Mr. Rist's 6th Grade Class!
by Mr. Rist
Students entering sixth grade will be met with a positive learning environment and a very positive attitude. I want students to be enthusiastic about coming to school! Students will be recognized for their positive and cooperative attitudes. To be successful adults, students must work cooperatively with others and practice the skill of teamwork. In addition to being evaluated in academic areas, students will be improving communication skills. Students will learn to compromise, handle conflict, accept responsibility, and organize themselves.
I would like to take this opportunity to present some guidelines on what is expected of your child. If you have any additional questions that are not covered, I will be happy to answer them for you.
ENGLISH
The sixth grade students utilize the Shurley Method for English. All the elements of Shurley English give students the concrete steps necessary to relate a definition to a concept, a concept to a skill practice, and a skill practice to writing and editing. Competent writing begins with sentence structure, expands to paragraphs, and results in well-written essays, reports, letters, and the enjoyment and satisfaction that result from good writing. Shurley English uses a question and answer flow to determine the parts of speech. As students read through a sentence, they ask specific questions, which help them identify the elements of grammar. It's like solving a mystery or working a puzzle. Shurley English uses jingles which define the parts of speech and teach how to find them within a sentence. Every time your child chants one of these snappy sayings, he's reinforcing the knowledge he'll use for a lifetime. Shurley English uses repetition to attain mastery. Enough repetition is provided to master each concept taught. Lessons include daily practice of old skills while new skills are being added.
Click the link below for further information and assistance with Shurley English:
LITERATURE/READING
In reading we will be working toward fluency and accuracy, expanding vocabulary, making predictions, creating visual representations (graphic organizers) while reading, comparing and contrasting readings, and identifying a variety of literary techniques used by authors. Our class will be required to earn points each quarter in the Accelerated Reader program at school. Students will read library selections and complete computer quizzes over what they have read to earn points. After the first quarter, Accelerated Reader will be incorporated into their reading grades.
In literature students will respond to literary material from personal, creative and critical points of view. We will utilize class discussion, small group work, and projects in the classroom. Students will learn to identify and analyze a variety of literary techniques within classical and contemporary works representing a variety of genres. In addition, they will describe how the development of theme, character, plot and setting contribute to the overall impact of a piece of literature, identify characteristics and authors of various literary forms, identify ways that an author uses language structure, word choice and style to convey the author’s viewpoint.
MATH
Sixth grade math encompasses place value, whole number concepts, decimals, fractions, measurement, geometry, and exponents. We also begin an exploration of ratios and percents. All of the Illinois frameworks for sixth grade mathematics will be addressed before ISAT testing in March through daily in-class practice, review, and homework. The math grade will be heavily weighted toward homework completion. Math homework should be expected each evening. It is important for students to complete their math assignments daily!
SCIENCE – Earth Science
Sixth grade science students use Prentice Hall Earth Science textbook series to study plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes and weather. The curriculum also has an emphasis on the scientific method, metric measurement, graphing and reading strategies. In the classroom we will focus on science vocabulary, note-taking using study guides, and chapter and section worksheets. Quizzes will be given at the end of each chapter focusing on the vocabulary and study guides. Students will rotate between science and social studies in two week rotations.
SOCIAL STUDIES – World History
Students in the sixth grade study the ancient cultures in world history. The textbook, Journey Across Time, is a middle school world history program organized chronologically from the first humans and ancient civilizations to the present. Journey Across Time's engaging narrative and outstanding visuals transport students back in time. As co-author, National Geographic ensures that students understand the influence of geography on historical events. The result is a standards-based program with important geography skills embedded in every lesson.
We will also have time during the school day for academic programs on the computers, library, quiet reading time, character education, and a D.A.R.E. program facilitated by Officer Stover of the O’Fallon Police Department
Homework Policy
A major goal for sixth grade is to be responsible and more independent. Students are expected to turn assignments in on time.
Students will be required to write their assignments in their agendas daily. Please check your student’s agenda daily to assure work is being completed. It is your student’s responsibility to show you his/her agenda and homework each evening.
We have adopted a program this year called ZAP (Zeros Aren’t Permitted). This program will replace the need for after-school detentions for unprepareds. If your student does not complete their assigned homework, they will have to finish it in the cafeteria during lunch. If you have any questions concerning this please feel free to contact me.
Grading Scale
A 100-92
B 91-84
C 83-76
D 75-68
F 67 and below
