Mrs. Suzanne Brown Room 216 6th Gr. Social Studies
Book --- Ancient Civilizations Publisher ---Harcourt 2010
Ancient Civilizations Course
In 6th grade our Social Studies class explores many ancient cultures and civilizations. This class is a core class and will meet the entire year. The text is a great text that offers exposure to many fascinating people and places of the past.
Content/Topics of Study --- As our starting point, we begin the year with learning about our text and how to use it. We also review geographical terms and map skills. As the year progresses, topics will include : - Early Humankind, -Mesopotamia, -Egypt, -The Ancient Hebrews, -The Ancient Greeks, -Ancient India, -Ancient China and The Ancient Romans including Christianity’s beginnings.
Assessments ---Progress in Social Studies will be measured and monitored by daily work as well as tests and projects. Tests will occur every two to three weeks and are announced in class as well as on Edline. They will be announced with a minimum of four days’ notice.
There are no special study sessions for tests in Social Studies but students/parents may always contact me to set up an appointment to work on any troublesome areas.
Grading --- The Edline site will be your best way to track your student’s progress and grades. I use a points system for all grades. Daily work may be worth 5 points and up and tests typically are worth a potential 100 points for the student’s grade.
Late Work/Absent Students --- Student work is expected to be completed on time to aid the student in their learning. If a student is absent Monday and Tuesday, they would have until Friday to turn in the missing work. (Two days ill = two days to catch up) Students on vacations or missing school due to appointments will need to complete the work from class while they are gone and it will be due the day they return to school. This includes being prepared for any tests or quizzes. Work will be provided before trips with advanced notice of at least 3 days. Parents may email the dates to me and I will prepare a packet of the work as it is available. There may be additional work assigned and two additional days will be provided to make up any of that work which was not provided before the absence.
Behavior --- Student behavior expectations are discussed in class the first two weeks of school. SSM is using the Boys Town Model to teach skills that will benefit students of all ages. These skills cover such basics as how to greet others, following directions, disagreeing appropriately and many others. Students are expected to participate by volunteering to read in class, answer questions, work with others in a Christian manner and complete assignments on time. Demerits may be earned for such instances as missing or late work, misbehavior including talking or wasting class time, as well as the other behaviors listed on the back of the student demerit card. Demerits earned are noted on the child’s card. Contact via email or by phone to parents will be made if the student continues to neglect these areas multiple times. Asking your child about their card’s weekly status (number of demerits earned) is advised. Demerits for homework are at the student/parent discretion in that a student has the opportunity to stay until 3:45 to work on the class subject matter or assignment if the parent chooses to allow them to do so. This requires the student to stay after the day of the missed or incomplete work. Students will need to be picked up at 3:45 at the main school doors on the North side of the building. Refer to the family handbook please for more details.
In my classes I also like to send parent emails or leave students notes in their lockers when they have gone above and beyond expectations. We are blessed to be able to compliment our students in class as well but at this Middle School age they are more comfortable with “quieter” recognition.
Parent Assistance --- Students at this age should able to complete the daily work with very minimal assistance from parents. Projects should also require little parental involvement beyond helping with any supplies the child may need to secure.
It is up to parents to decide if their child may benefit from reviewing with them using the study guide and vocabulary before a test.
Extra Credit --- There may be extra credit questions offered periodically on tests throughout the year.
Homework --- Students will have S.S. homework 2-4 days per week on average.
Contact Information --- The best way to contact me is via email at s.brown@stephen.org and I will reply within 48 hours during the school week.
Edline --- My primary communication to parents will be through this site. Please keep up to date and check your student’s Edline information every 7-10 days.
This text/course was enjoyed by the 6th graders last year and I have no doubt this year’s group will as well. They are doing very well with the activities/assignments we have started our year with and I know they will continue to do the same as the year unfolds. Again, please contact me via email with any questions.
---Mrs. Brown ---s.brown@stephen.org
