Dear Sixth Grade Families,
The Sixth-Grade class has gone back to the Middle Ages. Our lessons last week began with a broad overview of this time period. The students learned about feudalism and the social hierarchy that developed, including serfs, peasants, nobles, and the lifestyles of those within these social groups. We spoke of knights and how each had a shield with their own crest. Using ideas from this, the students then created their own crest in their main lesson books. We also took a closer look at the construction and parts of a castle. From there, we talked about the role of the Christian church during this time period and looked at the architectural details of medieval cathedrals, including cathedrals from around the world. We ended the week with a look at illuminated manuscripts. Throughout the week, the class listened to a story about Elenor of Aquitaine.
We also started Literature Circles this week, using historical fiction books about life during the Middle Ages. Over the next few weeks, students will be assigned readings from their books and will meet with their literature circles for discussion. We started by learning about what makes a book historical fiction, the level of research an author needs to do to write it, and what they may expect to learn from reading a book such as this. Each time we meet, we will have a class mini-lesson on the various parts of a book and story, and then we will break into small groups to discuss their assigned reading. While they have time at school to read, unfinished reading will be homework.
In our Cyber Civics unit, the class is learning about Cyberbullying and Digital Drama. We began by learning about avatars and bitmojis, both ways people can project a particular persona in the digital world. Based on an article published in the NY Times in 2007, the students played a matching game where they attempted to match a real person to their avatar. This led to a discussion about avatars not necessarily being an accurate representation of a person (someone may choose an alternate gender, race, body style, age, etc.). We also spoke about reasons, both good and bad, that someone may choose a specific avatar (ex., someone who feels “weak” may choose a strong-looking avatar, etc.). The students then had an opportunity to draw their own avatar, write down the persona their avatar represents, and finally, what personal feelings/insecurities they may try to mask with their avatar.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please remember to help your child practice their typing skills at least 4x a week!
Practice juggling!
Dress for the weather with layers and send in full rain gear daily (raincoat, rain pants, and boots)
If your child is feeling under the weather, please keep them home to help keep our community healthy.
Upcoming Events:
3/15: Teacher In-Service (No School)
3/27-29: School Photos
3/29: Grandfriends Day (12:30 All School Dismissal)
4/1-4/5 Spring Break (No School)
4/23-4/25 5th Grade Pentathlon
4/26 Annual Auction Fundraiser - Half Day
With Gratitude,
Ki Melissa and Ki Lesley
