Welcome to the 2009-10 School Year!

Welcome to the 2012-13 School Year!Mrs. Goheens 6th Grade APAAS Class

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PhilosophySimply learning is not enough.-unknownGoalsFoster higher-level thinking by providing opportunities for students to make connections between subject matter, the world around them, and their own livesInspire creativity and innovation to prepare children for a fulfilling career and the job market of the futureCreate an energy charged environment in which thoughtful discourse is part of every dayModel and support compassionCreativity and InnovationEmployers are complaining that academic programs from schools to universities simply dont teach what people need to know and be able to do. They want people who can think intuitively, who are imaginative and innovative, who can communicate well, work in teams and are flexible, adaptable and self confident.- Ken RobinsonOriginal ResearchProblem solutionLocal issuesWorld issuesAreas of interestClassroom ManagementMutual respect HumorClear, quick logical consequences accompanied by consistent follow-through

HomeworkShould not exceed 1 hours a night including 30 minutes of readingMeant to be a meaningful extension of the school dayMath is practice and thinking- quality over quantityExpect some struggle. It is what we want them to do. Students need a quiet place to studyNew research (New York Times) tells us that students should change study environments when possibleEdmodoWhat work is sent home?

Parents roleServe as a guide when necessaryEdit written work but please do not reviseSign homework if student is struggling too muchHugs and healthy treatsMonitor!

Late assignmentsIncomplete math homework5 late assignments in one subject in one trimester will mean a lower report card gradeA new trimester is a clean slateAdolescents entering the adult world in the 21st century will read and write morethan at any other time in history. They will need advanced levels of literacy to perform their jobs, run their households, act as citizens, and conduct their personal lives.-Richard Vacca Authentic LiteracyReading and Writing with purposeDeep reading with pen in handDiscussion/ argument

ReadingVariety of texts and types of mediaStudents make connectionsState standards- informational reading, literary analysisFrequencysupport areas of interestindependent reading levelLiterature Circles (Depth and Complexity is emphasized)Written workDiscussionOral interviewReading Log

Writing is the very litmus of thought.the very center of schooling.-Ted Sizer

For all our talk about the importance of higher-order thinking, we continue to overlook the fact that writing, linked to close reading, is the workshop of thought-with an almost miraculous effect on students critical thinking.-Mike Schmoker

WritingLots of it! GoalsEnjoyment (less stress): writing what we really mean to say not what we think someone else wants to hear Think BookThinking about essential ideas across curriculumLiterature CirclesResponse and creative writingProcess piecesEmphasis on persuasive, narrative and compare contrastAlso include descriptive, response to literatureOn-demand expanded timeRubric scored

SpeakingEssential skill in the 21st centurySupport at homeEye contact, clear voiceIn classFrequent presentationsFormal and informalPoetry dual purposePerformance TBD

MathGoalsUnderstanding the whyProblem solving (non-routine problems)Concepts across the strands Computational skillsApplicationThe ability to have a conversation about mathematics verbally and in writingFriday Morning Math Clinic (or as needed)What do colleges want?Students who have taken advantage of the highest levels of rigor offered by their high school.We do not care when a student takes a particular math course. Harvard, YaleStudents who make a long-term commitment to an interest/cause that reaches beyond the borders of their high schoolStrong writersYoung people who have discovered a passionSocial StudiesGlobal AwarenessLong ago and far awayAncient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, China, India, Greece, Rome Connect to 2012-13 current eventsText, other print resources, pictures, videosinformational reading- independent note takingResearch reportNewspaper, CNN for StudentsIOLA, written assessments, group projects

ScienceSupport of Mrs. Leishmans instructionText, pictures, videoInformational readingNote taking skills (preparing for middle school and beyond)Science Fair Project requiredOnline assessments with written componentP.E./HealthIntegrated with 6th grade social skillsFlexibility, strength, endurance, coordinationExposure to sportsProper attireSneakersLight colored shirtGirls- no skirtsDeodorant

APAAS EnrichmentDepth and complexity across the curriculumBrain ExplosionsShakespeareLiterature Circles/ Novel StudiesOriginal ResearchMath and ArtService Learning- student driven Addresses 21st century goals, authentic experienceThe discussion we have every day all dayThe Adolescent ChildDesires greater independence- Dont take it personally.The push/pull beginsBegin to seek own identity goodbye baby selfLook to peers for approvalStay positive or children can begin to seek negative attentionRecommended reading: Get Out of My Life! (But first can you take me and Cheryl to the mall?) by Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.DMindset by Carol DweckA Whole New Mind by Daniel PinkKeys to SuccessParticipation question, comment or answerWillingness to make mistakesOrganizationStudy skills build self-disciplineCareful parent involvement 6th Grade is Special!Leadership opportunitiesQuikscienceService LearningCIMI- MarchFundraisingPayment scheduleBack Bay Bike Ride- May

Class WebsiteTextbook accessTest datesGeneral information Hand-outsAre you receiving e-mails?School wide topicsPTABecome a part of the Eastshore familyPTA is one of our greatest assets!Lunch assistanceApply prior to October 1stTechnology/Library Use AgreementsVolunteer Screening

I promise to take good care of them.