With the addition of our Chromebooks, our sixth graders have been able to do some exciting techology activities! One that they are currently working on is creating a Science report about an element. A report doesn't sound very exciting, but the completed report is no normal report. Rather, it is a webpage, complete with links, graphics, and text.
I had hoped to complete the webpages prior to Thanksgiving break, but our schedule was such that time did not allow. The webpages should be completed by the end of the evening on the Wednesday after break, November 30, 2016.
Please find HERE a copy of the instruction sheet that each sixth grader received. Elements have been chosen and students should have logged in to make their initial webpage. Most students have begun their research, and some have started typing text into their pages. This coming week, students will learn how to copy/paste the links into their webpages and how to download/upload photos.
Please encourage your sixth grader to be working on this so that the pages are completed on time.
HERE is the link to view all of the webpages created by our sixth graders!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Music Makes Learning More Fun...
... and really helps students remember information more readily!
How many of you can still sing a commercial jingle from your childhood? Amazing, isn't it? Music accesses multiple areas of brain so when we learn a song we are using more of our brain than if we just memorize a poem or math facts. However, if we add music to memorizing that poem or those facts our brains will store the words more readily, the information moves into our long term memory. Because of this, I often try to add songs to Science, Religion, or Language Arts class to help our students remember important (and often challenging) information.
Here are a few songs we've already learned this year. You might recognize one or two.
Stop back again as I'll be adding more as the year goes on!
How many of you can still sing a commercial jingle from your childhood? Amazing, isn't it? Music accesses multiple areas of brain so when we learn a song we are using more of our brain than if we just memorize a poem or math facts. However, if we add music to memorizing that poem or those facts our brains will store the words more readily, the information moves into our long term memory. Because of this, I often try to add songs to Science, Religion, or Language Arts class to help our students remember important (and often challenging) information.
Here are a few songs we've already learned this year. You might recognize one or two.
Stop back again as I'll be adding more as the year goes on!
Friday, October 21, 2016
Sweet DNA
Our sixth graders have been at it again! What's IT, you might ask? Science and candy! This time they have been learning about DNA, the building block of life and have been building models of this important molecule using Twizzlers, toothpicks, and colored marshmallows. As part of the project the students were to take home their molecule and teach parents about the importance of DNA. The molecules were a SWEET SUCCESS, and a great way to end our study of cells and cellular structures.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Plant Cell Model Cookies
Our sixth graders have been studying about the taxonomy of living organisms. Among the concepts introduced to them are the structures and functions of cellular organelles. Loads of new vocabulary words are presented to our students during this unit of study. To help them internalize the words and make concrete connections our students made models of plant cells using pop-tarts, frosting, and various candies.
Let's hope our cookies lead to sweet success in learning the cellular organelles!
Let's hope our cookies lead to sweet success in learning the cellular organelles!
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Grade Six Word Cloud Book Reports
Sixth graders have been using our school's brand new Chrome books in many ways: answering an extended response question using Padlet, taking the STARS assessment tests, and making word clouds.
What's a word cloud? It is a visual representation of multiple verbal ideas to create a theme. Word clouds have been around a long time as far as computer technology goes. Some popular websites that help users create clouds are Wordle, ABCya, Tagxedo, and Tagul.
I introduced our sixth graders to Tagul on Sept. 19th after I showed them a video of word cloud book reports created by our current eighth graders. They were hooked! Word clouds look FUN! What they didn't realize is that there is MUCH thinking involved in creating a cloud, especially for a book report. No sentences can be written; thoughts are expressed in words, actually the size of words and the number of times a word appears. Imagine trying to develop a book report using only single words!
Here is what our students created...
Now that our sixth graders are familiar with word clouds, they can use them to do projects in other classes or make gifts/cards for family and friends. Words clouds created on Tagul are able to be printed and downloaded. When you download a word cloud file from Tagul, you can use it as a computer desktop background or as part of a screen saver. It is a typical image file just as a photo is. Students are welcome to use the class account that I opened for this project or they may create their own free account at Tagul with your permission.
What's a word cloud? It is a visual representation of multiple verbal ideas to create a theme. Word clouds have been around a long time as far as computer technology goes. Some popular websites that help users create clouds are Wordle, ABCya, Tagxedo, and Tagul.
I introduced our sixth graders to Tagul on Sept. 19th after I showed them a video of word cloud book reports created by our current eighth graders. They were hooked! Word clouds look FUN! What they didn't realize is that there is MUCH thinking involved in creating a cloud, especially for a book report. No sentences can be written; thoughts are expressed in words, actually the size of words and the number of times a word appears. Imagine trying to develop a book report using only single words!
Here is what our students created...
Now that our sixth graders are familiar with word clouds, they can use them to do projects in other classes or make gifts/cards for family and friends. Words clouds created on Tagul are able to be printed and downloaded. When you download a word cloud file from Tagul, you can use it as a computer desktop background or as part of a screen saver. It is a typical image file just as a photo is. Students are welcome to use the class account that I opened for this project or they may create their own free account at Tagul with your permission.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
I Survived... IT'S HERE!
 |
| Click HERE to grab your own copy! |
The newest installment of the "I Survived" series by Lauren Tarshis was released on Aug. 30, 2016. The title, "I Survived the Eruption of Mt. St. Helens 1980" marks an exciting departure for the author. The protagonist is female! The first 14 books in the series feature a male main character.
I am reading aloud this newest story to both sixth and seventh grade. As I read we focus on important literary elements and compare/contrast the previous editions with this one. Since these books are historical fiction they lend themselves to researching the actual history and information presented in them. "I Survived the Eruption of Mt. St. Helens" has already led to science discussions of what is a volcano and how is this eruption like the one in Pompeii (a book our seventh graders read in 5th grade).
Here are a few links for more research.
The British Museum timeline of events for the Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
Computer simulated coverage of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius
As the students and I discover more links I will post them for all to share and enjoy.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
First Digital Assignment grs. 6 and 7
The year has begun! Let learning commence!
Many assignments this year will be technology related. Seventh graders are issued a laptop on which to do their school work while sixth graders will be utilizing brand new Chromebooks during the school day. These are housed in a special cart that can travel from classroom to classroom. Ms. Bloom and I will be sharing these computers between our classes.
The first digital assignment of the year is ready to go for both classes. Students are asked to answer one question pertaining to their summer reading assignment:
It will be a few days before the sixth graders will be able to access the assignment on our new Chromebooks. I am hoping to begin by Sept. 2nd.
Seventh graders have completed their first digital assignment. Some students may be tweaking their entries as they read and re-read them.
This particular website, Padlet, is a favorite of mine. Interactive and simple, it quickly engages students in technology use. Little to no experience is necessary to still be successful. Be on the lookout for MANY more Padlet assignments throughout the year.
Many assignments this year will be technology related. Seventh graders are issued a laptop on which to do their school work while sixth graders will be utilizing brand new Chromebooks during the school day. These are housed in a special cart that can travel from classroom to classroom. Ms. Bloom and I will be sharing these computers between our classes.
The first digital assignment of the year is ready to go for both classes. Students are asked to answer one question pertaining to their summer reading assignment:
It will be a few days before the sixth graders will be able to access the assignment on our new Chromebooks. I am hoping to begin by Sept. 2nd.
Seventh graders have completed their first digital assignment. Some students may be tweaking their entries as they read and re-read them.
This particular website, Padlet, is a favorite of mine. Interactive and simple, it quickly engages students in technology use. Little to no experience is necessary to still be successful. Be on the lookout for MANY more Padlet assignments throughout the year.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Monday, July 25, 2016
Gr. 7 Partial Supply List
UPDATED, August 20, 2017
Mrs. Campagne and I did the best we could compiling our supplies with what we definitely knew other teachers required. There may be a few more supplies seventh graders will need that are not on this list. Students will be informed on the first day of school. However, this list should allow you to get started on your school shopping while the sales are HOT!
pencils
Mrs. Campagne and I did the best we could compiling our supplies with what we definitely knew other teachers required. There may be a few more supplies seventh graders will need that are not on this list. Students will be informed on the first day of school. However, this list should allow you to get started on your school shopping while the sales are HOT!
pencils
blue/black pens
three to four single subject spiral notebooks (usually one per subject)
2 composition notebooks (one for Science, one for English)
looseleaf paper (and something to store it in)
dry erase markers
black fine line Sharpie marker
highlighter
colored pencils
small pencil sharpener
pack of small post-it notes
pack of small post-it notes
pack of white 3x5 in index cards
scissors
tape
Elmer's school glue (no glue stick, please)
something small to keep supplies in
Inexpensive set of headphones or earbuds
Inexpensive jump drive, thumb drive, memory stick, removable storage device (called by many names)
Please note that students are expected to have these supplies ALL YEAR LONG. Should a student run out of a needed item, they will need to procure more. It is advisable to purchase extra during the sale season prior to the beginning of the school year.
Inexpensive set of headphones or earbuds
Inexpensive jump drive, thumb drive, memory stick, removable storage device (called by many names)
Please note that students are expected to have these supplies ALL YEAR LONG. Should a student run out of a needed item, they will need to procure more. It is advisable to purchase extra during the sale season prior to the beginning of the school year.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
History Lesson
You might find it strange that I am offering a "history" lesson. Ms. Bloom or Mr. Rozzo are normally your history teachers, right? However, when it comes to local history I can't contain myself. I just have to share it with my students.
I came across a fantastic Facebook photo album recently. One of my high school friends who moved from Ashtabula more than 35 years ago actually shared it on his timeline. I rummaged through the photos for nearly an hour. Perhaps you will find it interesting as well.
I came across a fantastic Facebook photo album recently. One of my high school friends who moved from Ashtabula more than 35 years ago actually shared it on his timeline. I rummaged through the photos for nearly an hour. Perhaps you will find it interesting as well.
Which photo is your favorite? Which one do you find most interesting? Did you learn something new about our area? Leave a comment below before August 31, 2016 and receive a no homework coupon for English.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Story with a Hole #1
Can you solve this Story with a Hole (by Nathan Levy)? To help you in your quest, just ask me "YES/NO" questions by posting them in the comment section below. I will respond ASAP. Check back often to see my answers and ask more questions until you can "fill the hole!"
GOOD LUCK... Betcha I can stump you!
Tara was seen taking almost $1000 worth of merchandise from the store without paying for it. The store's hidden camera produced clear evidence of what she had done. Tara was not arrested nor did she have to return what she had taken.
GOOD LUCK... Betcha I can stump you!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Grade Six Supplies for 2017-18 School Year
UPDATED: June 1, 2017
By the time school supply lists are issued in August, many great sales have passed you by! So that you can get a jump on those sales, here's the sixth grade supply list for the upcoming school year. Please note that these are supplies that are needed ALL YEAR; they are often depleted and/or lost during the year. If this occurs, the supply will NEED to be replenished. A good idea is to buy extra now while everything is on sale, keep a small stock pile at home, and your student will have replacements directly at hand.
These are supplies that students need to have ALL YEAR LONG. If a student loses, breaks, or runs out of a supply, he/she will need a replacement.
Supplies that are NOT needed and students often beg parents to buy...
By the time school supply lists are issued in August, many great sales have passed you by! So that you can get a jump on those sales, here's the sixth grade supply list for the upcoming school year. Please note that these are supplies that are needed ALL YEAR; they are often depleted and/or lost during the year. If this occurs, the supply will NEED to be replenished. A good idea is to buy extra now while everything is on sale, keep a small stock pile at home, and your student will have replacements directly at hand.
These are supplies that students need to have ALL YEAR LONG. If a student loses, breaks, or runs out of a supply, he/she will need a replacement.
- Composition Notebooks (NOT spiral): one for Language Arts, one for Science... no page is to EVER BE TORN OUT of these
- One five subject spiral notebook for Spelling
- Loose leaf paper (not spiral)
- small binder to store paper
- Spiral notebooks for Social Studies and Math
- Pocket folder for homework and take home materials
- Pack of 3 x 5 white index cards
- Pack of small post-it notes
- Scotch tape
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Elmer's School Glue (brand matters) NOT glue sticks
- Blue or Black pens (several)
- Pencils (several)... I HIGHLY recommend Ticonderoga!
- pencil top erasers or hand held eraser
- Colored pencils
- Small pack of crayons
- Black fine Sharpie pen
- Black ultra fine Sharpie pen
- ONE highlighter
- Hand held pencil sharpener
- jump drive, thumb drive, memory stick (does not need to be large capacity, choose an inexpensive one)
- inexpensive headphones or ear buds
- Roll of colorful duct tape (used for STEM activities in Science)
- Roll of paper towels
- Box of tissues
- Container of Clorox wipes
- lock for locker
- SMALL box/bag in which to keep supplies...MUST fit INSIDE the locker
Supplies that are NOT needed and students often beg parents to buy...
- Colored pens
- hole puncher
- stapler
- GIANT tool box
- compass
- whiteout
- large set of Sharpies or markers
- Large binder
- fancy craft scissors
- decorative tape
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Summer Reading gr. 6
One of the first units of study in sixth
grade will be learning about the Newbery Award, an award given to outstanding
American children’s literature. In fact, we’ve already begun delving into this
wonderful award. To help prepare the students for their study and to help them
maintain their reading skills, each student is asked to read at least TWO books
from the Newbery Award and Honor list that can be found at this web address...
If you have a digital reader, such as a
Kindle or a Nook, please install a free app called OverDrive if you have not
yet done so. It can be downloaded from iTunes or GooglePlay and will permit you
to check-out digital books from the local public library. You
will need to have an active library card from one of the public libraries in
the area in order to check out a book. There are even audio-digital books that
can be borrowed.
It is a good idea to take
BRIEF notes on each book read as an aid for remembering details such as
characters, setting, main events, problem/solution, figurative language, etc.
Whatever form these notes take is OK, just keep them BRIEF.
You can use the notes for writing special book reports in August/September
when the new school year begins.
If you have any questions
regarding the summer reading assignment, I am most easily reached via email at teachersdesk@yahoo.com or by phone/text
at 440-990-0158.
Feel free to ask questions here on this post as well. Just leave a comment below and I will respond as soon as possible.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Summer 2016 Reading List for SJS gr. 7/8
The 2017 Ashtabula County English Festival books have been selected and are ready to be read! St. John students who will be enrolled in grs. 7-8 for the 2015-17 school year, you are required to read TWO of the following titles over the summer prior to school starting in August 2016.
* The remainder of the books need to be read prior to the English Festival in mid-March.
As you read your selected titles this summer, please take notes regarding important information: characters, setting, figurative language, theme, conflict. Note page numbers so that it is easy for you to relocate the text evidence once classes resume. If you are using a digital book, you can highlight portions of the text; however, you still might like to keep a hard copy of your notations and numerical locations.
* The remainder of the books need to be read prior to the English Festival in mid-March.
Echo by Paula Munoz Ryan
Woof by Spencer Quinn
Bomb by Steve Sheinkin
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
Legend by Marie Lu
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
As you read your selected titles this summer, please take notes regarding important information: characters, setting, figurative language, theme, conflict. Note page numbers so that it is easy for you to relocate the text evidence once classes resume. If you are using a digital book, you can highlight portions of the text; however, you still might like to keep a hard copy of your notations and numerical locations.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Ashtabula County English Festival 2016 Internet Session: Book Trailers
On Friday, March 18, 2016, the Ashtabula County English Festival was held at Kent State Ashtabula Campus. Seventh and eighth graders from local schools participated in fun and engaging activities that celebrated a cadre of books they had elected to read throughout the school year:
Bulu: African Wonder Dog by Dick Houston
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Jump into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall
Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Blink Once by Cylin Busby
During the English Festival students played games, wrote poetry and stories, discussed issues, and role-played situations related to these novels. One activity that some participated in required them to utilize technology to create a book trailer, similar to a Hollywood movie trailer, that would entice others to want to read their favorite book on the list. Using the website Slideful.com, here are the book trailers that the students created in just one 50 minute session.
Bulu: African Wonder Dog by Dick Houston
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Jump into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall
Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Blink Once by Cylin Busby
During the English Festival students played games, wrote poetry and stories, discussed issues, and role-played situations related to these novels. One activity that some participated in required them to utilize technology to create a book trailer, similar to a Hollywood movie trailer, that would entice others to want to read their favorite book on the list. Using the website Slideful.com, here are the book trailers that the students created in just one 50 minute session.
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