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 "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."

                                                        Excerpt from U.S. Declaration of Independence

 

W E L C O M E !

Mrs. Walker-Sims' Social Studies Class: The Wonder Seekers

The United States and Louisiana: Beginnings through Ratification

 

Greetings, Minnie Ruffin Elementary Families,

I am excited to welcome our students to a new and exciting school year! My name is Nydia Walker-Sims and I have the privilege to be your child’s 6th grade social studies teacher. A goal this year is to develop strong relationships within the classroom where students feel comfortable taking risks while developing responsible behaviors and ownership of their learning. As you do, I take my responsibility of having your child's best interest at heart.   I have chosen to call my class this because I want the learning to be a fun and cognitive experience. Also, wonder seekers have impacted civilizations by exploring and challenging themselves. Let's keep the lines of communication open to ensure that our student maintains a positive attitude and we work together to inspire an appreciation for curiosity and learning. 

Purpose of the Class: What will we learn in Social Studies?

Sixth grade social studies will study the United States and Louisiana: Beginnings through Ratification

"... In this course, students will examine British and French exploration and colonization, the development of the British thirteen colonies; French and Spanish Colonial Louisiana, The American Revolution, and the development and ratification of the U.S. Constitution."

Units of Study:

  1. The Exploration and Settlement of North America
  2. Colonial America
  3. Colonial Louisiana
  4. The Road to Independence
  5. Founding of a New Nation
  6. The Government of the New Nation

EXPECTATIONS:

The focus of this class will be on utilizing everyday survival skills of: LISTENING, READING,  THINKING, and WRITING.  These skills cannot only take place at school. Anytime is a great time to read. So, please encourage our student to read over his/her notes and reflect on what was covered in class.  The ultimate goal is to help students learn about their past; hence, becoming knowledgeable and active citizens. Each student should come to school prepared, ready to learn, and do his/her best for success. Good behavior is EXPECTED in this class. Parents, let us work together on this because Parents Are Teachers, Too!

MATERIALS: . Students are required to have a 5-subject notebook for note-taking/annotations, handouts, and classwork. They will  need scissors, glue, and colored pencils, as well.

HOMEWORK:   Each student will be provided a one-subject spiral notebook to write their home assignments. Students will have ample opportunity to transcribe what is to be done before the end of class. Our students MUST develop their study skills. So, reading and studying notes will often be the home task. I will assign homework daily (most weekends included). Again, much of the assignments will consist of reviewing notes and rereading articles that have been discussed in class or in preparation for the next day.

ATTENDANCE: Attending school every day is important.. However, when a student is sick keeping him/her home from school is best and demonstrates consideration for others. Students are required and will have the opportunity to make-up any work that was missed during the illness or excused absence.

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please feel free to contact at school at 322-3447 ext. 4612. My goal is to maintain a warm, structured, positive environment and yet provide flexibility to meet the individual needs of my students and parents.

Together we can inspire and achieve  success because

Parents are Teachers, Too!