Get a Head Start on Your Spelling Words

Here is your spelling list for the week of January 7, 2013. You know the drill!
1. independent
2. inconvenient
3. immortal
4. immediate
5. underneath
6. underestimate
7. uncertain
8. unreliable
9. enact
10. react
11. transport
12. portable

Review: Coordinate grids

Review: Ratios & Proportions

Here is a short review on ratios and proportions. Please view this video.

Review : Greatest Common Factor

During your Christmas break, it is important to refresh your memory in Math. You guys have learned so much, and we are only halfway through the year! Here is a mini-lesson on finding the greatest common factor.

Happy Holidays!

Have a wonderful break. Be merry and safe! :)

Japanimation

Coordinate Grids

More Homophones!

Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings. Here is another video for review. Please watch to reinforce your knowledge.

Homophones

Suffixes

Our spelling words for this week involve suffixes. Here is a brief review demonstrating how to use them properly.

What is Thermal Energy

Japanese Culture

This week we are going to be learning about the great culture of Japan. Here is a short video to introduce you guys.

Spelling List for Week of December 17

Here is the spelling list for this week. Remember to learn the definitions and use these words in sentences properly. The test will be on Friday!!!
1. lovable
2. sensible
3. vicious
4. precious
5. amazement
6. successful
7. doubtful
8. powerless
9. tireless
10. curious
11. numerous
12. grateful

Let's Learn About Convection

Conduction... what is it?

This video is a pretty cool demonstration of conduction.

More Graphing Proportions

Here is another video to help you guys as you continue to graph proportions. Please watch for further understanding.

Convection, Conduction and Radiaton Rap!

Graphing Proportions

This week we are going to be representing proportions on graphs. Pay attention to instruction and try your best! Here is an informational video. Watch and learn!

Spelling List for Week of December 10, 2012

Here is the list of spelling words for this week. Make sure you know the definitions of these words and how to use them properly in a sentence. The test will be on Friday!
1. persistent
2. equivalent
3. brilliant
4. significant
5. attendant
6. impatient
7. ambitious
8. ocean
9. establish
10. surely
11. conversation
12. official

Equivalent Ratios Review

Watch this video to refresh your mind about equivalent ratios.

Graphing Orderd Pairs

This week we are learning how to graph ordered pairs. Here is a short video to guide you.

Law of Conservation of Energy Song!

Plot Your Points!

Spelling List for Week of December 3rd

Here is the spelling list for this week. Make sure to learn these words and their definitions. Also, you need to be able to use them properly in a sentence.
1. opinion
2. shortage
3. estimation
4. appearance
5. ordinary
6. action
7. national
8. succession
9. persuasion
10. argument
11. observation
12. expression

What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Prefixes and Suffixes

It is important to know the meanings of prefixes and suffixes, as they will help you with STAAR testing. Here is an informational video to help you on your way to success. ;)

What is a Frayer Model?

We ar going to make a Frayer model to describle ethnicity and culture this week. This video provides you with an example.

Energy Needs to be Saved

This is a short story about a family who abuses their energy resources. They learn an important lesson at the end about the importance of energy conservation.

Unit Conversions

We are learning unit conversions in Math this week. Here are some tips.

The Dangers of Nuclear Energy

Compare and Contrast... A Perfect Example

Energy Conservation

What is Expository Text?

Today we are going to discuss expository text and give you guys some examples. Here is a short video to inform you.

Types of Energy

When we return from our break, we are going to discuss energy. Here is an introduction to the lesson.

Spelling List for week of Nov. 26

During your break, why not get ahead and start studying your spelling words? Here is the list:
1. creature
2. feature
3. puncture
4. leisure
5. pleasure
6. natural
7. enough
8. physical
9. efficient
10. flexible
11. oily
12. turmoil

Ratios Review

Elements of a Story

Here is a brief review of the elements of a story. Watch and reflect.

Ratios, Proportions & Percents

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say... You Should Know the Rest!

This is one of my favorite quotes, and I try to live my life using these lines to guide me. Kids, really take notice of the power of words.

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

Rampage Game! Yay!

Tuesday, everybody at SASIC will be attending a Rampage Game. This will be my third time, and I am excited to share another fun-filled day with y'all. :)

Upcoming Test....

This Thursday we will be taking an exam over what Mr. Ellison covered about Europe. Please study so you guys will be prepared!

Ratios, Ratios, Ratios!

We will be having a quiz this week over ratios. Please pay attention to review in class and if you are confused or do not understand something, speak up! ;)

Spelling List for week of 11/12/12

Here is the spelling list for the week. Familiarize yourself with the words and learn their definitions. There will be a test on Friday. Also, know how to use these words in sentences properly.
1. anywhere
2. occasion
3. everybody
4. old-fashioned
5. meanwhile
6. footsteps
7. opportunity
8. outstanding
9. recommend
10. studied
11. opposite
12. knowledge

How do the Arts Affect Culture?

Practice Makes Perfect

It is always wise to perfect your writing. Here are some tips to guide you as you proofread.

Evidence of Chemical Changes

How do we find proof that a chemical change took place? Watch and learn.

Let's Solve Proportions!!!!

Elements of a Story

As we continue to progress as successful readers, let me reinforce the basic elements of a story.

Find Percentages in Ratios

Spelling List for 10/5/12- 10/9/12

Here is the list of spelling words for this week. Learn their definitions and know how to use them in sentences. There will be a test on Friday.
1. although
2. envelope
3. often
4. describe
5. officer
6. scientific
7. distinct
8. utilize
9. valuable
10. thumbprint
11. fugitive
12. customary

What is a Compound Formula

Migration and Multiculturalism in Europe

What is Ethnocentrism?

Today in Social Studies, we talked about ethnocentrism, which is a feeling that one's own race and culture are superior. Think about this concept, and write a sentence using this term.

What is a Chemical Formula?

Ratios in Cooking

Ratio and Proportion

This week we are going to learn about ratio and proportion. Watch this video and discover a new concept in Math.

Spelling List for the Week

Here is a list of the words we are going to focus on for Spelling. Learn how to spell and define these words. There will be a test on Friday!!!!
1. tedious
2. straight
3. eagerly
4. famous
5. pleasant
6. frequent
7. acre
8. anticipate
9. achievement
10. persuade
11. campaign
12. freighter

Compound Formulas

The Cold War

Here is a video a student made about the Cold War. Watch and learn!

World War I and the Cold War

How to Subtract Decimals

Elements of a Story

Today we discussed elements in a story. Here is a short review... very important to remember!!!

Let's Add Decimals

Diary of Anne Frank Vocabulary

Here are the vocabulary words from The Diary of Anne Frank for the week. Familiarize yourselves with their definitions.
(1) tolerant; (2) exaggerate; (3) implore; (4) tranquility; (5) reconciliation; (6) quarrel; (7) consolation; (8) confirmed; (9) astonished; and (10) impunity. Learn how to spell and define them.

Dictatorship vs. Democracy

Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Here is a demonstrative video which informs you guys how to add and subtract mixed fractions. Watch and learn!

Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

Here is a short video which reviews the process of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions. Review is always beneficial to the brain. :)

Proper Noun Rap

Watch this cool video and rock out to a rap about proper nouns. :)

What is a Water Molecule?

You Have To Have Things in Common...

The Five W's in Reading

It's Important to Be Proper!

Here is an instructional video explaining the meaning of a proper noun.

What is Economic Development?

How to Round Mixed Numbers

Let"s Build Some Elements

How to Add and Subtract Fractions

Adding Fractions

Here is a video which demonstrates how to add fractions. Watch and learn.

Another Element Song! Super Funny!

Let's Learn About the Panama Canal!!!

A Video Featuring the Map of Mexico

Vocabulary Words from Diary of Anne Frank

This week we are studying certain words from The Diary of Anne Frank. Sixth graders, you need to find their definitions and write them in a complete sentence. These words are: (1) ponder; (2) capitulate; (3) melancholy; (4) glimpse; (5) decree; (6) prohibit; (7) blithe; (8) allotted; (9) uncertain; and (10) composition.

A Song About Elements!

More Order of Operations Practice

Here is a review on order of operations, complete with excersises to do on your own. The link to the website is: http://www.mathgoodies.com/Lessons/vol7/order_operations.html

More Order of Operations... Taught in a Rap VIdeo!

Spanish Explorers in Middle America

Tomorrow we will be learning about Spanish explorers in Middle America. Here is a preview!

Order of Operations

This week we are going to be introduced to Order of Operations with equations. Here is a short lesson to show you how we use this method.

Diary of Anne Frank

This week we are going to be reading The Diary of Anne Frank. This is a great book about a girl hiding from the nazis during the Holocaust. We will spend some time reading this book and have many sorts of projects featuring this book. Here is a little background behind this brave girl's story.

Least Common Multiple (LCM)

This video shows how to get the least common multiple using an easy method.

What is a Least Common Multiple?

This is how we find out...

The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is composed of the first ten amendments in the United States Constitution. Students, it is very important for you to know your rights and freedoms in your country. Here are the first ten amendments:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

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Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

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Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

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Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

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Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

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Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

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Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

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Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

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Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

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Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

What are Factor Trees? Let's Find Out...

Tone in Poetry

Here is a video explaining the role tone plays in poetry.

A Short Lesson on Prime Factorization

Here is a video explaining how to do prime factorization, which we learned today.

Colonies of America

The Late, Great Edgar Allen Poe...

This morning, we are analyzing a poem by the great Edgar Allen Poe. I found a website which includes his biography and many of his works. Open the link at http://poestories.com and discover his world!

Limited and Unlimited Government

Lab Safety Rules Video Made by Sixth Graders!!!

Lab Safety Rules Review

We will be having a quiz over how to be safe in a Science Lab. Here is a brief review.

Branches of Government

The government of the United States consists of three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. Here is a video explaining their roles.

How Do We Find the Greatest Common Factor?

Watch this video and see...

Element Song by a Muppet!

This is a silly video by a muppet, but he knows his elements!

How Can We Compare Decimals?

Here is an informational video which shows how to compare decimals.

Comparing Fractions

Metals and Nonmetals

Ordering Integers

This video shows how to order integers on a number line.

How to Calculate Density

Here is a short, informational video which shows how to calculate density.

Poetry Fun!

The six graders have been learning about poetry this week. I stumbled upon this website which I thought would be fun for them to check out. It features humorous poems and fill-in-the-blank poems, which encourages kids to create poems of their own.

http://www.gigglepoetry.com/

What is Density?

Types of Poetry

Equivalent Fractions

How to Convert a Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction

Here are some tips to converting mixed numbers to improper fractions. Watch and learn!

Properties of Matter

What are the properties of matter? Here is a short instructional video.

How to Design a Shape Poem

Here is a video that demonstrates how to design a shape poem. I thought it would help you guys learn and give you ideas.

Flags of the United States of America

Today we studied the flags of the United States. Kids, here is a video which shows them. Watch ... and enjoy the music, too!

Science Lab Safety Rules Rap!

I thought this video would be entertaining for the sixth graders as they advance to acheive proper rules and etiquette in a science lab... also, it is funny!!! :)

Safety in the Science Lab Project

Today, Mr. Falcon, who works in Film, visited the sixth graders. The project consisted of the kids stating and showing the proper usage of a science lab. I was very impressed with their engagement in the production and willingness to help. Once the film is edited, it will be showcased on Mr. Ellison's and my blog. Another bonus... look forward to watching the kids actually instructing their teachers on the rights and wrongs in a laboratory. Great day today!  :)

Fifty Nifty Song!

I remember when I was in school and learning the "Fifty Nifty Song." It sure helped me to remember all fifty states and I still remember it today.

Safety in Science Does Rule!

Yesterday, Mr. Ellison and I introduced and reviewed the rules of being safe and responsible as a student while participating in a scientific, experimental environment. This is a video produced by elementary teachers, which will reinforce these guidelines.

Scientific Method Song!

This is a song about the scientific method, which we are studying this week. I thought this version will help you guys remember the steps! :)

Aim Your Best for a Fraction Test!

Reviewing fractions to a new group of students may be tough. Today, the sixth graders practiced their former fraction instruction while being outside, in the sun, playing basketball, in a game of How Many Baskets Can You Make Out of Ten? We made fractions and percentages from the results... How boring could that lesson possibly be? ;)
LEARNING IS FUN!!!!!!

Education is a gift well fought for throughout time... How Inspirational is This?

 A lesson that should be taught in all schools . . And colleges....  Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a  social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did  something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the > permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building > supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.  When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were  no desks.    'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'  She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the  right to sit at a desk.'  They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'  'No,' she said.  'Maybe it's our behavior.'  She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'  And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period.  Still no desks in the classroom.  By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in  Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all  the desks out of her room.  The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on  the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the  day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the > right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now  I am going to tell you.'  At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and  opened it.  Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the  school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the  wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those  kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just  how the right to sit at those desks had been earned..  Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes  did it for you. They placed the desks here for you.. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.' (By the way, this is a true story).

Welcome, Sixth Graders!!!

Hey guys! I am so excited about this new school year! Mr. Ellison is an awesome teacher and has so many great plans for a fun and inspiring year. I know there are some of you I already know, but I look forward to establishing new friendships with new faces. good luck, guys and always know you have my support! our adventure begins now!!! :)

Good Brain Food!

A wonderful, inspiring quote from the late, great mind behind Apple; "The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do." Steve Jobs. 

Open House

Open House went well this weekend. I met potential students, who seemed very excited about SASIC. Also, SOOOO many students from last year and my first year working at the school came to visit! :)

What is a Flipped Classroom?

The flipped classroom inverts traditional teaching and methods, where lessons may be accessed online and "homework" is moved into, versus, outside of the classroom. Students of today are bored with traditional lecture, and this model allows them to learn "hands-on." The teacher introduces the lessons, and the students become engaged at their own pace, in a comfortable manner. Students are also to watch lectures at home and may communicate with their peers.

Open House August 4th & 5th!!!

Potential SASIC students and their parents, here is a heads-up on our Open House, which will showcase all the greatness that takes place here. On August 4th, this event will begin at 10:00 until 4:00, and the following day from 12:00-3:00.