Dear Sixth Grade Families,
Last week was a quick short week, but we packed a lot in! The Geometry Block is presented in such a way that the students first experience geometrical proofs through their own thinking and discovery. Rather than the teacher providing the equation for the sum of angles in a triangle, and then asking the students to learn this through rote memory, the curriculum instead invites students to experience the meaning of a particular equation through experiments. To give a short example, by drawing and manipulating the lengths of sides of a triangle, the students come to their own understanding of the definition of the three types of triangles. Then, through class discussion, they ultimately prove the theorem of the sum of angles in a triangle. It is at that time that the class is presented with the algebraic equation they have already been working with and experiencing!
We also started a project with the help of Mr. Matan to create a piece of geometric string art. The students have prepped their boards, drawn a circle with a radius of 6 inches, and hammered nails in equidistant spaces around the circumference. In the coming week, the class will be working on their geometric patterns.
The pace of teaching and material presented will pick up this semester, and unfinished work will be sent home as homework. On Friday afternoons after the class meeting, the final period of the day will be utilized for study hall/homework completion for any of their classes (Morning Work, Main Lesson, Math, Mandarin, Spanish, etc.).
Announcements and Reminders:
Please remember to help your child practice their typing skills at least 4x a week!
Please remember winter coats and two water bottles are required daily.
The first Community Work Day of the Spring Semester is on Saturday, February 3rd, from 10:00 - 12:00. Please come if you are able, and add to your volunteer hours! Children are welcome, and there are typically both indoor and outdoor tasks available.
Please also plan to join us for the All School Meeting following the work day at 12:30. A soup lunch will be served at noon, and the meeting should be around an hour to an hour and a half long. The meeting is a grownups-only event.
Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! This Spring semester, they will be held February 8th and 9th. Please sign up for your child’s conference here.
Upcoming Events:
First Grade Risers Informational Meeting - TBD
2/3 Community Work Day 10 am - 12 pm
2/3 All School Meeting 12:30 pm
2/8 Half Day - Parent Conferences
2/9 No School - Parent Conferences
With Gratitude,
Ki Melissa and Ki Lesley
