Welcome to an Exciting New School Year in Room 135!

Welcome to an Exciting New School Year in Room 135! Sixth Grade Social Studies – Ancient History Teacher: Wendi W. Majeau [email protected] * (504) 837-3700

We are going to have a wonderful year together! Get ready to be challenged as we relive ancient world history and explore the cultures of the ancient civilizations. Prepare to travel back in time from the beginnings of civilization through the Renaissance period.

You will be encouraged to express your ideas, talents, and knowledge through research, interpretation of primary documents, writing constructed responses and essays, art, drama, map-making, group discussions, architecture, inference, literature, critical thinking, creative problem solving, computer technology, and so much more…..

We will begin our journey together by exploring artifacts of the early people of the Stone Age and the earliest civilizations. From there, we will investigate the Nile River, early African civilizations, and enjoy the sites of ancient Egypt and Kush. We will celebrate the flooding of the Nile River by reenacting the Opet Festival. Next, we will unlock the “secrets” of Mohenjo-Daro, learn about the unification of India and the Gupta Empire, travel through ancient China to uncover the ancient technology, and “meet” the emperors of the ancient Chinese Dynasties. “What was so important about the silk worm and the Silk Road?”

As the year winds down, we will visit the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome to learn about the political and cultural contributions made by these influential empires. “Hail Caesar!” “Was Alexander that Great?” “Democracy rules!”

We will also discover the beginnings of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Islamic religions. Our travels together will end after an introduction to the medieval times and the Renaissance period as we embark upon the summer vacation.

“Hold onto your hats!”…………This year in room 135, social studies promises to be an exciting and whirlwind experience for those who join me in this chance of a lifetime opportunity.

Sincerely, Wendi W. Majeau SIXTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES - ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS - COURSE SYLLABUS

[email protected] * (504) 837-3700

HOMEWORK

. In order to reinforce the ideas, concepts, and skills introduced in class; homework is an essential component to students’ success in social studies. Students are required to complete their homework on a timely basis. Homework is part of the participation grade.

. Please check the WIKI daily for homework assignments and/or due dates.

. ABSENCES – It is imperative for students to be present in class unless they are seriously ill or contagious to others. However, there are occasions when an absence from school is unavoidable. One of the benefits of the WIKI is that students have access to homework assignments when they are absent from school. All homework must be made up within a week. Tests/projects are assigned in advance; therefore, if a student is absent on the day of a test or project due date, he/she is expected to make up the test or turn in the project the day he/she returns to school from the absence.

GRADING AND ASSESSMENTS

. Students will be given document based assessments to reinforce and prepare for the standardized test format given in the spring. Although it is important to know historical facts, it is essential for students to learn how to comprehend information from primary sources, make inferences, and construct well-written essays from the information in the documents. This form of assessment will be emphasized throughout the school year.

. Please have your child practice his/her typing skills because LEAP testing is computer based.

. Tests will be given (approximately every two weeks) to assess students’ understanding of the material throughout the year including: objective and subjective tests (constructed responses and essays).

. Quizzes will be given weekly to help students keep up with assigned reading.

. Class Participation – In addition to completing the assigned written homework, students are expected to read all assigned pages in the text and come prepared to class to participate in discussions/activities about the topic.

. Students will be graded on the quality of their participation and work in class.

RESOURCES . The World– Students will be given a copy of The World to keep at home and must return the book at the end of the year. . History of the World – Textbook remains in the classroom. . 2025 LEAP Preparation Material – Text remains in the classroom. . Studies Weekly newspaper– Class set is kept on the shelf for enrichment. . Variety of documentaries on the topics we cover during the year will be used to enrich the curriculum. Students will take notes on the information in the documentaries and will be tested on the material.