Spring Break Study Break :)

With Spring Break right around the corner, I'm sure everyone is ready to relax, travel, or do a combination of the two. If at anytime during your time away from school you would like to work on anything academic related, I've included a list of educational websites for you to explore. I hope everyone has a great vacation! I can't wait to hear all about it when the students return on April 13th.

ELA

 

www.Chompchomp.com

 

www.freerice.com

 

http://www.eflnet.com/grammar/index.php

 

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_vocab.htm

 

 

MATH

 

www.IXL.com

 

SCIENCE

 

www.studyjams.com

 

http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/MSResources/MSShared/SharedMSScience6thGrade.aspx

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

 

www.mrkbrown.edublogs.org

 

ALL SUBJECTS

 

www.myskillstutor.com

 

Our February lessons had a thematic unit revolving around Chinese New Year. The students learned all about the traditions, customs, food, clothing, folklore, parades, zodiac calendar, etc. It was fun experiencing a differnent culture. We discussed the importance of respecting the views and beliefs of other people as well. In ELA, we read the story about the origin of the Chinese dragon. In Mathematics, we compared and ordered values using the dates from the calendar.

Watch some of the videos below that we discovered in our Social Studies lessons:

 

 

 

 

A Dream/Glory

For the month of January, our class examined the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We watched video presentations, read books, and had several lessons that incorporated all parts of his exemplary contributions to the United States and the world. We even took a virtual tour of the National Historic Site right here in Atlanta! Two of our favorite videos to watch during this time were "A Dream" by Common and Will.i.am and the awardy winning "Glory" by Common and John Legend from the major motion picture Selma. Ask your children about important dates, places he lived, his wife and kids, and changes he made to help review this great American hero at the home.

I'm Lovin' It!

Last Thursday, Floyd Middle School faculty took over the nearest McDonald's in the area for the night. All participants assisted employees with various roles in the fast food restaurant to help raise money for the school from 5-8 PM. McTeacher night was a huge success! Thanks to all the parents and families who attended the fundraiser. I had the privilege of working the grill and helping assemble the orders as they came in from the drive-through and the front counter. It was a little hectic at times, but overall a great experience. I have a new found respect for what goes on behind the scenes at McDonald's once an order is placed.

“YOU CAN’T REALLY UNDERSTAND ANOTHER PERSON’S EXPERIENCE UNTIL YOU’VE WALKED A MILE IN THEIR SHOES.”

You Make Me Wanna...READ!

Atlanta native, Usher, recently participated in an interview on the Scholastic program entitled Bigger Than Words. The superstar sings in a live performace and provides advice for students on how to take informed action, become reading advocates, and help make a difference in their schools, communities, and the world. Click on the link below to watch the video presentation!

http://www.scholastic.com/usherwebcast/

Cool Math

The students enjoy getting on the following websites to pratice their math skills. There are several games that test their logic and understanding of various mathematical concepts. Use the provided links as future resources to work on instruction in the home!

http://www.coolmath-games.com/

http://www.xpmath.com/

http://www.ixl.com/

This week, we have been playing Deal or No Deal to help learn how to compare numbers and understand place value. Try it out for yourself! Do you have what it takes to win the million?

http://www.xpmath.com/forums/arcade.php?do=play&gameid=70

 

 

Wonder

 

 

This week, we started reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of an ordinary boy whose face happens to appear different than his peers. He is attending school for the first time in the fifth grade due to the extensive surgeries and complications since his birth. August simply wants to be treated like everyone else despite his exceptionality. Anyone can relate to this story of acceptance, especially students at the middle school level. Check out the book trailer above for further details!


Here is a video featuring the muscial artist Emeli Sande that shares the same title and theme as the novel.