Hawthorn Middle Schools

In Sixth Grade the emphasis in Social Studies is the Eastern hemisphere. We are now learning about Africa. Students have also learned the twenty most influential countries in the Middle East. Although we will be studying this region in depth next spring, this area is so important in the world at this time students have learned the location and capitals of this region already.

DOLs are assigned each Friday and are due the following Friday. Students present current events each Friday.

Students have been learning how to take notes.

In writing we are working on Narrative and Expository writing and writing a response to Literature. Grammar and conventions necessary for good writing are also emphasized.

Please check Assignment Notebooks regularly.

Contact me:
by email
phone (847) 990-4459

SOCIAL STUDIES:
• The emphasis in Sixth Grade is the Eastern Hemisphere. Checking for information on the Internet, the daily newspapers, and t.v. new shows will increase your knowledge and understanding of this part of the world.

• Continue to review the countries and capitals of the MIddle East - a volatile part of this area.

WRITING:
• You will only become a better writer by writing. Any opportunity you a have to write . . . do so.
Thank you notes and letters are easy ways to practice.

READ . . . READ . . . READ - A GREAT WAY TO INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND VOCABULARY.

During the month of October my Language Arts students will be involved many activities. We will be reading SAMMY KEYES mystery books to keep in the mystery/Halloween mode. Students are responsible for a mystery book report which is due on November along with their calendar.
Following are some reading tips you might find useful with any of your children:

1. Find a comfortable place where you and your child can sit together. Let the book become a bridge between both laps.
2. Talk about the front and back cover illustrations and the title. Predict what you think the story might be about or ask a question and think aloud saying, "I wonder if the story will answer my question."
3. Take a few minutes and encourage your child to talk about some of the pictures in the book. Your child might simply point to what he or she sees or make a connection to something similar that happened.
4. Encourage your child to predict what will happen next by stopping occasionally and saying, "What do you think will happen?" Allow lots of time for an answer. If none comes, then you can offer a prediction. Repeating this process will help your child know what to do.
5. Make understanding the story your focus. Every few pages, stop and retell what happened. Talk about the characters and what they do. Then, invite your child to help you retell small sections. Your child will let you know when he or she is ready to retell an entire section.
6. Connect a character or an event from the story to your child's life or your life. Clearly explain the connection and ask your child if he or she wants to add anything.
7. Point to the words as you read. This helps your child understand that print contains the story, and that we read from left to right.
8. Ask questions and give your child thinking time to figure out an answer. If your child doesn't answer after a minute or so, say, "Here's what I was thinking..."
9. Choose books with your child at the public library or bookmobile.
10. Read aloud at bedtime and if possible, during the day.
11. Have a great time together and send the message that reading is fun!

In Social Studies we have been discussing the "Five Themes of Geography" with an emphasis on Human-Environment Interaction. Soon we will begin our study of Northern Africa and Southwest Asia.
The students have done an outstanding job at learning the countries and capitals of the Middle East. I am SOOOOOOOOOO PROUD of them.

Please feel free to contact me if you have concerns or questions.
(847) 990-4459 or

During the month of October my Language Arts students will be involved many activities. We will be reading SAMMY KEYES mystery books to keep in the mystery/Halloween mode. Students are responsible for a mystery book report which is due on November along with their calendar.
Following are some reading tips you might find useful with any of your children:

1. Find a comfortable place where you and your child can sit together. Let the book become a bridge between both laps.
2. Talk about the front and back cover illustrations and the title. Predict what you think the story might be about or ask a question and think aloud saying, "I wonder if the story will answer my question."
3. Take a few minutes and encourage your child to talk about some of the pictures in the book. Your child might simply point to what he or she sees or make a connection to something similar that happened.
4. Encourage your child to predict what will happen next by stopping occasionally and saying, "What do you think will happen?" Allow lots of time for an answer. If none comes, then you can offer a prediction. Repeating this process will help your child know what to do.
5. Make understanding the story your focus. Every few pages, stop and retell what happened. Talk about the characters and what they do. Then, invite your child to help you retell small sections. Your child will let you know when he or she is ready to retell an entire section.
6. Connect a character or an event from the story to your child's life or your life. Clearly explain the connection and ask your child if he or she wants to add anything.
7. Point to the words as you read. This helps your child understand that print contains the story, and that we read from left to right.
8. Ask questions and give your child thinking time to figure out an answer. If your child doesn't answer after a minute or so, say, "Here's what I was thinking..."
9. Choose books with your child at the public library or bookmobile.
10. Read aloud at bedtime and if possible, during the day.
11. Have a great time together and send the message that reading is fun!

In Social Studies we have been discussing the "Five Themes of Geography" with an emphasis on Human-Environment Interaction. Soon we will begin our study of Northern Africa and Southwest Asia.
The students have done an outstanding job at learning the countries and capitals of the Middle East. I am SOOOOOOOOOO PROUD of them.

Please feel free to contact me if you have concerns or questions.
(847) 990-4459 or

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