Winter Break Homework

Dear 6th Graders and Families,

I wanted to touch base, as we had many (understandable!) absences today, on the homework that I expect over the winter break.

6th graders, please keep reading over break! You are responsible for bringing back a completed reading log when school starts on January 6th! Feel free to read more and write more!

You can definitely email me with any questions! brooke.carlyle@kent.k12.wa.us


Have a safe and happy break!
Ms. Carlyle

Geometry Fun!

Dear 6th Grade Families,

 

The 6th graders and I had a great time exploring an online math tool called a geoboard. We use geoboards in class when learning about polygons and other geometric vocabulary. I asked the students to challenge themselves by making their names and unique designs, and then try naming the different polygons that they see in their creations. Here are just SOME of the images that they came up with!

 

 

Feel free to experiment with the online geoboard at home here!

 

 

 

 

 

-Ms. Carlyle

That Quiz and Geoboards!

6th Graders,

Please use the following links for our Math Lab time today! The ThatQuiz comes FIRST, then explore with the online Geoboard! Remember, do your best work on ThatQuiz, because you only get one try!

-Ms. Carlyle

 

JMQNBV43

 

 

Online Geoboard

 

 

 

 

Russell Wilson's Passing Your Way!

Courtesy of Mrs. Merry :)

Russell Wilson's Passing Your Way

(Sing to the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town")

 

You better watch out! And try not to cry!

You better not pout! I'm telling you why,

Russell Wilson's passing your way.

 

He knows if you'll blitz. He sees if it's zone.

He knows if it's man, you'll wanna go home.

Russell Wilson's passing your way.

 

He sees film while you're sleeping. He studies while you break.

He knows if you've been bad or good. So be good for goodness sake!

 

With little hand signs and little pump fakes. He'll find the right read and do what it takes. Russell Wilson's passing your way.

 

He sees film while you're sleeping. He studies while you break.

He knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!

 

You better watch out! And try not to cry!

You better not pout! I'm telling you why,

Russell Wilson's passing your way!

 



That Quiz - Area and Perimeter

Dear 6th Graders,

Please use the code below during computer time to complete the ThatQuiz quiz on area and perimeter. You will see rectangles and triangles on this quiz. Remember, you only have one opportunity to take the quiz....you can't go back and redo it after it's done (so do your best work the first time!).

UORPAIU8

 

When you finish, you may play a math game from my website or the Neely O'Brien website!

 

Ms. Carlyle :)

Kid President

Hi Neely Families,
The 6th graders and I have been enjoying some wise words from the one and only, Kid President. We wanted to share one of our favorite videos. I think all of us, young and old, can learn something from this clever 3rd grader! :)

 

 

Enjoy!!
Ms. Carlyle

December Dates to Know!

Thursday, Dec. 5th - Volleyball Game Vs. Parents

 

Friday, Dec. 6th - Volleyball Game Vs. Teachers

 

Friday, Dec. 13th - Aristocats Performance 7:00 PM in the MPR

 

Saturday, Dec.14th- Aristocats Performance 2:00 PM in the MPR

 

Wednesday, Dec.18th - DRUM Performance 5:30 @ Kent Station

 

Dec. 21-January 6th - Winter Break

Thankful

It seems like only yesterday it was 90+ degrees outside and we were asking ourselves, "how can summer be over already!?" Believe it or not, we are rounding out our 3rd month of school, and the 6th graders and I took some time this week to contemplate what we are thankful for. We used our KidBlogs to share our thoughts so I took a few screen shots to share with you! Take a look....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work with such a great group of creative and intelligent 6th graders!

 

Ms. Carlyle 

 

 

That Quiz!

Hi 6th graders! Today we are going to start our work with www.thatquiz.org. I bet some of you have used this website before to practice math and other skills! You are always more than welcome to use That Quiz to take quizzes and practice different skills that we talk about in class (or even skills that we don't talk about in class!)

Sometimes, I will give you a code to type in that will take you to a quiz that I have designed specially for you! That is what we will be doing today. Your quiz for today is:

87QJQW86

 

Copy this code and past it into www.thatquiz.org. It should bring you to a list of our class, where you can find your name, and take your quiz. Good luck!!

 

 

Ms. Carlyle

November Dates to Keep in Mind!

Hello friends and family. I wanted to make a quick post to remind you of some November dates. You should also be seeing a green November calendar coming home with one of your Neely students. :)

 

Friday, November 1st- NO SCHOOL (that's today :))

 

Sunday, November 3rd- Daylight Savings! Set clocks back 1 hour.

 

Thurday, November 7th- Math/Multi-cultural Night 6:30-8

 

Monday, November 11th- NO SCHOOL (Veteran's Day)

 

Friday, November 15th- Picture Re-Take Day

Wednesday, November 20th- Late Start (10:45am)

 

Friday, November 22nd- Aristocats Performance 7-7:45pm

 

Saturday, November 23rd- Aristocats Performance 2-2:45pm

 

Monday, November 25th- PTA Meeting 6pm

 

Thurs/Fri November 28th-29th- NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving)

 

 

Thanks!

-Ms. Carlyle

Happy Harvest!

Hello 6th grade families and friends! Today was such a fun day in Ms. Carlyle's 6th grade class. We wanted to do something fun to celebrate a successful week of conferences, and also the harvest season. The 6th graders have really stepped up over the last couple weeks when they were faced with the need to be flexible! We had such a strange schedule last week with early release, and this week they've been flexible with my absence and lack of voice because of a nasty cold! These 6th graders are understanding, cooperative, and always so kind! I hope you are proud of them!

This morning we had great focus with music, art, and a very intense math lesson about subtracting with negative integers....so we used the afternoon to have some fun!!

 

 

 

We had lots of treats, drinks, and watched some spooky Scooby Doo! Thank you to all who sent a treat, plates/napkins, etc. with your child! Have a safe and fun Halloween :)

 

Ms. Carlyle

 

Fall Conference Week!

Hi 6th graders and 6th grade families! As you hopefully know, this week is fall conference week. Each day the students will be dismissed from school at 11:53. Breakfast and lunch are still served on these days!

I have received MOST of the conference forms back confirming conference times. If you are unsure of your conference time, please call Wendy in the office at (253)373-7434. She is also the person to call if you need to reschedule your conference time, as she has the master list!

I do expect the 6th graders to attend their conferences. Also, each conference will be 20 minutes long. What's on the agenda for our fall conferences? Well, I'm glad you asked! When I meet with you and your 6th grader we are going to talk about the following:

Math Goals

Reading Goals

Writing Goals

Behavior

 

Again, please let me know if you have any questions and if you need to reschedule, let Wendy in the office know! I look forward to meeting all of you!

 

-Ms. Carlyle

WOW: Impressed Teacher Right Here!

Hi 6th graders and 6th grade families! I wanted to take some time tonight to make a quick post about something that made me extremely happy today. I was out of the building for a professional development commitment, therefore the 6th graders had a guest teacher. I thought about my 6th graders all day; how they were doing on their geography quiz, if they did well in PE where Mr. Furukawa had a guest teacher as well, if they were being helpful and polite. I have to be honest, leaving my classroom in somebody else's hands is something that always brings me a touch of anxiety. I came back to school later in the afternoon and wanted to share with you all what I found on my desk....

I am consistently proud and impressed by this group of 6th graders....but this absolutely knocked my socks off. I am so incredibly grateful to have a class full of smart, kind, and respectful young adults. They truly deserve recognition for following the high expectations that I have set for them....but also, the high-expectations that they now set for themselves each and every day!!

Ms. Carlyle

It's Volleyball Season!!

See below for information on the Neely O'Brien Volleyball! Students can pick up permission forms from Mr. Furukawa!

Neely-O’Brien 6^th Grade Volleyball Team

 

Dear parents,

 

Your child has indicated to me an interest in signing up for our volleyball team.  This is not a real team that competes in tournaments or a league.  We just get together for a few practices and play a few other schools.  My only requirements for joining this team are this permission slip, make all five practices, and have a great attitude/work ethic.  Please fill out the permission slip below and return as soon as possible.  Keep this top portion so you will know our schedule.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.

 

                                                                                                            Randy Furukawa

                                                                                                            NOB P.E. Specialist

                                                                                                            (253) 373-3188

Volleyball Schedule

 

Practices

Friday, October 18                                                                 2:53 – 5:00

Conference week:   October 22, 23, 24, 25                            11:53 – 2:30

 

Matches

Friday, Nov. 8             Kent @ NOB                                      2:55 – 5:00

 

Wednesday, Nov. 13  Scenic Hill @ NOB                            2:55 – 5:00

 

Thursday, Nov. 21      NOB @ Park Orchard                         2:55 – 5:30

 

Monday, Nov. 25        NOB @ Emerald Park                        2:55 – 5:30

 

Tuesday, Dec. 3          NOB vs. Teachers                               2:55 – 4:30

 

Thursday, Dec. 5         NOB vs. Parents                                 6:30 – 8:00

A Long Walk to Water: Novel Study

Hi 6th graders and families. We just finished up one of my FAVORITE books. We are lucky enough to have a whole class set of these short novels, so we spent the last month doing a book study to learn about the true story of Salva Dut, a Lost Boy from Sudan. Here is a blurb about this outstanding book:

 

The New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.



Throughout the story, we focused on several things. There is some tricky vocabulary in this book, so we decided to highlight one word per chapter to really hone in on. Also, we learned that good readers identify the characters, setting, problem, and main events in the story as they read. Next, towards the last part of the story we identified the turning point. This is also known as the climax of the plot.

 

 

 

Finally, as our culminating project, we decided to incorporate a little social media (of course!). We discussed how people tend to take photos of important events in their lives. Since we had identified important events in Salva's life, why not illustrate them, as if they were photos!? And what better way to share photos than with Instagram!? No, we didn't really use Instagram...but I had this really fun template that the 6th graders could pretend with. They did an awesome job demonstrating their understanding by their detailed illustrations, and comments from characters. Below are just SOME of the amazing examples:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, I am so proud of these 6th graders. They truly give their best effort and I can easily tell by the quality of their work! Great job, Smart Ones! Keep it up!

 

 

 

We Are Bloggers!

Hello 6th graders, and ESPECIALLY 6th grade parents. I have had this great idea in mind since the beginning of summer break that something awesome, like blogging, could be used by students in the classroom. What a great way to make learning more interesting and engaging!

 I did a lot of research over the summer and found a great website called KidBlog. This is a blog designed specifically for classroom teachers and their students. It is safe, secure, and incredibly easy to use. Check out information how KidBlog creates a SAFE and SIMPLE blogging interface HERE!

Today is the day when the 6th graders and I begin our blogging adventure. In the near future, I see the 6th graders using their blogs to make responses about their reading, share stories/essays that they have written, and demonstrate their understanding of the learning we are doing in class. For now, 6th graders will only use KidBlog during our computer time at school. Please keep in mind, this is a completely safe and secure website. Only the students and I (I registered each student in our special "Ms.Carlyle's Class" blog on KidBlog, so each student has a user name and password) can read each other's blogs. It is not open for public viewing.

6th graders, to access your blog, click on the following link:

KidBlog

 

Scroll down to find your name. Your password is your first name. Yes, the first letter must be capitalized.

 

I am so excited for us to begin our blogging adventure! Parents, as always and especially now, please contact me if you have any questions!

 

-Ms. Carlyle

Fifty Nifty United States....and Capitals

The 6th graders are working so hard to memorize the states, how they are spelled, and their abbreviations. Some 6th graders are choosing to go above and beyond and learn the capitals too! We've been thinking of fun ways to learn and practice our states and well, we came up with this....

6th grade parents, I'm sorry if they have it stuck in their head and if they're singing it all around the house! I promise, it's to help them!! It's stuck in my head too if that makes you feel any better.

For those students who are attempting to learn the states AND capitals, we found this funny video. I tried to explain to the kids that the Animaniacs were the popular cartoon characters from my childhood :)

We are testing on 40 states THIS FRIDAY and will more than likely doing all 50 states on Friday, October 11th. After that, we'll broaden our horizons and focus on geography of the world!!

-Ms. Carlyle

Graphing Ordered Pairs

Hey 6th graders and 6th grade families! We are about to do our 3rd lesson in chapter 2, and the focus is switching to graphing ordered pairs. 6th graders are expected to plot points with x and y coordinates that are both positive and negative.

Of course, I will be teaching and re-teaching this skill in class (it is super important!!), but it wouldn't hurt for the 6th graders to review the skill at home, and even practice with some fun graphing games.

The video above is a great resource that explains exactly how to plot both positive and negative ordered pairs!

Also, this GAME is a fun way to practice. Remember, the more you practice the easier it is! Graphing ordered pairs will show up in almost every chapter in our math books from here on out!

-Ms. Carlyle

That's a Wrap!

Our first chapter from our CPM textbook is in the book! I am so proud of the 6th graders and all their hard work during this chapter. We learned new things about:

Finding sums of positive AND negative integers.

Determining which numbers make equations true.

Scaling axes of graphs.

Finding measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode).

Displaying data on stem and leaf plots.

Displaying data on box-and-whisker plots.

 

Wow! Look at all those skills! To show how the math we learn can be used in REAL LIFE, I found the measures of central tendency for our math scores:

Mean: 83.24%

Median: 88%

Mode: 88%, 91%, 94%, 96%, 99%

 

After we reviewed our tests today, we set goals for improvement. The 6th graders did an amazing job, but good learners set goals to keep achieving MORE AND MORE!!

 

 



 

Congratulations on a job well done 6th graders. I'm proud of you for the effort you put forth, the growth you've made, and the goals you have set to keep improving! Finally, here are some pictures of some of the problems we solved as a class!

 

Solving for unknown numbers (variables).

We applied measures of central tendency to a real-life situation!

Completing number lines and graph axes was difficult at first, but we worked hard and caught on quickly!Those tricky intervals were no match for us! 

 

I can't wait to see you succeed in chapter 2! Keep up the great work 6th graders!

-Ms. Carlyle

The time has come: Our 1st math test!

Hello 6th grade students and families. All of our hard work throughout the first chapter of our math text will pay off tomorrow....it is time for the chapter test! Math assessments are incredibly important, as they are weighted heavily when I calculate grades. Here are a few tips and tricks that I would like you to keep in mind when preparing for a test.

1) Do all your work for the ENTIRE chapter!
Ok, well if you haven't kept up with this one, it is a little late for chapter 1. But trust me 6th graders, doing homework each night and keeping up with class notes will really pay off in the long run! You will feel much more prepared and have an excellent resource to use during the test (you can use your notebooks with all your notes and assignments to help you during the test!!).

2) Study/Review the night before.
The night before an assessment, I will always send home a study assignment that covers each skill that will be on the test. Complete that assignment, and come see me in the morning if you are confused or have any trouble with the skills.

3)Sleep and Eat!
No, not during the test. Please be sure to get a good night's rest, always, but especially before our tests. Also, it is really hard to concentrate on a difficult and lengthy math assessment when your tummy is growling! Eat a good breakfast each morning, and feel free to bring a healthy snack for our 11:00 snack time.

Ok Smart Ones, I think that is it. Remember, when you learn how to do things the RIGHT way, then the right way gets easier. Algebra is hard. 6th grade is hard too. But, if you focus on doing your job and taking responsibility for your learning...algebra, and 6th grade, (and anything else you want to accomplish) becomes a lot easier!

Good Luck!
Ms. Carlyle

50 Nifty United States!

This year, we are beginning our social studies time with a focus on geography. We are going to FLY through the 50 states (because most students have seen them in 5th grade) and also take a look at geography around the world and how it impacts cultures and societies.

As I said, our first job is to get our 50 states memorized. To help, here are some great websites that our wonderful 6th graders can practice at home (and I give them a liiiiitle time to practice on these sites at school as well!):

50 States Matching Game

States Quiz

Place the States

 

Each of these sites are a little different, so try them all and find what works best for you!! For the "50 States Matching Game," I ask students to focus on the states, and not capitals or landforms, until they have their states down pat!

 

Happy State Memorizing, Smart Ones!

-Ms. Carlyle

 



Keyboarding Practice

Hi 6th graders and 6th grade families!

We are spending the month of September brushing up on our keyboarding skills 20 minutes each day. I am amazed by how well the 6th graders are progressing through their typing lessons! Keyboarding is such an important skill to be proficient in both for school and future careers.

At school, we use a program called Ultrakey to teach us the correct way to type. It is great for 6th graders to practice their typing at home if possible too (I'm sure they do quite a bit of typing on Facebook and whatever websites they're into these days anyway...I just want them to be typing correctly!!). Below are a few typing games and typing test websites that I have tried out and recommend!

Typing Games 

Typing Test 

Typing Game 

 -Ms. Carlyle
      

Open House: Can't Wait to See You!

Hi there 6th grade students and families!

This year, Neely O'Brien is doing something a little differently when it comes to our fall Open House. There will be two separate Open House dates; one for primary and one for intermediate.

Primary Open House: Thursday, September 12, 2013. 6:30-8:00 beginning in the Gym.

Intermediate (that's us!): Tuesday, September 17, 2013. 6:30-8:00 beginning in the Gym.

I am well aware that many families at Neely have students in both primary and intermediate. You are more than welcome and greatly encouraged to attend BOTH open houses. I am so looking forward to meeting more 6th grade families!!

As always, email or call with any questions you may have! I'll see you next Tuesday!

-Ms. Carlyle

CPM Information!

Hello students and families! We have officially started our work in our 6th grade math curriculum, CPM. We spend about 90 minutes for our math block during the day. This time involves direct instruction, group work, and independent work while I work with small groups.

6th graders will more than likely have math homework each night. Depending on the length of the lesson, they sometimes have time to get a head start during class time. When 6th graders do bring math homework home, they will have their CPM textbook and math notebook.

6th graders, if you struggle with a homework problem...

come see me in the morning before school!!!

 

I will normally be in my classroom and available to help with homework by 8:20 each morning. Also, our curriculum provides an excellent resource for homework help. Use the link below, and click on the picture of our textbook: Foundations for Algebra Year 1. From there you can choose the chapter and problem that you need help on!

 

CPM HOMEWORK HELP

 

As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns!!

                                                                         
-Ms. Carlyle





Math Fact Websites

We spent the last couple days checking in with the level of our math fact skills. Now, when I use the term "math fact" I am referring to those basic multiplication and division facts that we all know and love (9x2, 5x6, etc.). For the most part, I am SUPER impressed with the level of skill our class has shown with their math facts!

We took two quick assessments; one multiplication and one division. Each had 100 facts and I gave the 6th graders 4 minutes to complete them. 6th graders, you know your scores and hopefully you actually showed your parents when you took them home!! (If not, I have their scores written down!). If you did not finish all 100 facts in 4 minutes, I suggest you take some time to brush up on those math fact skills. If you did finish 100 facts in 4 minutes, CONGRATS....but it's still good to keep your skills sharp by continuing to practice.

Flashcards are always a great tool for practicing facts. Also, these websites provide excellent practice!!

Math Fact Basketball

Virtual Flashcards

Fact Worksheet

 

All of these sites give you the option to choose addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We are all unique learners who are working at different levels, so choose the area that best fits your personal math needs! Keep in mind, my goal for ALL 6TH GRADERS is to be fact fluent with both multiplication and division.

 

 

-Ms. Carlyle

Late Start Wednesday Dates

Just an FYI from the District Office:

The Kent School District observes a districtwide late-start schedule for all elementary, middle, and high schools one day a month except for December. Below are the designated dates to start two hours late:

September 25, 2013

October 30, 2013

November 20, 2013

January 15, 2014

February 5, 2014

March 5, 2014

April 2, 2014

May 7, 2014

June 4, 2014

Students who ride a bus to school should expect their bus to arrive two hours later than the usual time. Breakfast is not served on late start days. School ends at the regular time.

First Day Success!!

Wow!! What an amazing first day back! I haven't been teaching long (4 years), but that was the best first day with a new class I have ever had! We spent a lot of time going over Neely O'Brien "Big 5" expectations. I was so impressed with how well the 6th graders knew the Big 5 and could even give me examples of following the Big 5!

 

1. Keep our school a safe place

2. Make responsible choices

3. Follow all reasonable requests

4. Respect yourself and others

5. Use good manners

 

I really do think by following those guidelines, success can be had in every aspect of life! These are the expectations I have of my students in and out of the classroom.

 

We also spent quite a bit of time today getting to know all the unique individuals in our class. I loved seeing you 6th graders fill out your "Facebook Profile" pages today. I appreciate that you didn't laugh too hard at my stick figure drawings :)

 

You will be doing more "get to know you" activities tomorrow and reviewing expectations for your academic effort and behavior. I look forward to really diving into the curriculum after Labor Day. Remember, NO SCHOOL Monday, September 2nd.

 

Sincerely,

Ms. Carlyle

 

 



6th Grade Supply List

These are the supplies that we will be needing for our adventures in 6th grade. Remember, if for some reason you cannot bring one or more of these supplies, we will make sure you get them at school.

-Ms. Carlyle

3-Ring Binder (1)
1 Set of Notebook Dividers
Crayola Crayons (24 Count)
#2 Pencils (36 Count)
Elmer's Glue Sticks (8)
Scissors (Pointed Tip)
Pencil Pouch
Colored Pencils (1 Box)
Hand-Held Pencil Sharpener
Ruler (Standard & Metric)
Spiral Paper Notebooks (College Ruled)
1 Box Kleenex
1 Pack Loose Notebook Paper (College Ruled)
2" X 3" Post-It Notes
Pencil Tip Erasers
Backpack