Presentations for Motivation

On Monday, students are to bring in an item that motivates them and give a short (30 seconds to a minute) presentation on how and why it motivates them. Here is the rubric for this speaking and listening grade. 

Students had time in class to brainstorm and discuss what they might bring, and practiced presenting with a peer. Please encourage them to practice a few more times this weekend and not to forget their item on Monday. As you can see on the rubric, they will be getting a grade for preparation, and must be prepared to present when I call their name.

Some suggestions for items:

- a medal/trophy (or a picture of such a thing, if it is too valuable to bring to school)

- a sports jersey/team logo

- a picture of someone in their life (this can be on their phone, does not need to be printed)

- a quote 

- a school-appropriate song (they can send me a link and we can play it from my computer)

- a school-appropriate video (they can send me a link and we can play it from my computer)

- a hospital bracelet

- the case of a game or movie (don't bring the game or movie)

- anything else they can think of as long as they can explain how it motivates them!

Here is an example speech:

Unit 4: Motivation

We are just about ready to begin Unit 4: The Power of Arguments. In this unit we will focus on the overarching concept of motivation, exploring what motivates us personally, how we are affected by extrinsic and intrinsic factors, and what is worth fighting for.

Please see the "What Are We Studying" tab for more information about this unit, including our essential questions and the standards we will be assessing. 

The Importance of Analysis

It was time to refresh our memories on what analysis is and why teachers are always asking students to do it. As we begin second semester, students should be showing a growing understanding of how to look at a text and create a deeper meaning from it than the words themselves provide. For sixth graders, learning to analyze is one of the single most important skills they will learn this year.

I've linked some resources from today's lesson that you are welcome to review and/or ask your child to discuss with you. The more practice your child gets learning how to take apart a text and make his/her own meaning from it, the better they will succeed through the rest of middle school and into high school. 

Learning To Think: A Foundation For Analysis (video - *watched in class)

Deepening Text Analysis Through Student Talk (video)

Teaching Students How to Analyze Text (article)

Teaching Students to Dig Deeper (article)
Critical Approaches to Literature (Prezi)

Let me know if you need any other resources for this important skill. 

Way to go, 6th Graders!

Thank you to our amazing Guest Speaker, Estelle Nadel, for coming out to speak to our 6th graders today about her experiences with the Holocaust. What a phenomenal opportunity! Parents, I wanted to share with you some feedback from Ms. Evans about your children's behavior during the presentation.

The attention and behavior that I saw in today's presentation was outstanding!

All of you were attentive, empathetic, engaged listener and I could not be any prouder of the way that you behaved today!!! 

I know that the Guest Speaker made it easy to stay engaged and listen, but I also know that it can be difficult and uncomfortable to sit on the floor for extended periods of time.  

You guys did amazing and I am so proud of you, and moved by the fact that you had the opportunity that you had to experience this presentation today.

You guys are amazing and I am so lucky to be your Principal!

Thank You!

Ms. Evans

I am very proud of all of our sixth graders today. Please celebrate their amazing choices today and ask them about the presentation. It was the opportunity of a lifetime! 

Holocaust Survivor Guest Speaker

On Thursday, January 7, Silver Hills will be welcoming Holocaust survivor Estelle Nadel. Ms. Nadel has graciously agreed to come and speak to our sixth graders about her experiences during the Holocaust in conjunction with our unit concept of struggle.

On the days leading up to Ms. Nadel's visit, students will be taught pertinent background information regarding the Holocaust. Please speak with your child about the importance of this subject and help me reiterate that behavior, both verbal and non-verbal, is expected to be appropriate at all times.

I have compiled a few links to give parents a preview of the types of media, articles, and stories we will be analyzing as we prepare to hear Ms. Nadel's experience. All literature will be non-fiction and age-appropriate.

What is the Holocaust? 
Holocaust Facts
The Children of the Holocaust
Stories of Survival
Holocaust Survivors
Teacher Resource Center 

I believe this presentation will be a worthwhile and memorable experience for all students, however, if you do not want your child attending Ms. Nadel's presentation, please sign and return this opt-out form. You can also simply email me and let me know if you'd rather have your child work on an alternate assignment.