6th Grade News: 3/26 – 3/29/18

HUMANITIES 

This week in Writing class, 6th graders began researching their topics for the ancient Greece research project. Students are focusing on ancient Greek architecture, art, philosophy, science, fashion, and more. They’re examining both online and offline sources, checking that each source is professional and trustworthy. In addition, students are learning to organize their notes into subcategories, which will help them outline their eventual research essays. It’s wonderful to see how the students are gradually becoming experts on their topics.

In History class, we began our ancient Greece unit by focusing on geography and climate. We discussed: How did the many mountains in Greece shape the culture? How did the surrounding sea impact daily life? Students also practiced map skills as they analyzed a map of the Aegean region using the scale, key, and latitude and longitude lines.

Lastly, students have continued focusing on the theme of “Coming of Age” in Literature class. Along with our main novels, The Wednesday Wars and Goodbye Stranger, we read a poem and short story related to this theme. You can find the poem, “Mother to Son,” and the short story, “Eleven,” at these links if you’re interested:

“Mother to Son,” by Langston Hughes – poem

“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros – short story

I wish you a joyful Passover holiday with family and friends!

Best,

Naomi

JUDAICS 

This week we prepared for Passover by not only learning, but memorizing the Mishnah about the 3 things needed to make a kosher seder. I was so impressed that every student in the class was able to recite the main part of the Mishnah by heart and explain it in their own words. This style of learning Mishnah, also known as “Oral Torah” is how people learned Mishnah before it was written down. It is still an important part of our tradition because when you are able to recite rules you can refer back to them to back up your ideas or explain where you are coming from with your personal practices. Please look in your email for a source sheet to learn and discuss further with your child at the seder.

Chag Sameach!

Laura

SCIENCE

This week, the 6th grade students have dived deep into their game design projects. They have completed their research, they have chosen a game to create, and they are now planning all the details of the game. All of this pre-construction work is being organized in their digital portfolios, which outline the steps they need to follow to complete the assignment. When we return from break construction will begin!

HEBREW HERITAGE

להורים שלום,

השבוע התחלנו יחידה חדשה “קומיקס בעברית”. מטרת היחידה היא להעניק לתלמידים כלי שונה של כתיבה בהם יכולים הם להביע את רעיונותיהם המקוריים. כשנחזור מהחופשה נמשיך לקדם את רעיונותיהם וכתיבתם כשהמטרה שבסופה של היחידה הם יצרו קומיקס בעברית משלהם.

אני מאחלת לכם חופשה מהנה,

אילנה

HEBREW

Dear parents,

It is hard to believe but Pesach is here! Over the last week, HaKbatza Aleph has been learning how to practice the preposition “ET” with various pronouns. The students have also been discussing and reading about raising animals, and what is best for animals.

HaKbatza Bet has been practicing how to describe their homes and their own rooms. The students have also been practicing conversations. You can take a peak below:

I wish everyone happy Passover and a relaxing vacation!

Andreea