6th Grade Humanities: Language Arts & Literature

General Curriculum Overview

Mr. Santos 2022-2023 Class Slides: 6th Grade LA/Literature
If you are absent, please check my slideshow above for notes (scroll to the date), as well as Google Classroom.

Course Description: Language Arts & Literature for students at the 6^th grade level is a combined course that integrates reading and writing on the basis of various fiction and nonfiction texts, while developing and strengthening written expression, comprehension, inference, and discussion skills throughout the year.

• The L.A./LIT program includes frequent written responses to literature, writer’s workshops, daily oral language grammar exercises, independent and guided reading of novels and non-fiction reading material, discussion groups, and refinement of oral communication skills.
• Students will hone their writing abilities in narrative, explanatory, and argumentative styles for multiple purposes and audiences with a focus on the six traits of effective writers and the key conventions of the writing process.
• Writing activities and assignments will be integrated with literature studies to reinforce and critically evaluate the effectiveness of literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, flashbacks, etc., in enhancing the dramatic effect of a piece.
• There will be considerable integration of applied writing skills from 6^th Grade Science focused on locating, evaluating, paraphrasing, and citing non-fiction content in essay writing specifically.
• Technology use will be incorporated as a means of allowing students to publish and present their work/research to a broader audience in a variety of formats, as well as critically evaluate and organize sources of information.
• Vocabulary study includes assessments on more advanced words encountered in reading material throughout the year.
• Additionally, students are required to read two (2) independent novels of their own choosing and reading level each trimester, accompanied by in-class and take home assessments designed to evaluate their comprehension and personal interpretation of the texts.

Texts:

• Great Source: Write Source 2000
• Writer’s Choice Grammar
• Daybook of Critical Reading and Writing
• Focused novel studies on:
  • Tuck Everlasting – Natalie Babbitt
  • Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief – Rick Riordan
  • excerpts from Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
  • a selection of Fantasy Readers Workshop choices for literature circles

Methods: writing assignments, small and large group discussions, collaborative assignments, presentations, multi-media presentations, research, direct instruction, hands-on activities

 

The 6^th Grade L.A./LIT curriculum will address the following essential questions:

1. Why is it important to gain proficiency in written and oral expression?

2. What strategies can be implemented to gain such proficiency, and how do these strategies differ between formats and audiences?

3. How can increasing my vocabulary help me communicate more effectively?

4. Why is a solid understanding of proper writing mechanics important for my future?

5. Why is it important to have study skills for locating, evaluating, and interpreting information from a variety of sources?

6. How can reading effectively and critically from a variety of fiction and non-fiction sources teach me about communicating effectively in life and about the human experience?

Assignments and Grading

All assignments, tests, quizzes, journals, and projects are assigned a point value relative to the workload. Grades are determined by calculating the percentage of points earned out of total points possible for the subject area. Participation, direction following, and effort will be factored in when assigning final grades.

• Only homework turned in on time is eligible for full credit. Assignments submitted late will result in an incremental loss of possible points earned depending on the tardiness of the submission.
• Work turned in after a grading period has closed will not be accepted.

Grading Scale

A (95-100) // A- (93-94) // B+ (90-92) // B (86-90) // B- (83-85) // C+ (79-82) //      C (74-78) // C- (70-73) // D+ (67-69) // D (63-67) // D- (60-62) // F (59 and below)

Grade reports will be regularly updated and available online through Power School, and students and families will be expected to access these on a regular basis.

Absences

• Illness: In the event of illness, students are entirely responsible for contacting another student in the class for homework assignments. Please make arrangements before school for another student to record, collect, and leave materials at a specific place. Student has as many days as the illness to turn in work for full credit.
• For pre-planned, extensive absences, please make arrangements with each teacher a minimum of two weeks in advance on how and when makeup work is to be submitted.

Citizenship and Conduct

All 6^th graders begin each trimester with 50 citizenship points. Citizenship points are kept (not earned) based on: respect, courtesy, honesty, integrity, engagement, participation, attitude and effort. Students are expected to come prepared and ready to learn, be in uniform without a reminder, stay on task, allow the teacher to teach, and stay in the classroom/learning environment at all times–other than bathroom breaks/office trips for emergencies only.

Sixth Grade: Guidelines for Success

• Come to class prepared and ready to learn
• Be engaged! Participate!
• Give 100% effort everyday
• Ask for help and/or support, offer it to others

Sixth Grade: Classroom Expectations

• Students are expected to uphold our Classroom Covenant and Student Handbook, as well as the values of respect, courtesy, honesty, and integrity at all times.
• Students are expected to be engaged, participate, and keep a positive attitude.
• Students are expected to be in uniform without a reminder.
• Students are expected to stay on task, and allow the teacher to teach.
• Students are and are expected to stay in the learning environment/ classroom at all times– saving bathroom/ office trips for emergencies only.