WELCOME TO MS. MURRAY'S GRADE SIX CLASS
WHAT'S NEW IN OUR CLASS?



A RESPECT THEME
Students in Miss Murray's class began the school year with a RESPECT theme. One activity that the students undertook was to put up posters around the school reminding students to be respectful of their learning environment. To view students'work, visit THE POSTER GALLERY.

GORDON KORMAN AUTHOR STUDY

There are five types of students with each group reading a novel. They are to read one chapter per night and write half a page summary on that chapter.

The following day they exchange their sunmary with a partner who is reading a different book. This allows each student to be aware of two of the books. They are to comment positively on the summary.

I also teach them note-taking pointers and read about Gorman Korman. They are to take notes, then they are to use their notes to do a write-up on Gordon Korman.

In addition, the students who read the same novel get in groups. I suggest. a topic to discuss (i.e. characters, front cover, predictions), and one person in the group copies their discussion. In the end they submit one copy of their discussion. In the end, they submit one copy of their discussion for marks.

The students really enjoy this theme, as Gordon Korman's books are filled with laughter. I also do a read-aloud daily.



STORY WRITING

ART THEME
This year I decided to get my students involved in different art media.

We had 10 centers set up in the library, as this was a joint project between the classroom and the library.

A brief overview of the centers follows:

  1. A brief description of Michelangelo and his work. Then they are to draw and color a picture under the table.
  2. Follow directions to make an angel.
  3. A brief description on sponge painting, followed by a picture done using a sponge.
  4. A brief description on pastels, and to make a picture using pastels, and put in their own words what pastels are.
  5. To read on origami in books and encyclopedias, write about origami, and make a hat following directions.
  6. Watch a video on Barbara Reid and plasticine, and make a piece of art using plasticine.
  7. Read about papier maché, and make a pinata.
  8. Use the Microcat to research art. Follow directions and fill in blanks.
  9. Use a website to copy information on Leonardo da Vinci.
  10. Use Grolier Encyclopedia to find different artists, their pieces and dates.