Social Studies - Grade 6 - Room 306
ABOUT ME:
I have lived my whole life living in the New-York-City metropolitan area and I am so proud to call it my home. I earned my Bachelor's degree in History Education from the University of Delaware, with a minor in Spanish. In addition, I earned my Master's degree in History from Queens College (CUNY). The 2025-26 school year will be my eleventh year in the classroom. In my career, I have taught students in Grades 6-12, but enjoy teaching middle school the most. I enjoy working with students in the classroom, as well as in the extracurricular setting. In the past, I have served as an advisor/coach for Mock Trial, the National Geographic GeoBee, National Junior Honor Society, Lego Robotics, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), as well as various elective courses. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and grilling, fishing, hiking, playing golf, reading, and spending time outdoors. This year, I am very excited to be teaching 6th-Grade Social Studies!
UNITS OF STUDY (5):
- Unit 1 - Geography of the Eastern Hemisphere
- Unit 2 - First Humans, Neolithic Revolution, and the Early River Valley Civilizations
- Unit 3 - Comparative World Religions
- Unit 4 - Comparative Classical Civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere (China, Greece, & Rome)
- Unit 5 - The Mediterranean World and Interactions Across the Eastern Hemisphere
Course Objectives: By the end of this school year, students should be able to...
- Analyze, compare, and synthesize primary and secondary sources
- Express a sense of chronology and exhibit a mental map of our world
- Form meaningful opinions on social, political, economic, and cultural trends
- More effectively read, write, listen, speak, take notes, and study
- Organize, write, and revise coherent essays which demonstrate their learning
My Teaching Methods:
To achieve these goals, I will use a variety of teaching strategies. I value class discussions, debates, and Socratic Seminars, which allow for conversation and opinions in the classroom. I will also plan time for group work, so that students may learn from their classmates. I value teacher-to-student and student-to-student dialogue. Students should be respectful of each other's opinions, as they would want others to be of theirs!
I believe that every student has something to offer in the classroom, and that every student has something to learn. I view education as an opportunity that cannot be wasted. I will try my hardest to provide my students the tools to succeed and enjoy their 6th-Grade Social Studies experience!
REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
- A one-subject spiral notebook OR marble notebook
- A pocket folder (for graphic organizers, handouts, review sheets, etc.)
- Writing Utensils - black or blue pens, pencils, and highlighters
- A large package of 3-inch by 5-inch index cards (THESE MAY BE KEPT AT HOME)
GRADING POLICY (subject to change per school administration)
The following is how each of your child's marking-period grades will be calculated:
- 50% - Culminating Tasks, Post-Assessments, & DBQ Essays
- 25% - Quizzes and Mid-Point Projects
- 15% - Document/Text Analysis and Reasoning
- 10% - Extended Skills and Standards Practice
TIPS FOR SUCCESS (FOR STUDENTS):
- Check your NYCPS email, at least once a day.
- Read the comments that I write on Google Classroom. They can help you improve your work!
- If you are absent from class, contact me as soon as you can, to see what you missed. (You are responsible for the content and work that you miss, even when you are absent.)
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness!
- Be open-minded, and challenge yourself to learn new things and make new friends.
- REMINDER: It does not cost you anything to be kind!
EMAIL ADDRESS (BEST METHOD OF CONTACT): [email protected]