Sunday, December 11, 2016

TWIS 12/12-12/16

Parents-
   We still have plenty happening in the last week and a half before winter break!  Here's This Week in Switzer:

Math: We've finished Topic 6 and are cruising through Topic 7.  Expect a test over the Topic next a week from Monday.  Then we'll have a quick week for Topic 8.

Reader's Workshop: We continue to look at complex non-fiction text features, main idea, and fluency.  Your student should still be reading 30+ minutes per night (this can be non-fiction and/or their free read books).  We log those books every morning at school, and track our goals daily in our Action Planner.  Feel free to ask your student on their progress of their goals.
   Students also completed a post test over citing evidence, comparing themes, and author's techniques/ goals this past week, and most students are ready to include this work in their portfolios!

Science: We're developing a process to test common household powders to figure out a "mystery powder."  We're doing this by looking at chemical and physical changes of substances.  Our mystery powder is one (or more) of these: Corn Starch, Baby Powder, Baking Soda, and/or Baby powder.  After we develop and perform our tests, students will develop an argument for what they believe the mystery powder is.  We will have a test over Physical and Chemical Changes/ properties on Friday- there is a note sheet/ study guide they can take home and study every night, and a Google Slideshow in their Google Classroom Science class (on the computer).

Social Studies: Students are working through westward expansion by manipulating a simulation on Native Americans.

Writing: Students finished up their research and argument papers this week and will add them to their Leader Notebooks.  Please do not hesitate to ask your student to digitally "share" their documents with you (give them your email address) as they are working on them- it gives you a chance to see them progressing through their learning and writing.  If you're unsure how this might work, feel free to email me.

Lastly, I want to thank you for your support with the book fair and candy grams- and thank you again for sending me your student everyday!  Have a fantastic week-

--
Matthew Switzer
6th Grade Teacher, 
Southdale Elementary

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