Thursday, August 25, 2011

Welcome to Sixth-Grade Humanities

Sixth-grade humanities integrates learning in language arts with the study of geography, archaeology, anthropology and ancient civilizations. Language Arts studies are often linked with the social studies curriculum and run concurrently to those explorations. Categories of language arts study include creative and expository writing using a Writer's Workshop model, vocabulary and word origin, conventions/mechanics, literature and genre studies, and thinking skills. Particular emphasis is placed on essay writing. Students will develop skills in writing style and conventions and focus on information gathering and synthesis. The ability to analyze literature is developed through regular reading, reflection and response. Students will learn about the elements of culture, the technological developments required to build civilization, and the events that cause civilizations to collapse by studying the cultural traits and history of several ancient peoples. The year begins with an archaeology primer that prepares students to study the cultures to come. It includes the 5 themes of geography, elements and nature of culture and the role of archaeology in our knowledge of the ancient world. Prehistoric humans, the agricultural revolution and the birth of civilization is next. Units on Sumeria and Mesopotamia, the Egyptians, and ancient Chinese and Indus civilizations follow. The beginnings of western civilization are explored through study of the Greeks and Romans. The survey of ancient cultures ends with the civilizations of Mesoamerica. For those of you who just can't wait to get a piece of paper about the course that reiterates the outline and describes basic expectations and policy, you can access it here—Hum_6_letter_general.doc. I distribute a hard copy during the first week of school and review it with students.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

an Artful Renditon of yours truly

It’s going to be a great Fall!

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BBC World News

  • Explosion and gunfire shake Kabul
    • There has been a large explosion in the centre of the Afghan capital, Kabul, followed by an apparent attack on a security forces building.
  • Two held after plane alert over UK
    • Two men are arrested after RAF Typhoon jets were launched to investigate an incident involving a passenger plane from Pakistan within UK airspace.
  • UN hails 'historic' Obama drone vow
    • The lawyer leading the UN's inquiry into drones welcomes President Obama's speech as a "significant step towards increased transparency".
  • Syria 'to attend peace conference'
    • Russia says the Syrian government has agreed "in principle" to attend an international peace conference set to be held in Geneva in June.
  • Turkey to ban late-night drink sales
    • The Turkish parliament approves controversial legislation to restrict the sale and advertising of alcohol.
  • 'Comfort women' snub Japan mayor
    • Two South Korean women forced into sexual slavery in WWII cancel a meeting with Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, citing fears of "political exploitation".