Social Studies

Class Calendar

Required Materials/In-Class Supplies

Notebook paper (150 pages - Any kind.)
Pens (Blue/Black/Red - At least 5 of each to start.)
Pencils (20 - You can never have enough!)
Map/Colored Pencils (10 - 20 Different Colors - any brand.)
Yellow Highlighter
Something to keep it in! (Binder/Accordion Files - Whatever works for you! - This doesn't have to be a separate binder just for Social Studies. It can be part of a larger notebook.)

Class Expectations

Expectations

WRMS SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

1. Be Respectful

2. Be Responsible

3. Be Safe

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1. Be Prompt

2. Be Prepared

3. Be Productive

4. Be Polite

5. Be Positive

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN CLASS?

1. Be prepared, on time, and on task.

2. Work quietly and do not disturb others.

3. Follow directions the first time.

4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

5. Have no gum or unauthorized food or drinks in class.

6. Listen when others are talking.

7. Show respect for school and personal property.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1. Account for study habits daily.

2. Show respect for others as we learn together.

3. One speaker at a time.

4. Follow teacher’s directions.

5. Teacher dismisses class.

CONSEQUENCES

1. Warning. (visual or verbal)

2. Student/teacher hall conference.

3. Parent contact.

4. Student/ Parent meeting.

5. Referrals and detention as needed.

REWARDS

1. Reward Passes. (GOOD IN MR. V’S CLASS ONLY!)

2. Free Seat Fridays (after roll check if earned).

3. Paw Prints & Teacher Surprises!

GRADING

A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; F=69-0

Final Grade = 60% Major Grades, 40% Skill Development

Major grades can only be brought up to a 70 if a student fails the test or project.

LATE WORK

Students are expected to complete all assigned work. If an assignment is turned in after the due date, a 10-point deduction will be taken as long as the assignment is turned in before the start of the next unit. If the work is not turned in by the end of the unit, a "1" will remain in the grade book. If missing work becomes problematic, the student will be referred to the assistant principal.

STUDY-HABITS

You are expected to keep track of daily assignments.

EXCUSED MAKE-UP WORK

Students will be allowed one day per absence to make up any work that is missed. Need more time? Ask!

NOTEBOOKS

You will need to keep work in an organizational system of your choice. Traditionally, students use a notebook divided into three sections: Tests/Reviews, Vocabulary, and Daily Work. Your notebook may be a separate notebook or part of a larger notebook. A usable organizational system makes studying easier. I do not collect or grade notebooks.

SUPPLIES

Students should bring the following supplies to class every day: pens (blue, black, red), pencils, notebook paper, iPad (not used every day), notebook, study-habits, map pencils, a highlighter and a reading book.

BACKPACK EXPECTATIONS

Students are allowed to bring backpacks into the classroom. However, lockers are still an integral part of our organizational system. Backpacks should contain educational supplies. Lunches, jackets, toys, sports equipment, and other after school items should still go in the locker. Backpacks should only be accessed for supplies after students enter the room. Backpacks should not be placed in the aisles. You should put them under your table or on the back of your chair. Failure to do so may result in the loss of classroom backpack privileges!

DAILY ROUTINE

Students are expected to arrive to class on time and ready to work. This means that you will have your supplies and be in your desk when class begins. Students should begin on any warm-up activities and study-habits while I check roll. I expect you to raise your hand and to be recognized before speaking. We should never have more than one speaker at a time. We are to listen to others when they speak. I expect you to treat people with the same respect as you wish to be treated. Students are to follow my directions. At the end of class put everything back into the proper spot. You should wait for an oral dismissal before leaving class.

READING MATERIALS

Students may read in class in the event they finish their work before class is over. If you consistently read in place of doing your classwork then you will no longer have a reading option. I have many social studies related content books available to read from the class library!

THOUGHTS

I am really excited that you are in my class. We have many topics to cover before we dismiss for our summer break. Students who come to class prepared and ready to work will be successful. However, others need extra help in order to succeed. I am here to help you succeed in class and in life. School is much more than facts from a history book - school is what you make it! I know if we work together we will have a great year!

Course Overview/Syllabus

Sixth Grade Social Studies is designed to enhance students' understanding of today's world by exploring how history and geography influence modern events. We'll delve into world cultures, types of governments, and economic systems. Starting with basic geography skills, we'll travel around the globe examining the past and present of various regions. This adventure will help students appreciate different cultures through in-depth studies of their social, political, economic, historical, and geographical influences, often relating them to the historical development of the United States. Current events will be an ongoing discussion, helping students connect what they learn to the world around them. We'll use a variety of teaching methods to develop self-help and critical thinking skills, with a special unit on conflict resolution taught by counselors. Throughout the year, students will apply and expand their knowledge through higher-level reasoning activities, fostering independence and responsibility.

Topics Covered

First Nine Weeks: Geography Essentials, Civics, Government, Economics & North America

• Intro: Geography Focus, Social Studies Basics

• North America: Including Central America and the Caribbean

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society)

Second Nine Weeks: South America, Africa & Middle East

• South America

• Africa

• Middle East Region

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society)

Third Nine Weeks: Europe

• Europe: Ancient, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Revolutions & World Wars

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society)

Fourth Nine Weeks: South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia & Oceania

• South Asia

• East Asia

• Southeast Asia

• Oceania

• (History, Economics, Government, Citizenship, Culture, Science, Technology & Society)

TEKS Overview

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Grade 6 focus on studying people, places, and societies from regions around the world, including Europe, Russia, North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific realm. Students will explore the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events, different economic and governmental systems, and the nature of citizenship in various societies. They'll also learn about technology's impact on societal development and how different points of view shape our understanding of events.

I look forward to a fantastic year of exploration and learning in Sixth Grade Social Studies! Get ready to travel the world from your classroom and discover the fascinating stories that have shaped our global society.

Additional Resources

LINKS

Adobe Reader Link

Free download enables you to view PDF documents.

BrainPop

user name: westridgems Password: westridgems

Discovery Education Homework Helper

If you can't find it here, then you just can't find it!

CIA Factbook

Up to date information on just about anything on every country of the world.

Citation Machine

Helps students to properly document their research. You should have all your info ready and in alphabetical order because you'll need to cut and paste it onto your bibliography page.

Culture Grams

World Info - Great Site!

Username: wrms

Password: wildcats

Current Events Plus for Kids

This has it all for kids and the news!

Map Mileage Calculator

Great site from DaftLogic.com to calculate mileage.

Good Kid Current Events Site

Check this out to learn about current events and to quiz your knowledge.

History Games I

History Games II