6th Grade English Language Art
Welcome to sixth grade English Language Art. This course will target your growth in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, discussion, and reflection. Through fiction, nonfiction, and poetry reading, we will practice reading strategies and comprehension skills. Reading strategies, critical thinking skills, and vocabulary building comprise the main elements of reading instructions. The focus of writing will be on narrative, informational, and argumentative writing. The overall goal of the class is to increase your literacy and writing ability.
Syllabus
Reading Instruction will focus on:
-
Short stories, nonfiction, drama, poetry, novels, narrative, and released reading assessment materials. Focus will be on pulling evidence from several sources for answers to questions.
-
Reading comprehension and critical thinking strategies, elements of literature, poetic elements, text features, summarizing, and analysis.
Writing Instruction will focus on:
-
Narrative, Informational (Explanatory), and Argumentative Writing
-
Three or more complete essays and/or letters
-
Literary writing—providing text-based responses to literature and poetry
-
Responses to nonfiction articles and essays
Course Outline/Instructional Units
SEMESTER ONE
Novel Unit (The Westing Game) Essays/Writing
Literature/Reading
Short Story Unit (Plot, Setting, Character, Theme)
Vocabulary — Commonly confused words, Literature Dependent words
Grammar — Parts of speech, basic sentence structure
Speech/Oral Presentation
SEMESTER TWO
Poetry
Novel Unit — Book Buddies and/or Literature Circles
Non Fiction — essays, reading for information Short Stories to Scripts
Grading
All assignments will be graded on a 4-point rubric
​
-
4 Exceeds Standards A = 100%-89.5%
-
3 Meets Standards B = 89.49% - 79.5 %
-
2 Approaching Standards C = 79.49% - 69.5 %
-
1 Not Yet Approaching Standards D = 69.49% - 59.5%
-
0 No Attempt at Standards F = 59.49% - 0 %
Grade Breakdown
Percentage of overall grade
Work Habits (attendance , check-ins, and participation)
10%
Formative (Classwork & quizzes)
40%
Summative Assessments (Tests, Final Drafts, Constructed Responses)
60%
Homework
Homework will be assigned each class session unless noted on the board. Homework assignments will be displayed on the board of the daily introduction slide under the agenda and must be copied into your agenda (even if you have completed it). Homework must be turned in or checked at the beginning of class or it will be marked late. I do not collect homework the day it is assigned even if it is completed before the end of class. Homework is often work that was started in class and must be finished at home.
​
Plagiarism / Cheating Policy
Any student, who knowingly turns in any work that has been done by someone other than himself or herself, and fraudulently represents it as his/her own, shall be considered to have cheated. Cheating also includes aiding someone else in cheating. Students found cheating will earn a failing grade for that work and may or may not be expected to re-do work at the teacher’s discretion. Repeated offense will result in further conversations with the principals.
​
Acceptability of Written Work
All work must be neatly done in legible handwriting or typed. All student-prepared work is to have the following heading:
​
Re - do Policy
Work assigned in class is important for learning and to determine student progress. Students are expected to complete ALL assignments to standard, even if they turn in the work late or need to re-do the work. Late work will be accepted, and the grade may be reduced to reflect poor work habits. Work turned in on time and demonstrating full effort may be re-done for up to full credit.
In order to re-do part or all of a major assignment, the student must:
​
1. Talk with the teacher to understand what needs to be done for re-do.
2. Demonstrate effort to improve or re-learn the material (determined by the teacher).
3. Complete the revised work within 2 weeks of receiving the original graded work. Mark the work “Late”, “Absent”, or “ReDo” and "ReSubmit" the assignment.
Absence
If you are absent you will be responsible for getting any missing work.
​
-
Students should check the teacher's website for assignments and homework.
-
Tests, quizzes, and homework are to be completed the following class. Please see me if you were absent for more than one or two days to talk about make-up work.
-
If you are absent, remind me you were not here when you turn in work. Any work turned in without this reminder could be considered late, and consequences may be given.
-
If you are going to be gone for an extended amount of time (vacation, medical reasons, etc.) let me know as soon as possible to plan for make-up work.
Partner work/talk
You will be seated next to another student who will be your main partner. You will also have several different partners base on grouping/randomized breakout group/seat changes. You will be required to interact with your partner during partner talks and pair share time. Please speak to your partner in a positive manner.
Group work
Often, we will work in groups to complete assignments. I will put you in these groups. Everyone must participate. Work with your classmates and do not complain about who is in your group. The majority of your grade on group work will be dependent on what you contributed personally.
Additional Support/ Assistance
If you are having any difficulties in class or with assignments please come and see me during Office Hours.