do the computations, but careless errors have been an issue. These careless errors have definitely impacted the grades students earned on their assignments. We also talked about the importance of not letting work go until the last minute and finishing strong on assignments.
Several students have talked to me about their need for more practice to in order to build their confidence and others have asked me how they could improve their grades. On Tuesday, I will give each student a copy of their grade report to give them an idea of their current standing in math. Those students who would like to do an extra credit assignment which would boost their grade will be invited to meet with me at noon. We will do a quick review before I give them the extra credit assignment which will be due on Friday. These extra points will be figured into their grade before mid-term reports are mailed out after Thanksgiving break.
Please remember you can track your student's progress on Campus. If you have any questions about your child's progress please be sure to contact me.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Johnson's Journal November 11, 2013
The students in Mrs.Suntken's homeroom have earned the right to bring a snack tomorrow (Tuesday) to eat during math class. Congratulations!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Johnson's Journal November 10, 2013
I have just finished reading all the dialogues your sixth graders wrote about life at Border Cave. I didn't realize there were so many talented, creative writers in this class! They were a pleasure to read and showed that the students have a good understanding of what life was like 70,000 years ago at Border Cave. One set of dialogues was compiled into a book for all to enjoy in the classroom, and the other set was copied so that each sixth grader and their family can have a set of the dialogues to enjoy at home.
I have asked the sixth graders to put their writing talents to use again. This time they are writing an essay about how technology has changed from the Old Stone Age to 2013. Your child should be asking you to help in the edit and revising process tomorrow (Monday). Final copies are to be typed or written in cursive using blue or black ink. Due dates are Tuesday for 6-2 and Wednesday for 6-1 (I hope I didn't switch those dates around!!)
Our math work this week will continue to focus on adding, subtracting and multiplying with decimals. A problem solving assignment will be given on Monday which is due on Thursday. Tuesday we will be focusing on making corrections to a multiplication assignment. Wednesday's assignment requires the students to apply the skills they've learned about multiplying with decimals to story problems. Thursday and Friday we will focus on assignments where all three operations will appear on the same assignment. This gets a bit dicey since there are different rules for setting up addition and subtraction problems than multiplication problems and then you have to think about which rule should be used for placing the decimal point in the answer. I am confident the sixth graders can handle the challenge!
Just a reminder that there will be no classes next Monday due to teacher inservice!
I have asked the sixth graders to put their writing talents to use again. This time they are writing an essay about how technology has changed from the Old Stone Age to 2013. Your child should be asking you to help in the edit and revising process tomorrow (Monday). Final copies are to be typed or written in cursive using blue or black ink. Due dates are Tuesday for 6-2 and Wednesday for 6-1 (I hope I didn't switch those dates around!!)
Our math work this week will continue to focus on adding, subtracting and multiplying with decimals. A problem solving assignment will be given on Monday which is due on Thursday. Tuesday we will be focusing on making corrections to a multiplication assignment. Wednesday's assignment requires the students to apply the skills they've learned about multiplying with decimals to story problems. Thursday and Friday we will focus on assignments where all three operations will appear on the same assignment. This gets a bit dicey since there are different rules for setting up addition and subtraction problems than multiplication problems and then you have to think about which rule should be used for placing the decimal point in the answer. I am confident the sixth graders can handle the challenge!
Just a reminder that there will be no classes next Monday due to teacher inservice!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Johnson's Journal November 1, 2013
It's hard to believe that October is already behind us. Once again, the sixth graders reached their goal of earning 1700 Dojos as a class and as a reward they have chosen to Silly String me and Mrs. Suntken on Tuesday. We will each provide one can of Silly String but have consented to the kids can bringing in their own can if they want to add to the mess. The things we will agree to encourage positive behavior! They also chose their individual prizes that they earned today.
On Monday, we will spend the math period reviewing decimal concepts such as comparing and ordering, rounding, and estimating answers. They will then be assigned a take home quiz which is due Tuesday. The rest of the week we will work with computing with decimals. We will start with adding and subtracting and move on to multiplication by Thursday. There will be an assignment each night this week. Check planners for the specific assignment. These concepts are not hard but carelessness could be an issue!
I am very excited to read the final dialogues crafted by the sixth graders demonstrating their understanding of what life was like at Border Cave during the Old Stone Age. We will publish two--one will be a handwritten copy done in ink and finished off with an illustration (due Tuesday) and one will be done on the word processor. Both sets will be published and bound as books for all to enjoy!
Don't forget that picture retakes are on Tuesday. If your child did not have his/her picture taken in October they need to have a picture taken so they will be included on the class composite. If your child's first pictures didn't turn out well and you want to have them retaken, please be sure to send the original package with your child on Monday. Also, be sure to have them remind me that they need to have their picture taken!
Have an enjoyable weekend!
On Monday, we will spend the math period reviewing decimal concepts such as comparing and ordering, rounding, and estimating answers. They will then be assigned a take home quiz which is due Tuesday. The rest of the week we will work with computing with decimals. We will start with adding and subtracting and move on to multiplication by Thursday. There will be an assignment each night this week. Check planners for the specific assignment. These concepts are not hard but carelessness could be an issue!
I am very excited to read the final dialogues crafted by the sixth graders demonstrating their understanding of what life was like at Border Cave during the Old Stone Age. We will publish two--one will be a handwritten copy done in ink and finished off with an illustration (due Tuesday) and one will be done on the word processor. Both sets will be published and bound as books for all to enjoy!
Don't forget that picture retakes are on Tuesday. If your child did not have his/her picture taken in October they need to have a picture taken so they will be included on the class composite. If your child's first pictures didn't turn out well and you want to have them retaken, please be sure to send the original package with your child on Monday. Also, be sure to have them remind me that they need to have their picture taken!
Have an enjoyable weekend!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Johnson's Journal October 30
In Social Studies, the sixth graders have been working hard on creating dialogues in which they are applying skills taught in language arts and demonstrating an understanding of what life was like at Border Cave. They are off to a great start but now need a bit of help from you. They have written four dialogues and are now ready to have their work edited and make any revisions necessary to improve their work. Would you please look over the dialogues your child has written and help them with this process by Friday? Evidence of editing and revisions will result in extra points on your student's final grade for this project. On Friday, we will be ready to start our final drafts which will be published so I am looking for high quality work. Thanks for your help in this process!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Johnson's Journal October 28, 2013
Happy Halloween to all of you!
Just a reminder that the sixth graders will celebrate Halloween on Thursday with a movie. They may bring a snack and a beverage to enjoy during the movie if they desire. The kids all know what size beverage is acceptable to Mrs. Suntken and me! They do not dress up or wear make-up for the day or participate in the parade.
Just a reminder that the sixth graders will celebrate Halloween on Thursday with a movie. They may bring a snack and a beverage to enjoy during the movie if they desire. The kids all know what size beverage is acceptable to Mrs. Suntken and me! They do not dress up or wear make-up for the day or participate in the parade.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Johnson's Journal October 18, 2013
This weeks brings MAP testing to sixth grade. This is a test that all students at Jacobson take. The information from this test enables me to see the strengths of your learner, skills that he/she is ready to learn, and areas where further work is needed. This is an online test; the sixth graders will take their Language Arts test Monday, the math test on Tuesday, and the reading test will be taken on Thursday. Each test takes about an hour. As with any task, students are encouraged to give their best effort as the information from this test is valuable when planning instruction.
Our new math unit focuses on decimals. We will work with decimal concepts such as place value, comparing and ordering, and rounding this week. We will then move into computing with decimals. Being on top of basic addition and subtraction facts, as well as multiplication and division facts is a must in this unit!
We wrapped up our cells and heredity unit last week, and will switch gears and begin a social studies unit this week. Sixth grade social studies focuses on world history, and the first unit finds us looking at early man and the technology he developed. I look forward to lots of interesting conversations as we discuss what technology is and how it has changed over the years. By the end of the week, we will be diving in to a writing project in which the sixth graders will be applying the skills Mrs. Suntken has taught them about writing dialogue and demonstrating an understanding of what life would have been like more than 40,000 years ago at Border Cave. Your child will be asking you for help editing and revising his/her work by the end of the week. I hope you enjoy what your learner has written! I am looking forward to seeing what they create!
I would like to encourage you to regularly check your student's Take Home folder. Unfortunately, there are quite a few kids who seem to be competing to see who can collect the most papers in their folder. Take a look at your child's work. Are you pleased with the quality of the work they are doing? If so, encourage them to keep up the good work! By checking the work that they have completed and that has been checked and/or graded, you will have a clear picture of your child's progress. The Campus gradebook gives you part of the picture, but I think you will have an even clearer picture by looking at all the work they have completed. If you see something you have questions about, please contact me if your student can't answer your questions. If your child knows you are interested in their work and their progress, they will be more motivated to give their best effort! Thanks for being a partner in your child's education!!!