Ms. Liberto's Classroom News!
December 2018
The winter season is approaching and just as the quote states, "We are made kind by being kind." Kindness is something we continue to remember to express in our daily interactions in school as well as home. It's the small acts of kindness that bring us closer together and make us feel full emotionally. I fully appreciate the small acts of kindness my students and their families share with me daily! I hope kindness fills your home this upcoming winter.
Forever Grateful,
Ms. Liberto
Thank you...
for attending conferences last week! I truly enjoyed meeting you all so very much! It meant a lot to your children and I that you took the time to listen and discuss their progress so far in 6th grade. I look forward to continuing to work together to make sure your child has a successful school year. Questions, comments, or concerns...please do not hesitate to reach out to me via Remind, email, or phone call!
Staying warm....
The cold weather is officially upon us and it's time to make sure to bundle up! Please make sure your child comes to school with all the "warm necessities" to have a successful winter. Now that the snow has begun to fall, students will need snow boots and/or snow pants in order to play in the snow. I encourage you to remind your child to be responsible for their belongings.
Stemscopes!!
Students are completely enjoying Science as we dive into our new Stemscopes curriculum! The activities are hands on, interactive and incorporate technology at every opportunity! Our first bundle is all about Cells and the students pictured to the left are using microscopes to identify whether the slides are from living or non-living things. We cannot wait to see what else Stemscopes has to offer!
What We Learned in November!
Reading:
- The students have worked dilligently with our Engage Reading book The Lightning Thief! We have compared our literary text to informational text on Greek Mythology, used evidence to support our answers, worked hard on ways to decode and understand new vocabulary, used gist notes to jot down our inital understanding of our text, as well as how to apply theme to get a better understanding of what we can learn from the stories we read. We are now roughly half way through our book and are looking forward to reading all about Percy's adventures! As always I encourage you to encourage your child to read at home for at least 30 minutes a day!
Writing:
- We finished up our project proposals in writing! Students used their newly gained knowledge from their Social Science research to create an action plan to become an agent of change with their Social Issue. The students had some amazing ideas on how they can enact change not only within the confines of Apollo School, but in the community as well!
Math:
- We continued to work through Module 2 after we took our Mid Module 2 assessment! Module 2 is dedicated to working with fractions and decimals. Students have worked hard to be able to divide fractions, apply their understanding of fractions to solve real world word problems, as well as, be able to fluently add, subtract, multiply and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm.
- End of Module two test is rapidly approaching and I strongly encourage you to have your child practice their multiplication facts! Be on the lookout for our End of Module 2 study guide!
- Need help getting a better understanding of math?? Check out your 4th grade teacher's website or check out the following link: http://eurekamathhelp.piqua.org/student-math-resources/sixth-grade-resources
Social Studies/Science:
- The students just finished up our first Inquiry based learning project in Social Science that had them researching civic virtues, as well as social issues and agents of change over the last 100 years. The students were able to pick the social issue that interested them the most. The students did an amazing job working with partners, in small groups and some individually in order to complete highly thorough research. Their research was wrapped up with a project that had them proprose a way that they could enact change regarding their social issue.
- We have now moved into Stemscopes! Our first bundle is all about Cells! Stemscopes is brand new to our district and it is nothing short of amazing! The entire premise of Stemscopes is inquiry based, hands on learning that has the kids wondering and questioning throughout their learning!
3D Cell Model
Home based projects are a great way to get hands on with your child and their learning! In science we are learning all about cells and their anatomy! I would like for you and your child to create a 3-D non-edible model of a cell. We have learned about different types of cells so far. The students can research using google, their Stemscopes accounts or even go to the library! Once they have a plan have them create their cell using everyday household items, or non-perishable food items such as uncooked noodles and let their creativity go wild! Important, they must label each part of the cell (i.e. cell membrane, DNA, etc.) I cannot wait to see all of the creative ways students will come up with to create their cells! Due Date: December 16th!
Important Dates!!!
- November 30th - Report cards go home! Apollo's Movie night featuring Incredibles 2!
- December 6th - Early Release day at 11:30!
- December 21st - Last Day for students! Winter Break!!!!
- January 7th - Classes resume!
Ms. Liberto's Contact Information
Feel free to reach out at any time and follow us on Twitter for all of our 6th grade happenings!
Email: nliberto@emsd63.org
Website: https://www.emsd63.org/Domain/551
Phone: 847-493-8385
Twitter: @MissLiberto