Textbook: Journey Across Time the Early Ages (Course 1)

6A Social Studies Ms. Ball, Room #50

Welcome to 6A Social Studies! This year we will be studying ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire. In addition, we will also be studying Geography. We will not only learn about the past but we will also look at how societies develop while connecting the past to the present. I utilize many different learning strategies which will provide every student the opportunity to be a successful learner. Below is a summary of what you can expect this year in Social Studies: Textbook: Journey Across Time~ The Early Ages (course 1)  We will keep the textbooks in class.  A “Student Center” is available at www.jat.glencoe.com to help you review.  If necessary, please use the username “JAT2005” and the password “8hu5rust” to access the online textbook. Expectations:  Make an effort~ Come to class ready to learn!  Come to class prepared (Social Studies folder, pencil, highlighter and homework completed).  Come in, sit down, and get started- write down your homework and work on the “Do Now” starter-activity.  Participate in a way that makes the class better.  Check Skyward and my webpage daily.  Respect other people’s feelings, property, and right to learn! Classroom disruptions will NOT be tolerated. Assignments:  Classwork: Work not completed by the end of class may be assigned for homework.  Homework: Assignments will typically consist of online blog responses and reviewing for quizzes.  Current Events: Every other Friday you will research a current event of national or global importance. You will submit a short written summary and response to the article that you chose.  Tests/Quizzes: Dates will be announced in advance and will be posted on my webpage.  Projects: You will be assigned various projects including individual/group presentations, posters, book reports, research reports, etc. Some projects will require you to work on your own time. Your Tools:  Skyward: You must know your username and password to complete online assignments, for your current grade, and/or to check for missing assignments. Check it everyday!  My Webpage: Check the Classroom Calendar and print assignments from the Assignments and Projects page.  My Wikispace: Many of your blog discussions posts will be submitted on the wikispace for homework. Absent?: Check with a buddy at your table to see what you missed. Also be sure to check the “Missed Work” folders in the back of the room to receive papers from the previous day!

*Please flip over for a note to parents/guardians! September 4th, 2012

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to 6th grade social studies. I am looking forward to an exciting year! This year we will be studying ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire. Our curriculum also provides your child with an opportunity to improve his/her geography skills. As a result, students will work on locating features such as bodies of water, landforms, natural and political boundaries, and capitals. In addition, current events will also be discussed. It is important that students become interested in the world around them. They will find news of national/world importance or will be presented articles and issues that I feel are important to review and discuss.

Throughout the year, students will develop many skills such as:  Working in groups  Listening to others with Understanding and Empathy  Independent thinking  Planning and making successful oral presentations  21st century technology skills (Proper use of discussion forums for academic purposes, website evaluation, using media and knowledge tools effectively)

Grades will come from in-class assignments, group projects, homework, quizzes, and tests. Most of the homework given in class will be to submit short blog responses, study their vocabulary terms and geography locations, and also to prepare for tests and quizzes. Homework will be posted on the board daily as well as on the class website. Tests and quizzes will be announced in advance!

I am available to stay after school with students who need extra help. Students should ask in advance so that both parents and teacher are aware of the student’s whereabouts. I will be keeping a record of who is staying, but something in writing should be sent in with your child so that I know you know where your child is after school.

If there is anything you would like to me know about your child in order to help them succeed, please contact me! I check my email throughout the day so please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns and I will reply as soon as possible.

I am very much looking forward to Back to School Night on Monday, September 10th. I hope that you will be able to attend and meet the 6A team! I am looking forward to getting to know your children and having a wonderful year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Brittany Ball [email protected]