6th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Keller
847-7905 ext. 3031
Reading
Students will read individually, in small literature groups, and as a class using both the Prentice Hall literature textbook and novel studies. Emphasis will be on individual growth as students to:
- Learn strategies for decoding complex words and phrases
- Develop increased reading fluency
- Comprehend written material in a variety of genre through the use of comprehension strategies
- Make inferences about possible meanings
- Analyze literacy techniques such as figurative language, foreshadowing, and flashbacks
- Form and justify opinions about written text
- Respond to literature in a variety of ways
Writing Workshop
Students will follow the Writing Workshop Model by Lucy Calkins to create a variety of written pieces. The curricular calendar for our writing workshop is included below. All students will publish one piece of writing for each unit of study.
September: Journal Writing, Setting the Scene, Leads, Dialogue, & Generating Ideas
October: Personal Narrative
November & December: Realistic Fiction
January & February: Tall Tales, Fables, & Fantasy
March: Journalism
April: Poetry
May: Memoir
June: Revision for Portfolios
Writing will also be taught and reinforced in all content areas. Rubrics will be used as a grading tool for all students.
Grammar and Mechanics
Students will continue to learn and apply skills such as:
- Punctuation
- Capitalization
- Sentence Structure
- Parts of speech
Spelling/Word Study
The Sitton Spelling program encourages students to learn the spelling, meaning, and usage of words each week. A “Proofreading and Skills Test” and “Word Test” will be given at the end of the week to show mastery of what has been learned. Students will also receive a “Take Home Task” each week to be completed by parents and students.
Speaking/Listening/Viewing
Students will practice communication skills including:
- Expressing ideas clearly
- Exchanging ideas and opinions
- Speaking with appropriate rate and volume
- Effective use of body language
- Effective use of voice/expression
- Identifying main points of a spoken/viewed message
- Recognizing propaganda and exaggeration
Handwriting
Students will be required to use neat/legible handwriting on all assignments. Assignments that are not neat and legible will need to be rewritten. Students may use their preference as to whether they use the cursive or manuscript handwriting style. Students are welcome to type assignments as well.
A.R. Tests
Students will be required to read and take a test on 2 Accelerated Reader books each month. Each book must have a combined value of at least 9 points. (Reading Level + AR points = 9)
Teacher Read
Students are expected to listen well as we read and discuss the book. Students will be required to take an Accelerated Reader test upon completion of the novel.
Grade Breakdown
Tests & Quizzes 30%
Daily Work/Homework 20%
A.R. Tests 10%
Projects/Writing Pieces 25%
Spelling 15%
Student Writing Requirements
The sixth grade teachers have set the following expectations for student daily work and assessments in all academic areas:
- answer questions in complete sentences making sure to include part of the question in the answer.
- write using neat and legible handwriting
- use correct punctuation in all work.
- proofread and edit BEFORE handing in any assignment.
- spell high frequency words correctly.
- use correct spelling on homework when given an atlas, novel, textbook, or other source to complete homework.
- Example: If a student is using an atlas to complete a map activity, all locations on the student’s map should be spelled correctly as each location is spelled correctly in the atlas.
- Example: If a student is using a science textbook to answer questions about the human body, all vocabulary should be spelled correctly as the student has the textbook to use for guidance.
