Moving into our Mathematician Profiles

Last week students finished up graphing the results of their multiple intelligences test.  It is so interesting to see all the different learning styles we have within the classroom, and to have students reflect on how they learn best and where they may have difficulties.  Students were able to apply feedback they had received from their rough draft to create a beautiful final piece of work.  We will be placing a huge focus on beautiful work this year, and the students are off to a great start.

On Monday, students began working on their math autobiography.  The autobiography asks students to explain some of their earliest memories of doing math, their feelings about math, topics that need some work, and goals for math this year.   This autobiography is the first part of our Mathematician profile, where students will describe themselves in numbers and learn that math is everywhere.  Ask yourself, "when is the last time I used math or numbers?"  It was probably within the last few minutes.  Students are describing all aspects of their life with numbers, finding out how many miles away from school they live as well as their height and armspan in inches.  The mathematician profiles will be due at the end of the school day on Friday, so be sure to check in with your student as to their progress.

Today in class we also spent some time discussing a huge aspect of earth science, water.  We discussed that___% of our body is made up of water, as well as ____% of our Earth's surface.  Are you intrigued, as your student to help you fill in those blanks.  We will continue our quest for water knowledge this week and in many weeks to come, as one of our first science projects will tackle this amazing combination of elements.

Stay tuned for more learning information!

Our First Project

First, let me just say how much fun we all had at the beach on Tuesday.  Thank you so much to the parent drivers that made the field trip possible.  When we arrived at the beach the students had such excitement and wonder.  We had groups playing volleyball, football, boogie boarding, making sand sculptures, and looking for marine life.  Some of my favorite moments included teaching a few young girls how to throw a spiral football and just enjoying conversations with students and parents.

Yesterday we returned from our beach trip knowing more about each other and ready to embark on our first project.  This project is multidisciplinary and will include parts from both math/science and humanities.  The project poses the essential question, "Who am I?".  Students in my class will begin answering that question by taking a learning styles assessment to figure out how they learn best.  Students are currently working on graphing this information, giving and receiving feedback on their work, and creating a beautiful final draft to be displayed in class.

As this project progresses it will include a math autobiography and a timeline of important events in their life.  A full project description can be found on the Me, Numerically page on the right hand side of the blog.  I am so excited we had such a nice field trip and have begun work on our first project!

First Week

First let me just say we have had an amazing first week of school.  We have been getting to know each other and doing amazing challenges to learn new things.  Yesterday, we had the students learning karate, guitar, origami, and ballroom dancing.  This gave the students the opportunity to learn new skills, and also the opportunity to teach a classmate something amazing.  We learned we all have skills to share and skills to still gain. 

As the week progresses the class will be creating agreements in which they will follow this school year.  These agreements begin with a discussion on community and culture.  We asked the students, "What do you want your community to look and feel like?"  From that driving question the students create the framework for our year.  I can not wait to see all of their ideas.

Next week we will be having a field trip to the beach on Tuesday with the entire middle school.  On Micheal's blog will be a sign up for drivers.  If you can take a group of students, please sign up as soon as possible. Stay tuned for exact times and location. 

Hello Innovations Academy Families,

Let me first begin by saying how excited I am to be continuing teaching sixth grade for a third year at IA.  I will continue this year with my IA team to build a safe, warm, and enthusiastic environment for our students. I cannot wait to begin this year and learn all about each and every one of you!

Since this is many families first year with IA, I wanted to introduce myself and let you all know a little about me. I am a proud mother of three children. My daughter Crysta is 19, and my sons Aris and Joshua are 16 and 8. I have my Undergraduate Degree in Finance and my Masters Degree in Science. Prior to IA, I worked in 6th grade Math/Science at High Tech Middle School and worked as a College Instructor teaching courses in accounting and business. I enjoy teaching in an environment that doesn’t dictate but rather guides students’ interests, fostering growth and never stifling creativity. IA allows us to embark on an educational journey together, and I can’t wait to get started.

My favorite quote is, “He who knows best knows how little he knows” – Thomas Jefferson

Sixth Grade Supply List Fall 2012

Items for Individual Use:

(2) Two Subject  Spiral notebooks 

(2) 2 inch three ring binders

(1) Pack of twelve pencils

(1) Pack of Lined Paper (either college or wide rule)

(1) Pack of colored paper (either construction or card stock)

Paint Supplies (we would like every student to contribute either paint brushes ((all sizes)) or paint of your choice)


Items for Classroom Use: (Please choose at least five items from this list to donate to our classroom)

Markers (regular and thin)

Sharpies (all colors, fine and ultra fine tip)

Colored Pencils

Dish Towels

Adult Size Scissors

Duct Tape

Glue Sticks

Tissues

Rulers

Pens (any color)

Dry Erase Markers

Teacher Wish List

Michael –Classroom Plant, Tennis Balls
Stephanie – Decks of Cards,  Heavy Metal Stapler,

Last Week of School

As we approach the last week of school, I've been reflecting on what an amazing community our sixth graders have built.  Last night I had the privilege of watching them put on an amazing history carnival.  I ate homemade baklava and Greek yogurt.  I played a pyramid ring toss and a Great Wall of China bag toss game.  It was a blast for me and hopefully all that attended.

This week I have also had the honor of witnessing some of the most profound POLs given in sixth grade to date.  It has been wonderful hearing students reflect on their growth both academically and socially.

As we approach next week, we have a few upcoming events.  First, next Tuesday, June 12 we will be going on a student organized field trip to Soak City.  The cost will be $23/student.  We will need both chaperones and drivers.  If you can drive, please have your student let Maddie Bucky know, as she is organizing the field trip and drivers for the sixth grade.

Thank you again to all that attended our Exhibition Night yesterday, and to all the families who have made time to come in and see their student's POL. It has been an amazing year.

Our Progress with Percents!

Last week was amazing.  Students created their own challenging problems with discounts and tax for each other to solve.  They are displaying this beautiful work, and this week we will begin solving these problems.  Some of the problems include purchasing unicorns and planning a vacation.  Also, we will continue our work on the Earthquake project this week.  Students are finishing their introductory research phase and moving into the planning phase of the project. 

With such a short window of time left in the year, we will begin this week to plan events fort he last week of school.  We will keep you posted as to the events and places the students choose to attend.