6th Grade Geography

Sixth grade Social Studies emphasizes the study of geography. We use a well-written five-year-old text, Holt – McDougal’s World Geography. I very much enjoy geography because it dovetails very nicely with STEM mentailty. Following our exposure to chapter 1, which involves understanding the tools/language of geography, we will then embark on a curriculum-anchored world tour that includes North America, Europe [Eastern and Western], and Russia. Again, my aim remains to go more vertically than horizontal, in a way that is challenging but digestible to a grade. Projects include map work, readers’ theater exposures, debates, other projects, and tests/quizzes.

Homework

For both grades, homework, often started in class, is not mandatorily a nightly event. However, having said that, I feel that quickest-and-sneakiest way to obtain measurable additional success is to pre-read or re-read current content, one or two nights per week, for about 10-15 minutes a sitting. This is in addition to other previously-assigned homework assignments.

In the event that personal circumstances present a situation where finishing a homework exceeds reasonable efforts, please attach a note to your child’s planner or assignment. Be sure your child shows me the note prior to class if possible. As a 5/6-grade team member, collectively, our aim for 50 and 60 minutes per night, respectively. At times may exceed these minutes, so please view it as an average. Some nights are HW free; a few will be heavier.

Emanuel Leutze, artist, painted 1851

John Trumbell, artist, painted 1817