ISAT test prep

During the last two weeks, the 6th graders have be working in and out of the Buckle Down ISAT test practice booklet. The students are learning test taking strategies and practicing timed testing.

Here are some helpful hints and test taking tips:
1. Eat breakfast. Come to school next week well rested and fed.
2. Read EVERY set of directions. The ISAT are filled with individual directions.
3. Read each question twice and ask yourself "What do they want?".
4. Read all the possible answer and eliminate 2 right away.
5. Chose the best choice out of the ones listed.

Good Luck 6th Graders!!!!!

Maniac Magee Movie

Mrs. Crews's 6th grade class has finished the Maniac Magee novel. This week we are watching the movie. We have asked student to use a Venn Diagram to discuss the similarities and differences between the novel and the movie. On Tuesday, the students will answer one of the following questions. Students should follow the ERR format when answering the questions.

1. After reading the novel and viewing the movie, which do you believe creates the better experience? Would you recommend students read the book or watch the movie. Use evidence from both to support your answer, and be sure to interpret your evidence with your own ideas.

OR

2. Compare and contrast the Maniac Magee movie and the novel. Explain any similarities or differences. Be sure to interpret your evidence. Explain how it made the book or movie, better or worse. Use evidence from the movie and novel to support your answer, and be sure to interpret your evidence with your own ideas.

Here is a link to the video:
http://www.nick.com/videos/clip/NTV_Maniac_Magee_full.html

6th graders start ADVERBS!!

Today the 6th graders started Adverbs. We will be taking notes using the students' LA/Reading spirals/notebooks and the English textbook. The students should use their notes to help with the nightly assignments.

Today we started with the definition of an adverb and some examples. Your child's spiral/notebook should look like this.

Adverbs!
An adverb will modify or describe a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Adverbs can answer these questions. Find the verb and ask . . .
How: quirky, safely, calmly.
Where: there, here, north, south
When: always, now, usually, occasionally

Math Test Wednesday!

The sixth graders will be taking a test on adding and subtracting fraction and mixed numbers on Wednesday this week.

There are just a few easy steps to remember.
1. Make everything a fractions first.
2. Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions.
3. Add or Subtract the numerators.
4. The denominators stay the same.
5. Put answer in simplest form and/or make a mixed number.

There will also be estimation problems on the tests.

Students will need note-cards for the rest of the week as we will be starting geometry.

Spirit Days on Friday

Last Friday was a Super Hero spirit day. The sixth grade team was out keeping the halls at Lakeview safe. This Friday is "Wild Card" spirit day. Students are able to choose thier own spirit day can come dressed any way they like.

Steps to Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Multiplying Fractions
1. Make all whole numbers and mixed numbers fractions.
2. Cross cancel using common factors (only numerators with denominators)
3. Multiply straight across.
4. Simpify and/or make improper factions mixed numbers

Dividing Fractions.
1. Make all whole numbers and mixed numbers fractions.
2. find the reciprocal of the second fraction.
3. Cross cancel using common fractors (only numerators with denominators)
4. Multiply straight across.
5. Simpify and/or make improper fractions mixed numbers.

Persuasive Compostitions.

The sixth graders are writing a persuasive composition on one of two topics. The students were able to choose between: "Cell phones being on during the school day.", or "Lakeview having student uniforms.". The following is a the outline format we are using with the students.


Persuasive Composition Outline
Hook: An opening sentence that attracts or “hooks” the reader’s attention
INTERPRET your hook (powerful statement, quote, or fact)
Background Information: What you may already know about the topic in favor of your argument. Remind readers of the important information about your topic.
Argument: Your THESIS STATEMENT – one clear sentence stating what your composition is about
II. Reason 1: a REASON, BENEFIT, or an ADVANTAGE to support your argument.
Evidence 1: may consist of facts, examples, statistics, or real life experiences that supports your reason
Interpretation: Explain and Extend
Evidence 2: “same”
Interpretation:
Evidence 3: “same”
Interpretation:
III. Reason 2: a REASON, BENEFIT, or an ADVANTAGE to support your argument.
Evidence 1:may consist of facts, examples, statistics, or real life experiences that supports your reason
Interpretation: Explain and Extend
Evidence 2: “same”
Interpretation:
Evidence 3: “same”
Interpretation:
IV. Reason 3: a REASON, BENEFIT, or an ADVANTAGE to support your argument.
Evidence 1:may consist of facts, examples, statistics, or real life experiences that supports your reason
Interpretation: Explain and Extend
Evidence 2: “same”
Interpretation:
Evidence 3: “same”
Interpretation:
V. Argument: restatement of the argument
Summarize Reasons: restatement of the three reasons that support your argument
Exit Sentence: a prediction, question, recommendation, or quotation. Strongest sentence.