Miss McKinnon's Sixth Graders

Should Schools Require PE Class Every Day?

2012-01-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

Next school year, middle school students in the Bakersfield City School District in California will be spending more time in physical education class. That's because the state requires middle schoolers to have an average of 40 minutes of PE per day. Many people argue that getting regular exercise is a big health benefit. But some people say that daily PE classes take time away from other important classes, such as math and science. What do you think?
~ Scholastic News 01/09/12 edition

Sticky Situation

2012-01-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Peter and Kyle have been best friends for years. One day, they go to the store to buy some snacks. Peter is shocked when he sees Kyle put some candy in his pocket when the store's owner isn't looking. Peter wants Kyle to put the candy back, but he's afraid Kyle won't talk to him anymore if he accuses his friend of stealing. What should Peter do?

~ Scholastic News 01/09/12 edition

Tales of Bullying

2012-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

What did you learn by reading this article yesterday? Have you ever been bullied? What did you do about it? Have you ever been a bully towards someone else? How did that make you feel afterwards?

~ Scholastic News

Snow Day

2012-01-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

The news predicted snow for this weekend and the beginning of next week for our area. Whenever school is cancelled due to snow...what do you do at home on your snow day?

Birthdays

2012-01-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready to celebrate several January baby birthdays this month. What would you do if every single person you know, forgot your birthday?

Dragon Games

2012-01-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

We are reading Dragon Games in class right now. Hap and Umber are currently being chased on their ship out at sea. They are heading towards the Boiling Sea. What do you think is going to happen? There are a lot of unresolved events in this book. Make several predictions about the end of this book.

World History

2012-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

In sixth grade, we focus on World History in Social Studies all year. Please research an event that happened between 1850 and 1900AD in the country you chose for your homework last night. List the name of the country, and the major event.

Battle Of The Books

2012-01-05T10:53:00.001-08:00

Make a list of all the Battle Books you have read! Did you read enough to get a prize yet? If so, what prize did Miss McKinnon get for you? How many Battle Books would you like to read this year total? If you have not read ANY Battle Books yet, why not and what are you going to do about it?

Family

2012-01-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

If you could buy one thing for your family, what would it be and why?

Pick One

2012-01-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Pick one character in any book you have read and explain why you would want to be friends with him or her in real life.

Magazine

2012-01-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

A magazine editor has asked you to write and article about kids who are your age. What would you write?

Welcome Back!!!

2012-01-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

Write a long paragraph about everything you can remember happening during break? Were you really busy? Did you have a lot of time to relax? Did you get anything new? Did you eat anything yummy?

Winter Break

2011-12-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

What are your plans for Winter Break? We have two whole weeks of freedom!!!!

All I Want For Christmas...

2011-12-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Make a list of some things you would like for Christmas this year!

Stranded

2011-12-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

In our read-aloud, Dragon Games, Umber and Happenstance find Caspar stranded on a tiny island with thousands of bidmis. In our world, where do YOU think would be the worst place to be stranded? Why?

Traveling

2011-12-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

If you were going on an amazing trip, but could take only one thing with you, what would you bring and why?

Sticky Situation

2011-12-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

At the mall, Artie sees Steven, a new student at his school who recently moved from Kenya. Steven hasn't made any friends and is sitting alone in the food court. Artie wants to say hello, but a couple of friends are sitting nearby. He hears them making fun of Steven's accent and clothes. What should Artie do?

~ December 5, 2011 Scholastic News

Should Schools Assign Homework on Weekends?

2011-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Starting this year, a school district in New Jersey no longer lets teachers assing written homework over weekends and holidays. School officials want students to have enough time to spend with their families and take part in other activities. Others say it's a bad idea for kids to close their books on the weekends. They argue that kids need the weekend to practice what they learned in class, and parents have more time to help kids on weekends. What do you think?

~ December 5, 2011 Scholastic News

Year in Review

2011-12-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Read pages 6 -7 in your Scholastic Newspaper. As 2011 comes closer to ending, what are some big moments you remember from YOUR year?

Thank -You

2011-12-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

If you had one very special thank-you card, who would you give it to and why?

Rescue Mission

2011-12-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

Read pages 4 - 5 in your Scholastic Newspaper. Why is the Cherokee Nation turning to technology to save their language?

Should Schools Require Students to Volunteer?

2011-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Many schools in the U.S. require students to take part in community service programs, especially close to the holidays. Some people say volunteering is good for kids because it teaches them the value of helping in their community. Others say volunteering, be definition, is a choice and shouldn't be forced on kids. What do you think?

~ 11/21/11 Scholastic News

Sticky Situation

2011-12-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

Emily, Annie, and Donna want to sign up for an after-school activity. Annie and Donna decide to try out for the cheerleading squad, but Emily wants to join the band. Emily really loves music, but her friends say being in the band isn't cool. She is worried that they will make fun of her if she joins the band. What should Emily do?

~ 11/21/11 Scholastic News

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T11:19:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Click on this link to learn more about why we celebrate this special day!

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/

* Record two new things you learned here!

Geography

2011-11-17T08:45:00.001-08:00

Please go to this link to practice your map skills and to get ready for our map quiz tomorrow!

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm

THANKFUL

2011-11-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Next week, we will have two days off from school to celebrate Thanksgiving and spend time with our families. Make a list of some things you are thankful for.

Bringing Lunches to School

2011-09-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

In some schools in Chicago, Illinois, students have only one choice at lunchtime - the school's meal. School officials say lunches served in cafeterias are more nutritious than those students bring from home. But some parents argue that the lunches they pack for their kids can be healthy too. School lunches also cost more than some parents spend on packed lunches.

What do YOU think??

Pitching In

2011-09-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Read the 09/05/11 edition of Scholastic News. What is Elliot Mast doing to make a difference in his community?

Welcome Back!

2011-09-02T13:47:00.001-07:00

We have survived two days of school so far! Welcome to the world of sixth grade! We have lots and lots of activities, events, and learning to do this year. What are some things you are looking forward to during your sixth grade year?