Sunday, September 27, 2009

We are working on chapter 2 in math this week. It will be next week before we finish the chapter and begin to prepare for a test. Remember to finish any work not completed in class for homework!

Congratulations to all the students that have already passed their multiplication test! Great job!

Friday, September 18, 2009

In Communication Arts, we had our first Spelling Test this week and did not do so well. It was apparent that the students did not study for the test. So next week those students who made a C-, D, or F will be writing their words 10 times each and retaking the test. Please look over your child's Spelling Test and practice with them if they need to retake the test. Mrs. McFarland has required that all students get their tests signed for a grade by Sept. 25th. A new Spelling List 2 will be given out Oct. 5th and 6th. The words for Spelling List 2 include: admonish, aid, antidote, capsize, caustic, complacent, deter, extinguish, faulty, hasty, hazardous, lethal, mishap, obstacle, oncoming, pedestrian, precaution, purify, restraint, scald, and ventilation.

Linda McFarland
Carver Middle School

Friday, September 11, 2009

Language Arts Activities for Mrs. McFarland's classes

In Language Arts, the students will be having Spelling Test 1 over these words on Sept. 17 (Gold) and Sept. 18 (Blue): accelerator, alternate, axle, compartment, conserve, decelerate, departure, descend, destination, detour, excursion, impassable, inspection, maneuver, mechanical, neutral, odometer, portable, terrain, and yield. We have started our big project for the quarter which is the Fall Journal. Your student has a sheet explaining the journal and they should've asked you by now to sign it. Thank you if you have done this. The Fall Journal will be worked on in class everyday and should only be done as homework if the child gets behind. Some students have requested to type their journal, that is okay, but not necessary. The journals are due Oct. 16th and will be worth 100 points. Please continue to check your child's assignment book because the sixth graders have had some late assignments this week and the most common reason for not turning it in on time has been, "Oh, I forgot it was due today." Also, Mrs. McFarland checks the assignment books weekly for a parent signature on the Friday line. The students get $10 cub cash for each Friday signature.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Social Studies

In Social Studies, we are learning about the five themes of geography and how to use maps and globes. Students have been given information regarding their first project. The students will present their projects to the class on Tuesday, 9-15 (for gold classes) and on Wednesday, 9-16 (for blue classes).

Friday, September 4, 2009

In math the PAWS team is preparing to take a test over chapter 1. The Gold team will test on Friday, September 11, and the Blue team will test on Monday, September 14. Page 43 offers a great sample test for practice.

We will also begin testing multiplication facts next week. Students will continue to test until they make at least 90% on a timed skill test. It is very important that 6th graders know these facts so they can be successful at new 6th grade skills. You will receive your best score by the end of the quarter as a grade. This is an easy way to get a 100 points!

Remember, there's homework every time you have math, so don't get behind. Great job so far this year!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Language Arts

In Language Arts we are continuing to extend the learning and skills that were taught in the elementary program, as well as, introduce new skills. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, spelling and study skills are taught on a daily basis. Students need to be bring their Literature book every day they have Language Arts class and they also need to carry their library books to each class to read when their work is completed. A Fall Journal will be assigned the third week of school and students will write their thoughts and ideas in response to a suggested writing prompt. The Fall Journals are due Oct. 16th. Spelling Tests will be given every two weeks and the students are expected to study their words on a regular basis. A variety of assignments will be given to achieve success and to maintain a high interest in this course. Parents will need to continually check their child's assignment book (handbook) and discuss with them what assignments are finished and what assignments need to be completed. Academic success is the goal and together we can accomplish this.