Newsela

You may have heard about our current social studies unit. Students are part of a "Caravan" that is traveling the world seeking treasure. There are many adventures along the way, but most importantly, they are learning geography. So far it has been a ton of fun.

In order to move across the map and collect treasures, the students must earn travel dots. These are awarded for completed work and appropriate classroom behavior. There are also extra credit (and travel dot!) opportunities. One is the completion of the Current Event Homework assignment. Students may use the newspaper, but I also wanted to recommend one of my favorite websites for reading: Newsela. This great resource not only provides excellent, age appropriate news article for students, but you can also adjust the reading level! If you have a reluctant reader at home, this might be a great way to find high interest topics to read about.

Students logging on for the first time need to use our class access code: P2EWC9. You will be asked to provide your first and last name, create a user name, and finally a password. This information is shared with teacher, which allows me to view the user accounts, change password, and remove users. Students who are ready to sign up now may do so, but I will also offer this opportunity at one of our upcoming visits to the computer lab.

Happy Travels!

- Ms. Kinsman

Week Two

A special thank you is deserved by our students and families for a great first week! I am so impressed with the work ethic and enthusiasm of the class. Honestly, my biggest challenge was finding enough engaging materials to keep them busy and learning!

An image to exemplify Ms. Kinsman's efforts toward finding engaging and valuable lessons.

This week we will begin our new language arts and math curricula. In addition, I will be sending home the first writing homework of the year. The first few weeks will include review of basic writing conventions. Again, this is due on Friday, but can be turned in at any point in the week.

I also wanted to mention that I have been entering assignments into the Synergy grade book. I am new-ish to the system and want to make sure I have everything entered correctly before posting the information. If you like to stay updated about your student's performance, the weekend will likely be a good time to see if the week's work is completed. Most assignments are due by Friday and graded over the weekend.

Finally, some odds and ends:

• Band is actually starting THIS week. Yes, on Tuesday, those students signed up for band will begin their lessons. We are working as a grade level team to provide enrichment for students not part of band.
• Please make sure your students are entering the school through the gym unless a parent is also entering the school. 
• Remember, Mondays are late start. The tardy bell rings at 9:15.

Thank you again for the great start to our 2015-16 school year! I am looking forward to another great week. Here's a shot of the beautiful work your students have already completed.

We're Back...

And we are busy. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we have time in the computer lab. This is a teacher directed time dedicated to improving typing skills, using technology for multi-media projects, and taking computer assessments.

We will start our time in the lab by reviewing computer use rules, and we will have a discussion on digital citizenship. I'm asking students to apply those lesson by contributing to a class Padlet. If you have never seen this tool, check out what we have to say about digital etiquette below.

I also wanted to let families know that band will be starting soon. Please join Mr. Wilkins on September 15, from 3:30-6:30 for Band Instrument Display Night. All students joining band will begin class on September 22.

Here's to a great first day of sixth grade!

-Ms. Kinsman

P.S. Here's a link to the digital citizenship Kahoot!