6th Grade Class Syllabus

Grade 6 Social Studies:

Course Syllabus 2019-2020

 

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians:

            Welcome to 6th Grade Social Studies.  We are looking forward to getting to know you and having a wonderful experience this year.  The 6th grade students are divided between Mr. Oliveira and Mrs. Shively’s Social Studies Classes. Below is a class overview. Your child has Mrs. Shively for Social Studies.

           

Social Studies Course Description:

In our study of ancient states and empires, we develop an understanding of the meaning of “civilization” and “culture” and how these ideas apply to the variety of autonomous societal organizations that have existed through history and that continue to exist.  We also focus on written history and the ability to draw facts, information, and conclusions from written sources.  Our writing focuses on well-written paragraphs with a theme, evidence, and elaboration.  This is coupled with the use of correct spelling and grammar.  We have been careful to align our curriculum with the Grade Level Expectations for Social Studies, as well as the Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies.  Students will be reading and writing on a regular basis both in class and at home. Throughout the year students will improve their reading strategies and critical thinking as they read both fiction and nonfiction texts. We will also be working on vocabulary related to the areas of study.

 

Course Outline

September - October

November – December

January - February

March – June

Geography & And World Map

 

Ancient Mesopotamia

Ancient Egypt

Ancient China, CBA, Place-Based Learning Project & Local History-

(Students connect with community and surroundings of Port Townsend).

Key Standards

Social Studies-Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs)

SS 1.3.1 Analyze how societies have interacted with one another in the past or present.

SS 1.4.1 Understands the historical origins of civic involvement.

SS 2.1. Understands that people have to make choices between wants and needs and evaluate the outcomes of those choices.

SS 2.2. Understands how economic systems function.

SS 3.1.1 Constructs and analyzes maps using scale, direction, symbols, legends and projections to gather information

SS 3.1.2 Identifies the location of places and regions in the world and understands their physical and cultural characteristics.

SS 3.2.1 Understands and analyzes how the environment has affected people and how people have affected the environment in the past or present.

SS 3.2.2 Understands the characteristics of cultures in the world from the past or in the present.

Reading Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

ELA RL/I 1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text

ELA RL/I 2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

ELA RI 8. Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

ELA Writing - Common Core State Standards(CCSS)

ELA W1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

ELA W2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

ELA W4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1&2 above.)

ELA W10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and shorter time frames

ELA Speaking and Listening - Common Core State Standards(CCSS)

SL 1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

 

Textbook-To See a World Publisher-Houghton Mifflin

Place-Based Learning Project: Back to the Future

Essential Question: How can we better know our community and understand our surroundings?

Project Overview: Students will research a topic of their choice about Port Townsend, “The City of Dreams” to gain an understanding of the town’s history. They will create a travel brochure that will help others learn more about Port Townsend, its people, and places that have made it unique.

Community Partner: Jefferson Historical Society

Time Frame: May-June

Expectations for Success:

Students will continue to develop their organizational and interpersonal skills while working independently and in small groups.  Every student is encouraged to enthusiastically contribute to the classroom activities and discussions.  Part of the grade a student earns in Social Studies is based on their participation and willing cooperation.

 

Self-Discipline:  Disruptions in the classroom hinder the learning process.  We have classroom expectations, based on respect, responsibility, and cooperation that we believe are fair and will help the students learn.  “Think Time” and other school disciplinary procedures will be used when necessary.  We believe that hard work and integrity are the keys to success in the classroom.

Daily Assignments and Work Habits:

Sufficient class time will be provided for daily assignments; however, students who miss class or do not use their class time efficiently will need to complete the task as homework. There will be some homework assigned to allow students additional independent practice of skills taught in class and to prepare students for participation in class the next day. Therefore, it is essential that students complete their homework on time. Students will record assignments in their student planners.  In addition, all assignments with due dates will be on the class white board. When a student is absent from class, it is expected that they will check the class website, to keep abreast of the curriculum. When returning from an absence, the student needs to find out what was missed. The class website and Google Classroom will be updated regularly as a resource for students and parents.

 

Late Work:

It is expected that assignments will be turned in on time.  However, students will receive partial credit for late work when it is turned in within two weeks of an assignment’s due date. The highest grade a student can receive on late work, which meets the assignment criteria, is a C.  One exception to this is Reading Logs, which will not be accepted late. Assignments turned in after an absence will not be counted as late but will be expected to be completed in a timely manner. 

                                    

Grading:

All assignments have value and show evidence of learning. Thus, students need to complete assignments and tests to the best of their ability and submit that work to demonstrate growth. It is critical for students to be present and participate every day.

 

In addition, online grades will be available on Skyward, updated every two weeks. Please contact the office, if you need a reminder about your username and password.  

 

The following standard grading is used for this class:

A   93- 100%         B     83 – 86.9%      C   73 – 76.9%        D    63-66.9%  

A-  90 – 92.9%      B-   80 – 82.9%      C-  70 – 72.9%        D-   60-62.9%

B+ 87 – 89.9%      C+  77 – 79.9%      D+ 67 - 69.9%        F     59.9% and Below

 

 

Grading Categories:    
Homework, Assignments, & Projects 60%

Test & Quizzes 20%

Reading Log 20% (Students will read independent self-selected novels 150 minutes a week.)

                       

Academic Integrity:

The student’s individually-assigned work must be their own. If a student cheats or copies work and claims it as their own work, the student will receive reduced or zero credit on the assignment/test. The student may or may not (teacher discretion) have the opportunity to make up the grade. A parent/guardian will be notified with concerns about questionable academic integrity. 

 

Required Supplies:

Blue Heron Planner      One 2-pocket style folder         Composition Notebook      Reading Novel             Pens and Pencils as needed      3x5 notecards (optional) 
One spiral notebook (70 pages)                                                   

 

Cell Phone Policy:

Phones and electronic devices must be silenced and placed out of view in this class.  Note to Parents: Please contact your child by calling the office and not call or text the student’s cell phone.  The Blue Heron Handbook has complete details on the phone policy.

                                   

Opportunities:

Talking with your student on a regular basis about what they are learning in Social Studies, checking Google Classroom along with the website, and reviewing assignments in your student’s planner are key methods to support your child in this class.  You will receive a Skyward username and password to check your child’s grades online, and monitor his/her academic progress in Social Studies.

 

It is great to have parent volunteers in class.  Please let us know if you are interested in helping in any way, even as a guest speaker for one of our topics of study. We are especially interested in regular volunteers who provide reading, research, and writing support. 

 

Before/After School Assistance

We are eager to assist students to succeed academically and are available before school Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:50-8:20 and after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though students will need to arrange for transportation home after school. We are also available by appointment during lunch daily to provide assistance. Students should sign-up or make an appointment ahead of time to avoid any previously scheduled meetings. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress in Social Studies. Email is the most efficient method for us to communicate.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Leslie Shively                                                                      Don W. Oliveira

Email address lshively@ptschools.org                                                                          

Classroom 379-4364

Class website www.ptschools.org (Select “Teachers” then “Leslie Shively”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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