The Chapter 2 math test is coming!

It's that time again... math test time! In chapter 2, we've been working on operations with decimals. I want to give the test before Thanksgiving Break (that way all the turkey won't make you forget your math!). The chapter 2 test is scheduled for Monday, November 23rd. I'll be giving you a study guide for the test next week, but here's a recap of the things we've learned in chapter 2:

-Adding and Subtracting Decimals (keep those decimal points lined up!)
-Multiplication, including decimals (any method you choose)
-Traditional long division, using decimals
-Multiplying by Powers of 10 (the multiplication where we move the decimal point)
-Place Value
-Exponents
-Scientific Notation

Start reviewing now so you're ready on Monday the 23rd! Happy Studying!

Wanted: Hand Sanitizer!

With cold and flu season in full swing, we're trying really hard to keep all the students in 6th grade healthy! This means that we're Chlorox-wiping desks more often, reminding you to do lots of hand washing, and having you sanitize your hands throughout the day. The problem is, we're going to run out of supplies if this keeps up! Please bring in a bottle of hand sanitizer to your homeroom teacher to help make sure we have enough for everyone. We'll ask for more supplies as we need them. Thanks for your help with stopping the germs!

A math test?!? How exciting!

The first math test of the year is finally here (I can hear all of you cheering through the screens because you're so excited about it!) As you're preparing for this test, here's a reminder of the different things we've talked about during this chapter which could appear on the test:

- Line plots and mystery line plots
- Landmarks (mean, median, mode, maximum, minimum, and range)
-Line graphs
-Bar graphs
-Circle graphs
-Step graphs
-Persuasive graphs
-Area and perimeter


I'm often asked about the best way to study for a math test. It's different than studying for a history or a science test, where you can review facts. The best way to study for a math test is to find old problems that we've done together, write them again on a separate piece of paper, and see if you can do them again on your own. You can also ask mom, dad, a friend, or an older brother or sister to make up new problems for you (after you show them what you're working on, of course!) The best way to learn math is by doing it!

Registration!

Hopefully by now, all of you have made it to Randall to get registered for the coming school year! For those of you going to 7th grade- good luck to all of you and make sure you come back and visit us in the 6th grade hallway! If you're entering 6th grade- welcome! We're going to have a great year and you have a lot to look forward to. See you all at Open House on Thursday, the 27th!

Sent

A few of the 6th grade homerooms (mine included!) read Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix at the end of the year. The second book in The Missing series called Sent will be released August 25th. Since Found ended with such a cliffhanger, I'm sure some of you are looking forward to the next book (I know I am!) Here is the plot summary I found online:

Jonah and Chip barely have time to adjust to the knowledge that they are missing children from history when Chip and another boy, Alex, are hurtled back to their rightful time period. Desperate not to lose their friends, Jonah and Katherine grab on for the ride. When they arrive in London in 1483, Chip and Alex finally learn their true identities: the missing princes from the Tower of London! JB promises that if the kids can set history right, they can return home to their present-day lives. But how is that possible if, in original time, Chip and Alex were supposed to die?

Margaret Peterson Haddix is also revising the third book in the series. She is thinking that the title of the third book will either be Lost, Deserted, or Sabotaged. While you're waiting for her to complete this series, there are always the Shadow Children books (all the ones that come after Among the Hidden) to keep you busy!

Happy Summer Reading!

Meet my new kitten!

For those of you that still check this (and are interested in my pet saga), I finally got my kitten! His name is Meeko, he's 11 weeks old, and his favorite activities include chasing his tail, climbing chairs, and cuddling with me (of course!) I hope you're all having amazing vacations! See you in August!

Final 6th grade math test! 6/4

Your last math test of your sixth grade career is tomorrow! Here's a list of the concepts that will be on the test:

-Probability
- Writing sample spaces and using your sample space to answer probability questions
-Writing sample spaces to determine whether or not games are fair or unfair
-VenDiagrams
-the Distributive Property (solving equations involving parentheses)
-Area and perimeter of strange shapes

Good luck and happy studying!

Chapter 6 test

Here is a list of the concepts that will be on the chapter 6 test, which we will be taking on Friday (May 8th).

Adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers
Multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers
Order of operations using positive and negative numbers
Solving one step equations
Solving two step equations
Graphing inequalities
Solving inequalities

Happy studying!

Math

Happy Pi Day! I hope you all enjoyed your first Pi Day celebration. What were your favorite activities? Is there anything you think should be changed for next year?

Reminder: The chapter 5 math test has been postponed until Friday. Use your extra day of studying wisely!

Chapter 5 math test

The Chapter 5 math test is coming up next Thursday. This test will cover:

-Drawing and measuring angles
- Determining angle measurements/ angle relationships
-Circle graphs using a protractor
-Coordinate geometry (plotting points to create particular shapes)
-Transformations (translations, reflections and rotations)
-Similar and congruent figures
-Testing for parallel lines using corresponding angles
-Parallelograms

SMART boards

As you know, when Randall began putting SMART boards into classrooms, 6th grade was lucky enough to get two of them in our wing! The teachers talk a lot about how much they like them, but in your opinion, how have these boards changed classes? Are things easier to understand because of them? Is there really a difference at all? Are they what you expected them to be?

Who's checking the blog?

If you read this, either print this page or send Miss Kovalaske an email (kkovalaske@randall.k12.wi.us) that says "I read the blog!" and you'll get a piece of candy! (shhh! Don't tell! Let's see who finds this on their own!)

How do I study for a math test?

Our chapter 4 math test is coming up next Thursday! (It was pushed back a day because of Wildcat Wednesday). Here are the concepts that will be on that test:

-equivalent fractions
-ordering and comparing fractions
-adding and subtracting fractions
-multiplying and dividing fractions
-converting between fractions, decimals, and percents
-percent of a number and percent off

I often hear students say that they don't know how to study for math tests or that you can't study for a math test. Of course you can study! The best way to study for a math test is to go back through your homework, math boxes, and class work and look at problems that you've done. Rewrite the problems on a separate piece of paper and try them again. If you need new problems, you can always ask mom, dad, a brother or sister, or a teacher to make some up for you, using your old problems as examples.

The best way to learn math is by doing it, so give it a try! Good luck and happy studying!

Did you know...

Did you know that if you ever have printer issues at home while working on an assignment, you can email that assignment directly to your teacher? All teacher email addresses are available on the Randall website!

1st semester

We're nearly halfway through the school year! Is 6th grade what you expected it to be? What are your biggest accomplishments so far this school year and what would you still like to do before your time as a 6th grader is over?