Success in Sixth Grade
Volume 8. Issue 10
Unwrapping
"How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank
A Note From Mr. Nakano
The feedback from their student surveys helped me to gauge which direction to take their learning as we move forward in the year. I hope to better meet the needs of those who feel the desire to be challenged more, require more (or less) homework, and honor both the intro- and extrovert learner. There were some interesting new classroom designs I received to try out and learned what they enjoy most (and least) about our classroom community. Above all, it was nice to know that they all share a positive attitude and enthusiasm towards learning.
Thank you to those who filled out the parent survey as well. It is always nice to know what is or is not working in terms of meeting your child's needs. They are the best source of information to know what's going on in the classroom, and I'm pleased to hear that they're doing a great job in communicating.
If you'd like to offer your feedback, the survey is still available at:
Outdoor Ed
We're eagerly anticipating the arrival of Outdoor Ed! Each day, we'll be focusing on an element of the Outdoor Ed experience (What to Pack, Learning Activities, Fun Activities, Night Activities, Food, and Bunkhouses). They'll get a preview of what to expect and we'll answer any questions they may have along the way.
You can preview what to expect too at:
http://bit.ly/cvoutdoored15We've also compiled a list of our most FAQ that are answered at:
DARE Graduation
You are invited to attend this ceremony in the MPR (should be around 40 minutes) as they make their commitment and we celebrate our time with Officer Mendoza in the DARE program.
Their DARE projects are due the Wednesday we come back from winter recess. Their only homework this week is to allow time for them to work on their project, so it's not something that needs to be worked on over the break.
Monday, Jan 25, 2016, 01:45 PM
Canyon View Elementary School, Yale Court, Irvine, CA, United States
Hour of Code
In celebration of logical thinking and possible future endeavors, we celebrated the Hour of Code last week. Students participated in an hour of learning computer programming language. Some created artwork designs, some programmed an object like BB-8 from Star Wars or Elsa from Frozen to move, and others went straight into learning Javascript and other coding languages. With their prior experience with coding, the students were excited to reboot this learning and take it to a new level.
Mystery Skype
We were very close this time to solving where they were located. This time, we were only one question away from solving it! Our students got their home state before they figured out ours. When we heard they were using Bing Maps, instead of Google Maps, we were thrilled (because of the Google office in Irvine). But then, we remembered there is a Microsoft office, too, so that didn't help much, either :).
The students are really honing in on their deduction skills, as well as their communication and collaboration.
RTI / Language Arts
Science
Miss Rolfe did a wonderful job guiding the students through the process during science lab and we're grateful for her expertise and organization helping the students throughout.
Social Science
We also learned about Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, that ruled under the guise of her stepson. When she was found out, all evidence of her existence was destroyed by an unknown person or people. Archaeologists have been able to piece together some of her story and we role-played how she was able to rule in a male-dominated society and why her existence was attempted to be wiped.
P.E.
When the students come back to the classroom to cool off, we are continuing the theme with silent, focused meditation with positive imagery.
Technology Focus
Math
Unit 3 - Expressions and Equations
We are moving on to a bit of algebraic thinking with the introduction of our next unit - expressions and equations. We're taking things a bit slow, with winter recess and Outdoor Ed upcoming, so the duration of this unit will be longer than the previous ones.
Dates to Remember
12/18 - 9:30 Holiday Party
1:30 Minimum Day
12/21-1/1 Winter Recess
1/4 - Return from Winter Recess
1/12 - 15 Outdoor Ed
1/18 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day
Keep In Touch
Email: jonnakano@iusd.org
Website: https://iusd.instructure.com/courses/16984
Location: 12025 Yale Court, Irvine, CA, United States
Phone: (000)000-0000
Facebook: facebook.com/misternakano
Twitter: @mrnakano