Kirtland's Kapsule: December 2010

Welcome

Welcome to 2nd semester. We have covered a lot of ground and have a lot more to do. I am very pleased with the progress the students made during first semester. I want you to know that all their hard work will serve them well this semester as we undertake the study of physical science.

Our first topic is chemistry. As always, it is important that they know their vocabulary words so they can learn the concepts as they are presented in class. Having an understanding of the vocabulary really gives them an advantage as they come to class and we discuss different topics. I would like for them to show understanding of the word instead of just being able to give me the book definition. It is also very important that students spend some time each evening studying their notes and vocabulary. They do not have to spend more than a few minutes -- whatever it takes for them to go over the material, but the consistency is important.

If you have any questions for me, you can reach me through the school email or I have given all my students my phone number. Do not hesitate to call me. If you do not reach me, just leave a message and I will return your call.

Kay Kirtland

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

This is the time of year when we get busy and there are many distractions. I would like to map out the road to the "Exam". The very first thing you need to know is that this semester the sixth-graders do not really take an exam. They will take tests during exam week, but these are normal Chapter tests. That should answer the first concern about exam week--for my class they should just study like they would for a chapter test. If you follow what has been working for you up until now, that should be sufficient.

It is very important that they study every night. As always, it is not necessary right now to spend a long time each night, but they should be going over the material we have covered in Chapter D3. We have covered the first three lessons so far. Tomorrow we will begin working on the last lesson on the moon. For this lesson, I will be covering the material in the book, but will also add material that they will need to know. I am encouraging them to be very attentive in class.

Next Tuesday, December 7th there will be a Chapter Vocabulary QUIZ.

Other than that quiz, we will be working on getting through the material that we need for the test and then reviewing. The Science Test will be on Friday, December 17th.