6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students created billboard advertisements for a Wordly Wise word. They had to think critically and creatively about the word and figure out how to advertise it or a random item using the word in the ad. Once completed, they presented the final slide to the class. The Alan Gratz author study was also introduced. A brief book summary and book trailer were shared for each novel, then students chose three books they would like to read. Books have been assigned, so we are ready to start after the break. Have a wonderful vacation week!
ELA Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in writing class, students practiced writing statistical questions as part of our preparation for the next phase of our informational writing unit. Yes—it might sound surprising, but we are learning about statistics in writing class! Students will soon be analyzing and explaining graphic displays in order to convey information clearly and effectively writing. I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing April break!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science, students worked hard to complete their cell projects, modeling the essential organelles and how they contribute to the cell’s life functions. We will have a gallery walk early next week, so that students can see all the creative ways their peers chose to showcase this information.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: Students completed an equation & inequality project to showcase their knowledge and talent. They were given the option to present the material using one of four creative formats: a rap or song, a talk show or interview, a teaching video, or a poster. I’m impressed with the work I’ve seen so far! Our geometry unit will begin after break.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students continued on our Africa unit by practicing the map of Africa, learning about Mansa Musa of Mali and reviewing what we’ve learned so far so it has a better chance of sticking over break.
World Language Update from Mr. Pare: Sixth grade has been learning to say what they do and what they are going to do in the near future tense of Spanish. Seventh grade finished chapter five and is having their test on the chapter tomorrow. Eighth grade took a quiz on clothing, possessive adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, and ‘all’ words in French and are now studying the Little Prince text and movie.
World Language Update from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade students are learning Spanish classroom objects and commands.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students wrapped up different assignments they have been working on. They took sessions 1 and 2 of the MCAS ELA test on Wednesday and Thursday. I was so impressed with their eagerness to do well and perseverance to focus throughout the testing session. I am very proud of their efforts!
ELA Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco This week, students conquered their ELA MCAS testing with unwavering focus and determination. I could not be more proud of their hard work and perseverance throughout the process. Their ability to tackle challenges with such positivity and grit truly reflects the incredible growth they have made this year. Wishing you and your family a restful and well-deserved weekend!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students worked hard to complete their cell projects modeling the essential organelles and how they contribute to the cell’s life functions. We will have a gallery walk early next week, so that students can see all the creative ways their peers chose to showcase this information.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We wrapped up our equations and inequalities unit this week. There is no quiz or test due to MCAS testing and vacation, however next week we will complete a project for students to showcase their talents! The project is due by the end of class for Sections 1 & 2 on Wed 4/16 and for Sections 3, 4, 5, & 6 on Th 4/17.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students continued on our Africa unit by practicing the map of Africa and learning about two sub-Saharan civilizations: The Kushites and The Aksumites. Next week we will learn about the final two civilizations and jump into the countries of modern day Africa.
World Language Update from Mr. Pare: All grades have been working on various concepts in French and Spanish. The eighth grade has been learning possessive adjectives in French along with French songs. Seventh grade has been learning to do math with complex numbers in French. The sixth grade is working on their April Fools Day and animal pet projects. Have a wonderful break and see everyone on the 28th!
World Language Update from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade students are learning Spanish classroom objects and commands.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students practiced actively reading and answering a variety of comprehension questions independently. When they finished, we discussed each question and the process for choosing the correct answer. We also reviewed nonfiction terms, and then students read a nonfiction article and completed an assignment. They also read an article titled, “Should Phones Be Banned at Concerts?” with a focus on the point of view of the two authors.
ELA Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week students reviewed comprehension questions and discussed practical strategies for navigating challenging prompts, including how to approach situations where they feel torn between two plausible answers. Students then justified their choices with logic or evidence to strengthen their reasoning. We ended the week with a quiz assessing their understanding of essay structure, including the core components of a strong introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students worked to build their cell projects, modeling, labeling, and comparing the structures within plant and animal cells. Students are continuing to learn about the unique structures and their functions throughout the process. They have been very creative with the materials they are choosing to represent each organelle. Next week, all sections will wrap up their projects with descriptions of how each organelle’s function contributes to the life functions of a cell.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We wrote equations this week, which was challenging, but the kids worked hard to become “teachers” and think in a different way than they do to solve equations. We finished the week by learning how to write inequalities and graph the solutions. Next week we will learn how to solve inequalities!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies students took their Egypt test and started the unit on Africa by learning about the Kushites. Students have also started practicing the political map of Africa in 5 smaller chunks.
World Language Update from Mr. Pare: All classes have been having a lot of fun learning how April Fools Day is celebrated in French and Spanish-speaking countries.
World Language Update from Ms. Hicks: The Spanish students have started learning numbers ad counting.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA Reading and ELA Writing update from Mrs. Tracanna and Mrs. Gresco: This week, we joined forces with our ELA Reading and ELA Writing classes to engage students in an essay writing assignment. We are thrilled to inform you that the outcome exceeded our expectations! In just two class periods, students were able to compose essays that showcased their analytical thinking and writing skills. We couldn't be more pleased with the depth and quality of their work.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science learned all about the organelles within plant and animal cells and how each organelle has a unique function that contributes to the life of the cell. They labeled diagrams of animal and plant cells and were able to analyze the similarities and differences based on the needs of plant and animal cells. Next week they will start planning and creating their own cell models.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: The students are grasping the idea of inverse operations to solve equations. Next week, we will continue with applications of equations (i.e. how to determine total cost of when there is a flat fee and a per hour fee) and begin learning about inequalities.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies Mr. Brideau returned from his paternity leave! Students finished up their cartouche projects, mummified apples and started to prepare for their Egypt test. Posters are due on Monday if not already turned in and the test will be Tuesday/Wednesday. All study materials are up and posted, including a completed study guide and AI study bot.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: The sixth grade learned words in Spanish this week for colors, animals, and numbers. The seventh grade is working on learning words in French for leisure activities. The eighth grade delivered excellent presentations on the topic of clothes and are now learning how to listen to and understand songs in French.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
The 6th graders are learning Spanish greetings and expressions.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students finished reading Red Scarf Girl, completing Notice & Note signposts, and a collaborative plot structure poster. The final RSG activity will be a hexagonal thinking task where students will work cooperatively to make connections between concepts and visually present those connections to represent the big ideas of the novel. This will be the first time students will be engaging in this type of higher-level thinking activity. I am excited to listen to their conversations and observe their thought process.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week, students were hard at work developing their writing and analytical skills. They took on the challenge of writing a narrative from the perspective of a character different from the original narrator, an exercise that encouraged both creativity and critical thinking. In addition, students participated in a reflective activity, using a rubric to evaluate their own work. They then had the opportunity to review peer examples, applying the same rubric to gain a deeper understanding of the grading process and what makes a strong narrative.It was a week full of thoughtful writing, self-reflection, and collaborative learning!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students analyzed everyday objects and specialized cells from multicellular organisms, to be able to define their unique structure and function. Students learned about specialized cells and how they contribute to keeping an organism alive, as well as the role of stem cells in creating specialized cells.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: From expressions to equations… we will start solving equations next week - full on algebra in 6th grade! Upcoming topics prior to MCAS are inequalities, data, and geometry. Post-MCAS, we will look at some of those topics more in-depth along with fun activities and projects.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies we completed our Ancient Egypt unit by learning about King Tut and the Egyptian beliefs on the afterlife. Students did a fantastic job on their homework choice board this time around! The Egypt test will be given next Wednesday and Thursday. Study guides and games are already posted on Google Classroom.
World Language from Mr. Pare: The sixth grade started learning greetings in Spanish this week with the start of the third trimester.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: We have finished the French food project and have started Spanish.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students continued reading and discussing Red Scarf Girl. We have finally reached the climax of the book! They shared thoughtful insights while continuing to identify the different Notice & Note signposts. We will be wrapping up this novel by the end of next week.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students focused on reading, analyzing, and writing thesis statements for essays. They practiced crafting clear, strong statements to guide their writing and deepen their understanding of essay structure. After completing this work, students began their next writing prompt, which challenged them to rewrite a narrative story from the perspective of a different character. Students will continue to work on this assignment next week.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students created and presented informative slides on the characteristics of life that are shared by all organisms. They also started to analyze the differences between unicellular & multicellular organisms.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We are finishing our intro to algebra this week and will spend next week reviewing for the Ch 6 Expressions Quiz. For those students in math sections 3 or 4, the quiz will be Thursday, 3/20. Students in math sections 1, 2, 5, or 6 will take the quiz on Friday, 3/21.
*Please make sure your student has a working pair of earbuds or headphones that they can take to school.*
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in Social Studies students learned how we cracked the code of Hieroglyphics, what the ancient Egyptians believed about the afterlife and dipped their toes into Egyptian mythology. Students also received their homework choice boards which will be due next Thursday for all classes. As always, there are some fun and exciting options!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: Sixth grade French has been working on creating family tree projects in French. Seventh grade is discussing hobbies in French. Eighth grade finished their presentations and are now learning demonstrative adjective words in French.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students continued reading and discussing Red Scarf Girl, a memoir of the Cultural Revolution. They have been finding signposts while reading, which has led to thought-provoking conversations and discussions of the different themes in this novel. Students must follow the daily reading calendar or check the homework slide to keep up with the reading assignments. There are check-ins every few chapters to ensure the kids keep up with the reading and understand the story.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week students have been focusing on understanding the difference between phrases and clauses and how to identify them in sentences. Most students also completed and turned in the final copy of their essay about Matthew Henson. We ended the week by analyzing thesis statements, discussing their importance in essays, and practicing writing them.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we started our Life Science unit by brainstorming essential characteristics of life and looking for signs of life in our yeast experiment. Students also looked at living and non living samples under the microscope to observe how living things are organized, by having one or more cells.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: Your students learned algebra this week; ask them to show you how easy it is! ;-)
We will continue to delve into the world of numbers and letters for the next month with expressions, equations and inequalities. The 2nd trimester ends on Friday, 3/14 - if your student needs to complete corrections or have missing work - it should be submitted by Thursday.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students examined the mystery of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. Students examined evidence and tried to figure out how the Pharaoh died. We wrapped up the week watching a documentary that gave us the answer to how she died as well as why her image was almost erased from history!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week, the sixth grade classes have been working on a variety of projects to help them learn grammar and vocabulary in French. The seventh grade class took their first test on chapter 8. The eighth grade presented very good projects on the culture of Canada and Quebec.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade French students are working on their food projects. Please note that they are not required to make food, but they can for extra credit.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week, students started reading Red Scarf Girl, a memoir by Ji-Li Jiang. Ji-Li tells the story from her perspective as a 6th grader who lived through the Cultural Revolution. Students have a reading calendar that outlines the chapter they need to read each day. After reading the chapter, they must write a 2-3 sentence summary of the big ideas. While reading, they should also be looking for Notice & Note signposts. We have had some great discussions this week about this story!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: We have had a productive week in class! Students are in the final stages of writing their first literary analysis essay, focusing on the remarkable life and achievements of Matthew Henson, one of history’s most trailblazing Arctic explorers. They have worked diligently to analyze texts and support their ideas with evidence. To wrap up the week, students also took a quiz on simple subjects and predicates to reinforce their understanding of sentence structure. Have a great weekend!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we modeled the Law of Superposition using different foods to represent sedimentary rock layers deposited over time. Students used what they learned to describe the relative age of rock layers based on their position compared to each other. Students learned about the characteristics of index fossils, and used index fossils to correlate rock layers from multiple locations and find age ranges for each rock layer.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We started the week with exponents and finished with order of operations. Next week students will be introduced to variables! Trimester 2 ends on Friday, March 14; if students have any corrections for skill drills, quizzes or tests for the current trimester, they have until Monday, 3/10 to turn them in to me. Thank you!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Lyons: This week we have started a new unit on Ancient Egypt. We started the week learning about the geography of Egypt and the importance of the Nile River. We have also started learning about who Pharaohs were and how they were different from the leaders we have today. I have also let all of the kids know that I will be available after school Monday-Thursday until Mr. Brideau comes back. If they need my help with any missing assignments or need to retake their Middle East test, I will be available.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: The sixth grade students have been working on learning how words in French have a gender and a number. They have also learned adjectives in French. Seventh grade is getting ready for their test on Tuesday. Eighth grade is working on their projects of Canada and Quebec .
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade students are learning French weather and seasons.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students finished their movie posters for the books they read. The posters look amazing! Then they read the Scope article, “Freedom for Flora.” They watched an engaging video introducing them to Flora and the elephant sanctuary in Tennessee where she now resides. After watching the video and reading the article, students completed a problem/solution, cause/effect, and description slides. Then they looked at the different text features in the article and wrote a summary. Today students worked together to solve an ELA winter escape room. Luckily, they all escaped! Have a fun-filled, relaxing vacation week!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students started their first literary analysis essay, focusing on the life and characteristics of Matthew Henson. They organized their text evidence to write a strong, three-point thesis statement. Students have also completed their introduction paragraphs and began writing their first body paragraph. We will continue working on the essay when we return from February break. I hope you all have a wonderful and restful week off!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science, students analyzed and identified fossils from our fossil collection and started to learn about Index Fossils. Index Fossils are specific fossils useful in finding the ages of rock layers and unknown fossils. Sections 1 & 2 also had guest speaker Mrs. Rupp, a parent and geologist, who shared about her methods, tools, and the purpose of her projects in the field of geology. The students especially liked learning about the different rock samples and tools she brought in for them to handle.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: This week we completed our chapter of Rates & Percent. This was a long unit, a new concept for most, and a large part of the 6th grade curriculum. I am so proud of our students and how they persevered. When we return from break we will begin our unit on Algebraic Expressions. Have a great week!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week we finished our Middle East unit! Students prepared for both the map and content portions. Students also turned in a homework choice board, with some students even bringing in food for their classmates! When we get back students will start their unit on Ancient Egypt, one of our most anticipated topics of the year.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso / Mr. Pare: The classes have been working hard on food projects and the past tenses in French.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The 6th grade French students are working creating a calendar page for their birthday month.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week the students wrapped up their literature circle work and have almost finished the final movie posters. I am impressed with their efforts! Students took the Worldly Wise Lesson 2 test today (sections 3 & 4 -Monday) so we will be moving on to Lesson 3 after vacation.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: In has been a busy week in class despite an early release day and a snow day this week. Most students turned in their argument essays and we began reviewing how to identify compound subjects and predicates in sentences. In addition, students created a graphic organizer to help them prepare for a literary analysis essay they will start writing next week.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we studied for our Earth Science Test by completing and checking our study guides, competing in a team vocabulary Quizlet, and reviewing test questions on Blooket. Most sections took their Earth Science Test, with the last two sections taking it Monday. Next week we will start to analyze fossils and use them to determine the ages of rock layers.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We continued to apply the Percent Proportion to solve everyday problems involving discount, tip, tax and mark-ups. The Rate & Percent Chapter Test will be on Thursday 2/13 for sections 5 & 6. Sections 1, 2, 3, & 4 will take the test on Friday, 2/14. Next week will be all review and practice to prepare for the test!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students learned about some of the physical features of the Middle East and started to make generalizations about the countries in the Middle East. Students were given their homework choice board which is due next Thursday. On Monday students will receive a study guide and study materials for their test. Each block will have the test the last day before break.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: The student have been working on food words in French, the Brandon Brown book, and one of the past tenses in French.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
The 6th grade French students are learning numbers.Next week they will start working on the days and months.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students turned in their Literature Circle assignments (2-sentence summaries, Notice & Note signposts, character types, problem/solution, and plot chart sheets). They are working hard on their final group project, turning the book into a blockbuster movie poster! 🙂
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students focused on refining their argument essays. They spent time peer-editing and self-editing their drafts to improve clarity, organization, and overall argument strength. A key part of this process involved reviewing the evidence they used in their essays. Students carefully checked that their evidence was relevant and strong, and worked on explaining how it directly supported their topic sentences.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we finished using graham crackers and frosting to model the different tectonic plate interactions, and analyzed the effects of such plate interactions on Earth’s surface. We used our knowledge in a game to identify the type of plate boundary interactions that led to the formation of real landforms/events such as the Red Sea, Mt. Everest, the San Andreas Fault, the Ring of Fire, and Cotopaxi volcano. We started working on our study guide for our Earth Science unit test at the end of next week.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We learned how to solve percent proportions in two different ways. The first was by creating an equivalent ratio and the second method used cross-products. I “warned” the students that if they asked for help from home, they may see different methods to solve the problems, which they too will learn. ;-) However, using the percent proportion allows the students to solve for any missing piece (percent, part or whole) using only a single method. We finished the week (or for some classes, will start next week) Proportion BINGO!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies students finished our last lessons on the Middle East and brought in their selection of homework from the choice board. By the end of the week my room smelt like a Middle Eastern restaurant! Next week students will receive their study guides and we will gear up for the unit test.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso / Mr. Pare: The sixth grade French class has been working hard on describing their ‘likes’ in a project. The seventh grade is learning how to say things that they know and are familiar with in French. The eighth grade is finishing to read the text called Brandon Brown et la conquête de Québec.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade French students are learning numbers and counting.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: The students continued reading their books, writing 2-sentence summaries, and finding Notice & Note signposts. They also focused on completing a plot chart, identifying the plot elements, and determining internal and external conflicts in the novels. The students practiced identifying metaphors which can be challenging. Then they worked on writing their own and looking for examples while reading. The kids have been busy reading, learning, and engaging in meaningful dialogue! :)
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week, students made great progress on their essays and are either finishing up or close to finishing their first drafts. Next week, they will focus on editing and revising their writing before submitting the final draft of their essay.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week we applied our knowledge of convection to better understand its effects on the surface of the planet, by moving tectonic plates. We learned about the original theory of continental drift and used fossil evidence to create a model of the supercontinent Pangaea compared to the continents’ position today. Most sections also started modeling different tectonic plate interactions using graham crackers and frosting.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: Students used their understanding of rates to lead us into our section on percent. We are reviewing/learning how to write fractions and decimals as percent and vice versa. Next week, percent proportion will be introduced with games like BINGO and an Escape Room!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students learned about the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, we reviewed our religions mini-unit by playing a “relay” game and we started to master the physical map of the Middle East. Next week we will wrap up our Middle East unit and students will end the week with their homework choice boards.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students shared pictures of their pets and discussed in Latin their color, where they live, and what they eat. We also began labeling body parts of animals.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The French students are learning Classroom objects and commands. They will be starting French numbers next week.
World Languages for Ms. Dirusso / Mr. Pare: The sixth grade students are finishing their calendar projects and learning how to say what they like to do. The seventh grade is learning how to write in French what they want to be as they get older. The eighth grade is reading the seventh chapter of the Brandon Brown book in French.
6th Grade Update!
*Please remind your child to check the homework slide every night.
Many students are not completing their nightly homework.
Midterm grades close on January 24th and will be posted a week later.
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students continued reading and discussing their books in literature circles. I have enjoyed meeting with the different groups to talk about and analyze the novels. Through their reading, we have discussed plot elements and types of characters too. They are also looking closely for Notice & Note signposts as they read which has led to many meaningful discussions. Enjoy the long weekend!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: TThis week in class, students took a quiz on vocabulary words with the roots ben, bene, and bon. They also worked on organizing text evidence in preparation for their upcoming argumentative essay about social media. Have a wonderful weekend! 😊
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: In Science this week, students used informational text to complete diagrams of the Earth’s layers including the relative size of each layer and defining characteristics. We used everyday liquids to model density, which is an important factor in how Earth’s layers form. We observed the process of convection occurring in our class lava lamp, to begin to explain continental drift.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We continued to learn how to compare and graph rates as well as using them to help convert measurement units. Next week we will wrap up rates and start on percent.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week we continued on learning about the Abrahamic faiths and consolidated that knowledge with some fun review games and activities like “Headbandz” and a one-class-period poster. Next week students will be getting their homework choice board as we enter the second leg of our Middle East unit.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students began a project where they created their own calendar in French. Students combined their vocabulary about numbers and dates to produce their original work.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The French students are learning classroom objects and classroom
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Last week students reviewed “The Roller Coast” assignment. It was embedded with close reading questions throughout the passage, and students answered multiple choice questions and a short answer response. We reviewed reading and multiple-choice strategies to employ while completing the assignment. This week students worked through seven figurative language stations (similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, alliterations, hyperbole, idioms, and personification). All classes need to finish the packet for homework. It is due on Tuesday. Today’s classes were introduced to literature circles and began reading and discussing their assigned novel.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class our focus has been on critical thinking and evidence-based writing. Students read two articles about the impact of social media on teens, exploring both the potential risks and rewards. They have been working hard to collect evidence from these articles to support their claim for an upcoming argument essay answering the research question, “Is social media more risky or rewarding for teens?” At the end of next week, students will have a quiz on their vocabulary words with the word roots ben, bene, and bon.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we started our Earth Science unit focusing on Earth’s changing surface. Using the Grand Canyon as an example, we analyzed the different natural forces that could have led to the formation and shaping of this landform including water (it was once covered by ocean) and is now cut by the Colorado river, weather, wind, gravity, and tectonic plate movement. We continue to strengthen our understanding of the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition using real world examples.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We started off the New Year by introducing rates. Students are becoming savvy shoppers - bring your student to the grocery store and ask them how comparing unit rates for similar items help determine the best buy!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week we learned about the Abrahamic Faiths as we settle into our Middle East unit. Our students have also mastered the map of the Middle East after a week of practice!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students practiced counting in French and took a quiz on numbers, adding, and counting. We built on this vocabulary by beginning to ask for and state the date in French.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The French students are learning how to greet each other and ask basic questions.
6th Grade Update!
It’s a wrap! Goodbye, 2024! Hello, 2025!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students continued presenting their book talks and celebrations/festivals projects. We all learned a lot and enjoyed delicious food with some of the presentations. I am very pleased with the kids' effort!
Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays while enjoying a fun-filled, relaxing break!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week, students continued to practice identifying subjects and predicates in sentences. We ended the week with a review of cursive writing and figurative language. I hope this holiday season brings you all joy, laughter, and cherished moments, and may your New Year shine brightly with endless opportunities!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science, students learned about the Engineering Design Process which we will continue to utilize throughout the year. We worked through the steps of the Engineering Design Process, in order to create successful solutions to the problem, “How do we create a cargo ship capable of floating with at least fifty “cargo container” marbles?” Students used their scientific knowledge and creativity to plan, build, test, and improve design solutions to this problem according to specific criteria and constraints. Almost all teams met the design goal of floating with 5o “cargo container” marbles, and the winning team floating with 330!
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We reviewed for the Ratio quiz with lots of different activities. Early in the week, students used equivalent ratios to narrow down the suspects and solve a mystery. We also completed ratio puzzles, color by solution and online learning games! After break, we will start a new chapter on Rates & Percents). Have a wonderful Holiday Break and Happy New Year to all!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies we wrapped up our Mesopotamia unit with a test and a homework choice board. It was so much fun playing the Royal Game of Ur on all our student made boards! After break we start our Middle East unit!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students took notes on numbers and practiced counting in French. Due to winter illnesses and absences in all sections, class time was allotted to checking Aspen and submitting missing assignments.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
The French students are learning Greetings and Expressions. They are making cards using terms in Latin, Spanish or French for the holiday season.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students finished creating their slide presentations for the celebration/festival they studied. They have started sharing their projects, teaching the class about the celebration. The presentations have been very informative! While listening, students are taking notes, writing three facts they learned and one question they would like to ask. I am very impressed with their efforts!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students explored persuasive writing techniques in advertising. Students engaged in a project where they were challenged to create an original advertisement for an “unsellable product.” The goal was to use various persuasive strategies to make their product more appealing, despite its challenges. Students had a great time using an AI image generator to create celebrity endorsements for their advertisements. The end result was awesome! If you have a moment, I encourage you to ask your child about their product and the persuasive strategies they used in this assignment.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students analyzed their tidal graphs to prove the predictable connection between the Sun and Moon’s positions and tidal patterns, due to their combined gravitational pull. They analyzed the tidal range to identify when and why Spring and Neap tides occur. We will start exploring the Engineering Design Process next week.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We are working hard to understand more complicated concepts with ratios this week. Solving for missing information using equivalent ratios and using that information to compare ratios has challenged the kids and they have stepped up to the task! We will continue to practice basic skills with ratios and how to set up equivalent ratios next week to prepare for the quiz. Sections 1 & 2 will take the quiz on Thursday, 12/19 and sections 3, 4, 5, & 6 will take the quiz on Friday, 12/20.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies we finished our Mesopotamia unit and reviewed it by giving each civilization “report cards” on their empire building, military, human rights and inventing. Students have their homework choice board and test next week, but all materials are posted up on Google Classroom!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World language students continued to work with French greetings, focusing on addressing people formally versus informally based on relationship and social position.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: We have started learning French greetings and questions.
We have started learning French. We are working on the alphabet and basic greetings and introductions.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students began the Celebrations and Festivals with Lights collaborative project. They read and discussed several nonfiction articles about the celebration and completed a note-taking page. Once the notes are completed and approved, students will begin creating their slide presentations. They are excited about this project and are enjoying learning about different cultures and their celebrations.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week, our class embarked on a creative journey to write original legends inspired by the supermoon. Students composed imaginative stories explaining how the supermoon got its name, focusing on narrative pacing and vivid descriptive language. Next week, we will wrap up our unit on narrative writing and transition to our next unit on persuasive and argumentative writing.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science, students completed their Moon Phases choice projects which included creative review games, flipbooks, and songs. We used their work to review the lunar cycle and the moon phases observed on Earth. Students used an interactive Gizmo to observe and analyze the role of the Moon & Sun’s gravity in creating ocean tides.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: Our chapter on ratios was introduced with Fruit Loops! The students worked in groups to determine ratios and equivalent ratios based on the different colors of their Fruit Loops. We will continue to look at ratios and how they relate to different areas in our lives. Have a great weekend.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week we took a brief detour from Mesopotamia to do a “Country Study” where students researched a random country that they will use for a project in computers over the next few weeks. We then continued our Mesopotamia unit by learning about Hammurabi and the Babylonians.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students began learning greetings and goodbyes in French. We also filled out a reflection on Latin in trimester 1, sharing what about the experience was comfortable, what was challenging, and why people might like to study Latin.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
The 6th-grade students are finishing Latin and will begin learning French next week.
6th Grade Update!
THANK YOU to everyone who joined us last night at the Family Fall Fest Fundraiser!
It was a great night all around! Your presence and generosity truly made the event a success.
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students continued to learn about non-fiction text structures and terms then went on a scavenger hunt. Now they are reading articles, answering multiple questions, and completing a collaborative project.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in writing class, our students took their understanding of subjects and predicates to the next level! In addition to identifying subjects and predicates in simple sentences, they worked on more challenging examples, such as directions and questions, where the subject might be harder to find. We will continue to practice this skill next week, even though it is a short week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students investigated and explained the cause of the different observable moon phases and diagramed the Sun-Earth-Moon positions in space that lead to each observable moon phases. We took guided notes on the lunar cycle as well as solar and lunar eclipses, using our moon phases vocabulary keep sheet.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: This week we finished our chapter on the Number System. Students have a study guide (the answer key will be posted in Google Classroom Sunday or Monday evening depending on their quiz day). They are highly encouraged to review Chapter 3 notes, practices, and the purple reference sheet as well as practice any problems throughout this chapter. There are also 2 online game reviews posted on Google Classroom.
Students will have a quiz on the Number System prior to Thanksgiving Break. Sections 3 & 4 will take the quiz this Monday 11/25 and Sections 1,2, 5, & 6 will take the quiz this Tuesday, 11/26.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students learned about the first Mesopotamian civilization, the Sumerians. We learned how the Sumerians controlled water through irrigation and about their inventions. Next week we will learn about the group the conquered them, the Akkadians!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students took a map quiz where they labeled key parts of the Roman empire in the first century. We moved on from discussing animals to labeling human body parts in Latin and identifying English words that come from them.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The Latin students finished their Mythological Mall projects and are learning the terms for classroom objects.
6th Grade Update!
Thank you to the PTA for the Coffee Cabin truck this morning and breakfast treats in the teachers' room! We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity!
We hope to see you on Thursday night (11/21) for the Family Fall Fest fundraiser from 5-7 PM! Come hang out with the 6th-grade team and listen to Mr. Brideau sing! There will be pizza and snacks for purchase. It’s sure to be a fun night!!
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students learned about the 5 different informational text structures (description, problem/solution, compare/contrast, cause/effect, & sequence). Students read and discussed a variety of passages identifying the text structure being used. All students should be reading their book for the book project! The entire book should be read by December 2nd. The first half of the book should be read by this coming Tuesday. :)
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: It was a short but busy week in class! Students took a quiz on helping verbs as part of our ongoing grammar unit. This quiz evaluated their ability to identify helping verbs and main verbs within sentences. Next week students will work on identifying and using compound subjects and compound predicates in sentences. I
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students worked on completing their unit test study guides for their upcoming test, using their past classwork for reference. After a check for completion, all students should come home with a completed “answer key”. Students played “Buzzwords” & Blooket review games to study in class. The Space Science Unit test is on Tuesday 11/19 for Sections 5&6, and on Wednesday 11/20 for Sections 1-4.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We continued studying the number system, ordering negative and positive integers, fractions, and decimals. The students learned how to work together to solve a problem well enough that they were then able to teach it to classmates. Ask your student about the “Expert Teaching” groups!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students took their Early Humans test with some students even electing to take a more challenging version! Next week all sections will officially start our first ancient civilization unit, Mesopotamia.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students reviewed the Latin names of common household pets (both modern and ancient). We made a class slideshow of our own (real or imagined) pets, describing what they like to eat and what colors different animals are. We began labeling the body parts of different animals as we move into our next unit.
6th Grade News Flash!
Mark your calendars! The 6th Grade Family Fall Fest fundraiser is Thursday, November 21st from 5-7 PM! Entry is $10 per family and there will be pizza, snacks, and drinks for purchase. All proceeds go into the 6th grade account for upcoming events.
Mr. Brideau will be singing all night! Come join us for a fun-filled night!
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students read and reread “Sometimes A Dream Needs A Push.” They used their critical thinking skills to answer questions, complete a plot elements organizer, and write a story summary. Students were also given an at-home book project. Their book must be approved and read by Monday, December 2nd. The students have directions and an organizer for this assignment (paper copy and on Google Classroom). The written part of the assignment is due December 16th.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: It was a busy week in class as students completed the editing process and finished the final drafts of their narratives. Students also focused on improving their proofreading skills by practicing how to spot and fix capitalization errors in their writing. Next week students will have a helping verbs quiz.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we reviewed the characteristics of the life cycle of high mass stars versus low/medium mass stars. Students plotted and analyzed star data, to answer the question, how does a star’s mass affect its temperature and color? Next week, we will begin to review space science concepts for our unit test on 11/19 (Sections 5 & 6) & 11/20 (Sections 1-4)
Math Update from Ms. Goff: This week we started comparing and ordering integers, decimals, and fractions. Next week students will become “experts” on how to order the different types of numbers and then TEACH it to their classmates. What better way to learn than to know it well enough to teach it?!?
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week we wrapped up our Early Humans unit! Students were given and completed a study guide for their unit tests. A complete copy is now up on the stream of Google Classroom. In addition to the study guide, students have access to an AI chat bot I created to help them study!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students learned how to name common pets in Latin and read about what kind of animals the Romans kept as pets.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The Latin students have been learning Greek and Roman Mythology. They will be working on the Mythological Mall project. Be sure to ask them about their businesses!
6th Grade News
The advisory pumpkins came out amazing! We have very creative students!
Thank you for donating pumpkins for this project!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
* Monday 11/4 is also the last day for our holiday food drive to support local families! Please consider donating if you are able to! *
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students read a nonfiction short story titled, “The Loch Ness Monster.” After listening to the story and sketching their visualizations, they silently read it a second time. They made annotations, looking for big ideas, connections with the text, questions they had, and opinions. Next, students wrote a summary of the article. Then they created their legendary monster after completing a fun descriptive writing and drawing activity. Students realized that more descriptive details help to create similar visual images. We wrapped up the week reviewing for the Wordly Wise test scheduled for next Thursday, 11/7, and Friday, 11/8, depending on when they have reading class. If anyone has a small comfy chair they are looking to get rid of, I would love to use it in my classroom. I am trying to set up small reading nooks. :)
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: Happy Halloween! This week in writing class, students have been hard at work on their second narrative. Students are expected to write a continuation of a short story they read last week with a focus on using dialogue, description, action, and reflection to pace their narratives. Next week, students will submit their final drafts, and I’m eager to see the progress they’ve made!
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we learned about how stars are formed and modeled the nuclear fusion that fuels them to produce energy. Students researched the different star life stages based on a star’s mass and created star life cycle flow charts. Next week we will compare different stars based on their mass, temperature, and color on the spectrum to see how those factors are related.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We wrapped up our Fraction Chapter with fun review games early in the week to prepare for the test. Next week we will learn how decimals and fractions are related. Happy Halloween! 🎃
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students finished out Otzi the Iceman documentary, learned about different forms of agriculture and learned the six characteristics of civilizations.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students practiced identifying key locations on a map of the Roman empire and discussed how the empire changed through different ages. We also practiced describing the weather in Latin in writing and aloud.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The 6th grade Latin students are studying Greek and Roman mythology.
6th Grade Update!
Food Drive:
We are collecting items for our annual Loaves and Fishes food drive! We are especially looking for holiday foods like cranberry sauce, stuffing, pie filling, and broth to gear up for Thanksgiving. Each flex block is competing for the chance to win a breakfast party. The drive will end on Monday Nov. 4th. Please consider donating if you are able to! Thank you!!
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students finished and shared their graffiti walls for A Long Walk to Water. I am so impressed with the creativity and thoughtfulness of their work! TEAC (informational) writing was introduced. Based on the theme of perseverance, students found textual evidence and wrote analysis statements connecting the evidence to the theme and how it related to Salva in the novel. Next, they will be learning how to write introductory and concluding paragraphs. If anyone has a small comfy chair they are looking to get rid of, I would love to use it in my classroom. I am trying to set up small reading nooks. :)
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students started the first draft of their next writing assignment. Students are expected to write a continuation of a short story they read last week with a focus on using dialogue, description, action, and reflection to pace their narratives. Next week, students will start the editing process before turning in their final drafts.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we observed the Starlink satellites traveling through the night sky and carried out an investigation to explore gravity’s role in keeping satellites in orbit. Students created models out of pie tins, plastic wrap, and different sized marbles, to investigate how the mass, distance, and speed of the satellite affected gravitational pull. They wrote explanations to answer the scientific question: How do satellites maintain an orbit around the Earth? Their final typed explanation is due Tuesday.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We completed our chapter on fractions and started review by creating Goblin Goolosh - ask your student about their recipe! Next week we will continue reviewing fraction operations AND vocabulary with our Fraction Test on Wednesday 10/30 for sections 1 & 2 and on Thursday for sections 3, 4, 5, & 6.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week students turned in their first homework choice board assignments, with many of them bringing in bread. Every class had a blast trying everyone's bread and it led to some good conversation about the importance that bread and agriculture in general had on human history. Students also learned about Otzi the Iceman by completing a “murder mystery” activity and watching a documentary.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students described the daily weather aloud and wrote their own weather descriptions in Latin based on pictures. We also began completing map activities highlighting key locations in the Roman empire at its greatest extent during antiquity.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The 6th grade Latin students are learning the Latin and Greek gods and goddesses.
6th Grade Update!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
Kids Night Out is tonight!
$5 admission and concessions will be sold. It is a fun night for all 6th graders!!!
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ELA—Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students continued working on their graffiti walls this week. The “walls” are coming out great! We also discussed themes for the novel and wrote a single TEAC, finding evidence from the text and writing thoughtful analysis statements connecting the evidence to the chosen theme. Students will be typing the paragraph and then learning how to write introductory and concluding paragraphs.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week, students focused on learning the rules for punctuating dialogue. They worked in small groups to create sentences that included dialogue and practiced punctuating them correctly. This hands-on activity helped reinforce their understanding of how to properly use quotation marks, commas, and other punctuation when characters speak in their writing.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we read about space bodies and characteristics of the universe. Most sections started analyzing maps of the universe from our star neighborhood, to our Milky Way galaxy, to our Local Group of galaxies and beyond, to draw conclusions about our place in the universe and the vastness of the universe. Sixth graders also earned their first reward day for positive contributions to our 6th grade community! Section 3 also had Ms. Nicholson as a parent guest speaker about her career in space exploration.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We reviewed multiplying fractions this week, and introduced division. Next week we have some Halloween-themed fraction review. Also, please make sure your student has a set of headphones that can be kept and used at school. Have a good weekend!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in Social Studies we looked at the difference between how the Neolithic and Paleolithic peoples lived. Students looked at Neolithic sites like Gobekli Tepe, Catalhoyuk and Skara Brae. Students also received their first homework choice-board, due at the end of next week. Make sure to ask your student which option they plan to do!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students continued making their own calendars in Latin and learning about the Roman calendar. We also began to describe the weather in Latin, both aloud and in writing.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The Latin students are learning how to say the names of pets and other animals.
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
**PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD CHECK THE HOMEWORK SLIDE EVERY NIGHT!!!**
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: Students finished reading and discussing A Long Walk to Water, asking great questions, and having thoughtful discussions. The log and comprehension questions must be turned in tonight to be graded. Students are working with partners to design graffiti walls depicting important characters, changing settings, major events, themes, and important quotes. Enjoy the long weekend!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class students completed their narratives. Students also identified subjects in sentences and learned the difference between action and state-of-being verbs. Next week, students will learn the rules for punctuating dialogue in a narrative.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we have been learning about the formation of the universe using the text “Older Than the Stars” and our textbook. We also analyzed evidence that supports the Big Bang Theory and observed a map of the known universe. We modeled how energy seen as light changes as galaxies move farther away, and the universe continues to expand.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: The decimal quiz will be entered into Aspen this weekend and returned to students early next week. From what I’ve graded so far, I am very proud of how well the class performed. If any student receives a grade below 70%, they may do corrections to boost their score up to a 70%. Similarly, any score less than 15 points (75%) on Skill Drills can also make corrections. Directions for corrections are also posted on Google Classroom. We are off to a good start with fractions and will continue next week.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies students completed their first homework choice boards! Their cave paintings and/or hominin posters came out fantastic! We started to learn about the Stone Age and the cave art our earliest ancestors left behind. Next week we will wrap up our Early Humans unit and start to prepare for our second test. Keep an eye out for our study materials over the next week or so.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students created a calendar in Latin noting ancient Roman festivals and famous historical events. We have been learning about the Roman calendar and how it is the basis for our modern calendar.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
The sixth grade Latin students are going to be learning how to talk about their pets or animals that they like.
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
**PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD CHECK THE HOMEWORK SLIDE EVERY NIGHT!!!**
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students continued reading and discussing A Long Walk to Water. They are doing a great job completing the daily log and comprehension questions. They are starting to work on graffiti walls showcasing important words, symbols, themes, etc. from the novel.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week students worked diligently to write the first draft of their narratives. I could not be more impressed by their ability to write for extended periods of time and produce quality work. Next week, students will receive feedback and comments from peers about their writing and then revise their draft before submitting it for final review.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we finished analyzing the lunchbox bacteria data and used it to build evidence based claims. We also completed our first check in assessment on the general science vocabulary we will use throughout the year. We ended the week carrying out an investigation to explore the question “Are 6th grade girls taller than 6th grade boys on average?” and gathered and analyzed the class data by graphing the averages to answer this question.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We started FUN fractions this week. I am so happy to see that they have come to 6th grade with good basic fraction skills. Hopefully this will allow us to do some deeper thinking activities. Students should expect grades from the decimal quiz to be entered into Aspen by next week. Have a great weekend!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in social studies students learned about a selection of human ancestors. After learning about each of the five hominins students participated in an archeology challenge where they analyzed five different skulls through augmented reality and tried to figure out which skull belonged to what hominin. Students wrapped up the week by creating “puzzle pieces” that work as both sequencing cards and flash cards to help us cement what we learned throughout the week.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students took a quiz on Roman numerals and numbers in Latin. We also began learning the days of the week and the months in Latin, looking at their connection to Roman history , mythology, and culture.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade Latin students have done a great job on their derivative posters! We are starting to learn the Latin names for pets and interesting animals.
6th Grade ROCKS!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
**PLEASE CHECK THE HOMEWORK SLIDE EVERY NIGHT!!!**
LPS Education Tech Support is a great resource! Please check it out! https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lpstech2020/home
**Remind your child to CHARGE his/her Chromebook every night!!!**
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students started reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. It is based on a true story. There are two characters with two stories, Salva and Nya, who are both 11 years old and from Sudan. Through the novel, students are learning how to identify Notice and Note signposts, plot elements, and types of characters.
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students reviewed the four types of perspectives in narrative writing. Students then read the short story "The Medicine Bag" by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve and identified evidence within the text to support the analysis of a character. Next week, students will rewrite part of this narrative from a different character's point of view to reflect the character's development in the story.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science, students worked to identify claim, evidence, and reasoning from scientific arguments. They worked together to analyze gathered data, such as the number of bacteria colonies growing after two days, and drew conclusions based on evidence for the question, “Is it a good idea to use your lunchbox as a bowl to eat out of?”.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We finished our chapter on decimals this week and sections 1, 2, 3, & 4 took their first math quiz*. Sections 4 & 5 will take the quiz* on Monday. Next week we will start with Fun Fractions!!
* If your student was or is absent on the day of a quiz, they need to arrange a time to make it up after school.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week we started our Early Humans unit. Students learned about some of our earliest human ancestors and some of the famous discoveries made in the last century, like the fossil of Lucy.
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: Room 224 is almost out of tissues, so any donations would be greatly appreciated! This week World Language students continued practicing with Roman numerals, counting in Latin, and simple math problems (addition and subtraction) in Latin. Students worked in groups to create posters providing English derivatives of a Latin number assigned to their group.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
The Latin students are working on a derivative project and learning Latin numbers and Roman Numerals.
6th Grade ROCKS!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
LPS Education Tech Support is a great resource! Please check it out! https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lpstech2020/home
Reminder, students should bring their chargers to school if they forget to charge their Chromebooks at night.
PLEASE make sure students have a pair of headphones (or earbuds) with them to use at school.
Also, if your child is having computer issues please email technology@littletonps.org.
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students learned about the different character types (round, flat, dynamic, static, protagonist, & antagonist). They took notes and have a blue keep sheet with the information. Students also read a fairy tale, with a partner, and completed a plot chart and character type sheet. This was a fun activity for them to practice what they have been learning in class. Lastly, the students learned about Notice & Note signposts by watching a short video and having table group discussions. It was a busy week in reading class!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week in class, students practiced the "Show, don't tell" writing strategy. They worked on creating vivid descriptions that allow readers to infer emotions or events rather than directly stating them. We also ended the week with our first quiz on the parts of a sentence. Next week, we will practice identifying the narrator's perspective in short stories and determine the vantage point from which the events of a story are observed and conveyed to the reader.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we completed our Slinky investigation by testing how Slinkys with no/little tension fall. We analyzed our data and used evidence to construct scientific explanations of the floating Slinky phenomena. We also played a review game to strengthen our understanding of general science vocabulary and concepts that we will use throughout the year.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We are wrapping up the chapter on decimal operations and will spend the remainder of our time reviewing. Our first quiz will be next Friday and the following Monday (please see below for specific classes). Students can use their notes and practices to help them study as well as the study guide they will be receiving next week. Students in sections 1, 2, 3 & 4 will take the quiz on Friday, 9/27 and students in sections 5 & 6 will have their quiz on Monday, 9/30.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in Social Studies students got prepared for and some took their first test! Students played study games, quizzed each other and practiced the map. Next week, sections 3-6 will take the test and we will start our “Early Humans” unit where students will learn about our earliest human ancestors and start to piece together the puzzle of human history!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students continued learning how to count in Latin and associating Roman numerals with the Latin vocabulary word for each number. Students counted classroom objects and practiced hearing and writing Latin numbers. We also practiced adding and subtracting in Latin. Please see Google Classroom or the 6th grade homework board for the date of each class’s quiz on numbers and numerals.
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
We are learning Numbers and Roman numerals now in Latin class.
6th Grade ROCKS!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
LPS Education Tech Support is a great resource! Please check it out! https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lpstech2020/home
Reminder, students should bring their chargers to school if they forget to charge their Chromebooks at night.
PLEASE make sure students have a pair of headphones (or earbuds) with them to use at school.
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students learned about the elements of a plot (exposition, inciting incident, rising actions, climax, falling actions, & resolution), as well as conflict and solution. Then they applied what they learned by plotting out two Pixar shorts, “La Luna” and “The Present,” completing a plot chart for each. Students also read “The Lost Dog” and color-coded the plot elements throughout the story. The kids worked hard and did a great job!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: This week, students continued to explore how authors use figurative language as a writing tool to make emotional connections with a reader. Students also composed compare-and-contrast paragraphs on different topics. Next week, students will learn and practice the "Show, Don't Tell" writing technique and explore the defining features of narrative writing.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science, students used their observational skills to seek an explanation for the “floating” Slinky phenomena. They started planning and carrying out an investigation of this phenomena including forming scientific questions, making an educated hypothesis, and running controlled tests.
Next week they will plan and carry out the remainder of the investigation and practice changing and testing variables, gathering and analyzing data, and forming an evidence based explanation.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: This week we continued our review of decimals and long division. We will spend time learning and practicing how to divide decimals and divide into and with decimals by small group and partner practice.
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: This week in Social Studies we learned about map types and why all map projections are wrong. Our 6th graders have started to hit their stride as we finish up our first unit! Next week we will wrap up our first unit. The focus will be on organization, study skills, and review for an end-of-unit test. Keep an eye on the homework slide next week for test dates and binder reminders!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week World Language students practiced identifying which Latin words that many English derivatives come from. We continued using our new greetings each day in class as we are learning to say how we are doing in Latin. We reviewed Roman numerals and began learning how to count in Latin.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The sixth grade Latin students are learning Greetings and how to ask questions. They are also learning derivatives such as pessimist, optimist, and aqueduct.
WELCOME to LMS! 6th Grade ROCKS!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
Reminder, students should bring their chargers to school if they forget to charge their Chromebook at night. Also, if your child is having computer issues please email technology@littletonps.org.
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: This week students began sharing their slides and introducing themselves to the class. They also began a mini-nonfiction unit, learning important terms such as caption, central idea, headline, objective summary, sidebar, subheading, supporting details, and text features. Students have a blue keep sheet, in their binder, with the terms and definitions. They listened to the reading of the nonfiction article, “Rising from the Ashes” and completed a variety of reading skills, applying the new nonfiction terms. Please ask them about the article and what they learned. :)
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: Despite this being a short week, we have had a productive time in our writing class! We started our unit on narrative writing with a review of figurative language to help students understand how to make their writing more vivid and engaging. We also spent time practicing identifying nouns and learning about the parts of a sentence to strengthen our foundational grammar skills.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science students worked to identify different lab equipment such as graduated cylinders, microscopes, and triple beam balances. They worked in groups to use these tools to gather different scientific measurements. We also introduced the scientific practices they will be doing this year as scientists.
Math Update from Ms. Goff: We started reviewing and re-learning operations with decimals. Next week, we will review long division of whole numbers and learn dividing by and with decimals. I will be sending an email to parents with information on the flipped classroom model we are using in math this year. As always, please feel free to email with any questions or concerns. Have a great weekend!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau:
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week the 6th grade chose Latin names to use in class, and is practicing greeting each other daily. We finished discussing classroom procedures and setting up our binders, and shared five items to represent our favorite things as we introduced ourselves. We also began looking at English words that come from Latin.
World Language from Ms. Hicks: The 6th grade Latin students are learning more greetings and questions. They have completed comics and have been watching short videos and songs about Latin and the Romans.
WELCOME to LMS! 6th Grade ROCKS!
Thank you for all of the supplies you have sent in! We appreciate your generosity!
Check out the 6th grade website - https://sites.google.com/littletonps.org/lms6thgrade
Reminder, students should bring their chargers to school if they forget to charge their Chromebook at night. Also, if your child is having computer issues please email technology@littletonps.org.
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ELA - Reading Update from Mrs. Tracanna: It has been a great three days! I have enjoyed meeting all of the 6th graders! It has been fun for us to get to know each other. Students are currently working on a Google slide introducing themselves to the class. If you have any questions, please email me at dtracanna@littletonps.org. Have a wonderful long weekend!
ELA - Writing Update from Mrs. Gresco: It has been an incredible start to the year in ELA Writing class, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and a genuine eagerness to learn. Students transitioned into their new roles as middle school students with remarkable ease. In the past three days, students have been introduced to class routines and expectations and have participated in various writing activities. I am truly excited about the journey that lies ahead for our sixth-grade students. With the positive energy they have brought to the classroom, I have no doubt this will be a year of tremendous growth and achievement.
Science Update from Ms. Durkin: This week in Science we worked on introductions and familiarizing ourselves with the classroom, each other, and school routines. Students used their observation skills to investigate their teacher, Ms. Durkin, and form evidence-based claims about their teacher. Students also started writing autobiographical poems to introduce themselves, and we will use these poems to play “Guess Who” to learn more about the similarities we share. It was such a joy getting to meet all the new 6th graders!
Math Update from Ms. Goff: What a great group of 6th graders! We talked about how each class is a team; and that we will help, respect, and support each other throughout the year. During our second class, we set up our binders for math and reviewed our class guidelines, expectations, and grading policies. Our first assignment - it’s simply to review the Guidelines & Expectations with your student. Students will keep this sheet in their binder for the remainder of the year for reference. I will also post this information on our Google Classroom. Have a great Labor Day weekend!
Social Studies Update from Mr. Brideau: We had a great start to the year! Students helped me get to know them by creating a flag to represent who they are. Students learned about our 6th grade expectations and started to play around with some of the websites we are going to use throughout the year. If you have not already, please fill out the parent survey I emailed out this Tuesday. Thank you to those of you who have already, it is a huge help in getting to know your students. Here’s to a great year!
World Language from Mrs. DiRusso: This week I was excited to meet some of our sixth-grade World Language students! During Trimester 1 students will be introduced to a bit of Latin language and Roman culture. As we get to know each other, students have been completing an "About Me" survey, which is on paper and due next week. They will also bring in 5 items to share with the class as a means of introducing themselves (in English). This mini-presentation can also be submitted to Google Classroom as a video which does not have to feature the student, just the 5 times. Please email me at mdirusso@littletonps.org with any questions. I look forward to a great year!
World Language from Ms. Hicks:
We started learning Latin in 6th grade. Students can greet each other and will be learning the days of the week. They are also learning how words like solar, solarium, solstice, and parasol come from the Latin word “sol”- meaning sun. It will be helpful for students to have black felt tipped pens and index cards to make flashcards throughout the school year.