Add/Subtract Fractions

This week the 6th grade Math students have moved into adding and subtracting fractions. There are some easy rules to follow. Here they are:

To ADD/SUBTRACT Fractions:
1. Find Common Denominators
2. Add/Subtract the Numerators
3. Denominator Stays the Same
4. Simplest Form

6th Grade LA

Today we are finishing up our review unit on capitalization and punctuation. Next week we will begin learning about a Compare-Contrast composition. Here is a list of guidelines to remember when writing a compare-contrast composition:

• Choose two subjects you can compare and contrast easily.
• Write an engaging introduction that names your two subjects.
• Compare and contrast corresponding details for each subject.
• Select a method of organization, and stick to it from beginning to end.
• Use topic sentences to state the main idea of paragraphs.
• Use transitional words and phrases to compare and contrast.
• Write a conclusion that sums up your main ideas in a satisfying way.

Oral Traditions

We started a new unit in 6th Grade Reading, Oral Traditions. We will be reading different stories with these common elements: keeping the past alive, teaches lessons about human behavior, and revealing the values of the society.

We will be focusing on myths, folk tales, and fables.

Myths:

• attempt to answer basic questions about the world
• are considered truthful by their originators

Folk Tales:

• are told primarily for entertainment
• feature humans or humanlike animals

Fables:

• are short tales that illustrate morals
• often have characters that are animals

The Return of Fractions

The sixth grade Math students have been working on fractions again. We have mastered multiplying fractions by fractions, whole numbers, and mixed numbers. This week we have moved into dividing fractions.

The lessons are as follows:
7.1 Fractions and Whole numbers
7.2 Multiplying Fractions
7.3 Multiplying Mixed Numbers
7.4 Dividing Fractions
7.5 Dividing Mixed Numbers

Taught within the lessons is estimating fractions and mixed numbers. So far the students have done very nicely. One hint, change all mixed numbers into improper fractions before multiplying. Another hint, to divide- keep first fraction the same, change divide to multiply, and flip the second fraction. Last hint, always have the answer in simplest form.

Our Homebase Video!

The students in my Homebase created a video of different Bullying situations. Our goal was to empower the bystander and help the victim of the bullying situation.

Enjoy the video!

Pack the Place article!

There is an article in the Local Trib section about this year's Pack the Place. Check it out!

http://www.triblocal.com/Downers_Grove/Detail_View/view.html?type=stories&action=detail&sub_id=50199

ISAT Writing

The ISAT test are coming up. The District will be testing the first week of March. During the next few weeks the sixth graders will be reviewing the format for Persuasive and Narrative writing. Below is the suggested format of each.

Persuasive Composition Outline
I. 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.


Plotting out A Narrative
Setting:
Time and place of the story
Situation:
The beginning of the story that introduces the time and the place and hints at or introduces the characters.
Main Character:
The person whose story the reader is following
Initial Incident:
The event that starts the conflict
Conflict:
The struggle or problem the main character is trying to overcome. It could be INTERNAL (within himself/herself) or EXTERNAL (with another person/force).
Rising Action:
The events of the plot line that build suspense and lead to the CLIMAX
Climax:
The event which leads to the resolution of the conflict
Impact:
Part of the falling action, shows how the resolution of the conflict affects the main character, other characters, or the situation of the story. The IMPACT shows how the resolution of the conflict is significant.
Theme:
The theme is the main idea of the story. The theme can be a moral, message, lesson, or wisdom learned by the main character and shared with the reader.