Who's Reading My Blog Survey??

I'm going to start a new feature on my blog.  I will post a short answer survey to help my blog become more interactive.  I would also like to get a feel for who is reading it.  Let's start with something easy... my students should be able to answer this.  Your answers will be anonymous. 

Math Night

We had a great turn out for our Math Night, where we made fresh fruit smoothies.  I was very proud to see that the majority of the students who attended Math Night from sixth grade came from Ms. Brackett and my class.  Thanks for the support.  In the next couple of weeks I will be doing the same activity as a review of fractions.  I will be asking students to help bring in ingredients for this activity.  We will need vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt, frozen fruit, fruit juice, and oatmeal.   

Extra Credit Assignment

I offered a 10 point extra credit assignment to students in my classes today that is due on Monday, March 28.  The 10 points will be applied toward any of their lowest math or science TEST grades for the 4th Nine Weeks. 

I feel that as a teacher it is not only my responsibility to prepare students academically, but also educate them for life.  There are many times that I teach "life lessons".  These are some of my students favorite lessons that I teach, where I share stories of things that I have gone through personally or come across in my life. 

In an effort to help increase kindness towards one another, I have assigned the following task to students.  The extra credit assignment is neither math or science related.  I've asked students to complete two acts of charity.  They are to write a one page reflection afterwards that includes (to be turned in):
1.) What they did
2.) Why they did it
3.) How they felt afterwards

Field Trip this Friday, March 25 and Science Test Thursday - Forms of Energy

This Friday we are taking a fieldtrip to QVMS.  Please look at the letters posted below that explain important procedures for this trip.  I have also included a copy of the field trip permission slip for you to fill out and send back with your student.  If you have problems printing please let me know.  I can repost the information in a different format tomorrow.  (Click on the forms to make them larger - they will open in a seperate window where you can "zoom" in again)

Our 6th Graders Are Clicking to Assess

Our students are getting to evaluate their math skills in a manner slightly different than what they are used to.  The students used the latest version of the CPS response pads (a.k.a. “clickers”) and accompanying software to show how much they know.  Our school currently has three sets that can be checked out from the library.

The clicker system allows students to respond quickly and see instant results.  Each student is given a clicker that is remotely connected to the teacher’s system. 

A question is displayed on the screen and students answer using the clicker system.  Within seconds they see the whole classes results which gives them instant confirmation and or correction. 

Pictures courtesy of:  www.integratedclasstech.com/images/cps_class.jpg

  

Calendar Updates

I know it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted, but wanted to fill you in on some of the things going on lately.  We are planning a really fun Math Night, this Thursday, March 10.  It will pay to come out.  We've changed it up a bit this year, and will be mixing things up this year.  Come out and see what we'll be "mixing" up. 

Students are taking a Math DA on Friday, March 11.  We have been reviewing for it each day in class using "clickers".  These are individual remote control devices each student can put their answers in, and receive immediate feedback.  It is important that students come to school on time each morning, because as we get closer to TAKS time this is our spiral review time to cover concepts taught during the school year in our daily warm up. 

Last, but not least... SPRING BREAK is next week.  I know we are all looking forward to it.  I will be posting a review slide show of Math concepts that we have studied this year if you would like to have your child work at home.  I know everyone needs a little break, and I will be taking my own.