English 6

Mr. Basile

David.Basile@lcps.org

Course Overview

English 6 provides instruction in oral language, reading and literature, writing and grammar, research, and vocabulary/word study.  Students practice whole-class and independent reading, and teachers provide skills for reading fiction, nonfiction, and informational sources.  Emphasis is placed on making inferences, drawing conclusions, summarizing, and paraphrasing text.  Students will follow the writing process to explore creative, analytical, argumentative, and research-based writing. 

            All English 6 students are expected to master the skills and content outlined in the curriculum. In order to achieve mastery, students are given the opportunity for extra support through our re-teach, re-test policy, as outlined below.

Outline of Curriculum

In addition to the following units, classes will study grammar and vocabulary.  Assessments will occur regularly and in varied formats.  Independent reading and journal writing will be assigned and assessed. The curriculum is designed to both address the requirements of the Virginia SOL test and to explore higher levels of critical thinking.

1^st Nine Weeks: Creative writing unit, focusing on “A Slice of Life” narrative writing. Reading unit focusing on reading strategies, figurative language, and plot development. Introduction of Reading and Writing Workshop (outlined below).

2^nd Nine Weeks:  Research unit, focusing on appropriate research skills. Reading unit focusing on continued reading strategies and vocabulary development.

3^rd Nine Weeks:  Argumentative writing unit, in which students will compose a persuasive writing piece. Reading unit focusing on word study and analysis of nonfiction texts.

4^th Nine Weeks:  Analysis writing unit, in which students will compose a literary analysis focusing on character development. Reading unit focusing on an analysis of a variety of texts, including poetry, and their use of figurative language.

For 6^th Grade Language Arts, we will become better readers and writers by practicing every day in our Reading and Writing Workshops.

Student Expectations
As Lunsford Lions, we R.O.A.R.!

Respect:

Ø  Be respectful of other students and the teacher in both words and action.

Ø  Be polite and kind. Remember the golden rule: “Treat others as you wish to be treated”.

Ownership:

Ø Keep the classroom and your workspace clean.

Ø Return items to where you found them.

Achievement:

Ø  Enter the classroom in a quiet, orderly way.

Ø  Begin the “Do Now” task without talking.

Ø  Participate actively in all classroom activities.

Ø  Do your very best!

Responsibility:

Ø  Be seated and have pencils sharpened before the bell rings.

Ø  Have all supplies (including your agenda book) in the classroom ready for use.

Ø  Follow directions.

Supplies

A composition notebook (which will remain in my class).

Lined paper

Pencils and pens (including one red pen for editing)

One 1.5” binder with dividers

Two folders (which will remain in my class)

Highlighter

* Any voluntary contributions of Kleenex or hand sanitizer would be greatly appreciated.

Grades

Student grades will be based on a variety of formative and summative assessments which address various learning styles. Grades will be posted on Clarity regularly. Please note that dates of assignments within the Clarity gradebook are subject to change.

Papers/Projects                                    50%

Tests/ Quizzes                                     50%

Reteach/ Reassess Policy