February-March 2019
Students are learning about argumentative texts and how to be a persuasive writer by using rhetorical devices (ethos, pathos, and logos). They are learning how to make a claim and defend their claim with credible research. In this unit, students have researched topics such as animal testing, standing for the National Anthem / pledge, and cell phones in classrooms. They have taken part in Socratic Seminars in which 6 students defend their claim by using credible research in a discussion setting. Students will write an argumentative essay using the three rhetorical devices, proper grammar and punctuation, and credible research. They will continue reading examples of good argumentative / persuasive texts to help guide them in the right direction.
Students have been working daily to improve their knowledge of punctuation and grammar by analyzing both well-written and poorly-written sentences. They edit paragraphs daily and are getting very good at explaining WHY a sentence needs certain punctuation. Students also have a set of 12 vocabulary words they learn for two weeks before taking the test. I plan daily activities to help them learn these words during class, but they should also study their vocabulary words at home using their flashcards.
This semester, students have been assigned Centers. Centers are a set of assignments to be completed in class only. Each assignment is designed to review skills and topics they have already learned. In addition to being a great tool for review, Centers also teach students responsibility as students must make sure to have all their Centers done by the end of the month. There are no specific due dates for each assignment; Students can turn in their completed work for a grade during Cardinal Time and on Wednesdays. Late work is not accepted as they have had a whole month to do the assignments.
I am very proud of my students' hard work and dedication their success! These sixth graders are a fun bunch- they definitely keep me on my toes! I have enjoyed this semester very much so far and look forward to seeing students grow. -Ms. Pierce
Upcoming Tests
1. Vocabulary List 10: March 8, 2019
2. March Centers (in-class only): March 29, 2019
Students are learning about argumentative texts and how to be a persuasive writer by using rhetorical devices (ethos, pathos, and logos). They are learning how to make a claim and defend their claim with credible research. In this unit, students have researched topics such as animal testing, standing for the National Anthem / pledge, and cell phones in classrooms. They have taken part in Socratic Seminars in which 6 students defend their claim by using credible research in a discussion setting. Students will write an argumentative essay using the three rhetorical devices, proper grammar and punctuation, and credible research. They will continue reading examples of good argumentative / persuasive texts to help guide them in the right direction.
Students have been working daily to improve their knowledge of punctuation and grammar by analyzing both well-written and poorly-written sentences. They edit paragraphs daily and are getting very good at explaining WHY a sentence needs certain punctuation. Students also have a set of 12 vocabulary words they learn for two weeks before taking the test. I plan daily activities to help them learn these words during class, but they should also study their vocabulary words at home using their flashcards.
This semester, students have been assigned Centers. Centers are a set of assignments to be completed in class only. Each assignment is designed to review skills and topics they have already learned. In addition to being a great tool for review, Centers also teach students responsibility as students must make sure to have all their Centers done by the end of the month. There are no specific due dates for each assignment; Students can turn in their completed work for a grade during Cardinal Time and on Wednesdays. Late work is not accepted as they have had a whole month to do the assignments.
I am very proud of my students' hard work and dedication their success! These sixth graders are a fun bunch- they definitely keep me on my toes! I have enjoyed this semester very much so far and look forward to seeing students grow. -Ms. Pierce
Upcoming Tests
1. Vocabulary List 10: March 8, 2019
2. March Centers (in-class only): March 29, 2019