English & History
Mrs. Barnes’ Scholars
Meet the Teacher
Welcome to our classroom! Your son’s education is very important to me and it
is with a sense of incredible honor and humility that I undertake the privilege of
being his teacher.
6B
Back to School Night 2013-2014
Mrs. Barnes is…

A state licensed and certified English
and ESL Teacher.

A graduate of the University of Texas
at San Antonio with a Master’s Degree
in School Counseling.

A graduate of the University of Texas
at Austin with a BA in English.

A veteran school teacher- this is my
9th year in education!

Trained in teaching the gifted and
talented.

A published curriculum writer.
Objectives for the School Year
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6.
Building Language Skills: Homework Notebook (HWNB)- grammar,
vocabulary, spelling, and idioms
Active Reading Strategies: Interactive Scholar’s Notebook (ISN)- note
taking/study skills, processing information, annotating the text,
elements of literature, adding increasing depth and complexity,
independent reading
Writing Skills: narrative, expository, persuasive, research/analysis
Speaking & Listening: oral presentations, group work, Circle of Voices
History: geography, origins of civilization-Fertile Crescent, Ancient
Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome
Problem Solving: Scholars will frequently work together to strategize
ways they can solve presented problems or challenges that arise in our
class.
Projects and Activities
Scholars in 6B will engage in many hands-on activities that encourage them to
absorb and process the information they are presented with. Project based
learning is an approach in education that empowers students with choice and
ownership of the learning. It is a creative process requiring in-depth inquiry
and development of skills they will need for future success in the workforce and
life.
Year Long Project 6B: “Create My Own Civilization!”
As our scholars learn about the six characteristics of a civilization, they will each
embark on a personal journey of learning by creating a blueprint for an
imaginary civilization. Steps in this process will include determining how each
of their imaginary civilizations will meet its needs according to Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs. This project will make good use of skills being learned and
built upon in English class, as there will be in-depth writing, research, and oral
presentation involved.
6B class motto
Do Your Scholarly Best!
Mrs. Barnes’ Scholars
Project Based Learning
In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go
through an extended process of inquiry in
response to a complex question, problem, or
challenge. While allowing for some degree of
student "voice and choice," rigorous projects are
carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help
students learn key academic content, practice 21st
Century Skills (such as collaboration,
communication & critical thinking), and create
high-quality authentic products & presentations.
Habits of Heart & Mind
1. Mindfulness
2. Perspective
3. Cooperation
4. Evidence
5. Refinement
6. Perseverance
7. Compassion
Habits of a Scholar
Saving Ideas, Thinking from Multiple Perspectives,
Being Humble, Using a Variety of Resources,
Being Curious, Striving for Excellence, Setting
Goals, Taking Intellectual Risks
Please contact me first when you have questions or
concerns. I do my best to reply to parents
immediately. Thank you for your trust and
cooperation!
Mrs. Barnes’ Scholars