6th Grade ELA Syllabus
Course Description:
The sixth-grade language arts class is designed around South Carolina State Standards to assist students in becoming more effective writers and readers. Throughout the year, students will write and revise pieces in a variety of genres including narrative, descriptive, expository, argumentative, and research. The study of grammar and traditional conventions will be conducted through the use of student writing. The study of stems will help students in spelling and defining words. Students will also read and analyze various genres of literature.
My goal is that students build upon their knowledge of reading and writing and further develop their inquiry of text. I want students to be curious thinkers, enjoy reading, value writing, and strive to be successful in English. I will help them in any way I can because their blossoming education is essential for our world’s success and specifically, their future success
Required Text:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 6th Grade Collections (available online)
Units of Instruction Aligned with SC State Standards:
This is tentative with the knowledge that some units will carry over into the next nine weeks. Grammar and stems will be taught during each unit.
1st Quarter: Literary Study/Narrative Writing
§ Read/analyze literary texts: prose, poetry, & drama
§ Study author’s craft: characterization, setting, plot structure
§ Study figurative language
§ Learn writing conventions: narrative writing
§ Respond to text dependent questions
§ Learn habits of research
2nd Quarter: Informational Texts/Research/Informational Writing
§ Implement effective reading strategies for informational texts
§ Conduct research study and present findings through informational writing
3rd Quarter: Informational Texts/Research/ Argument Writing
§ Implement effective reading strategies for informational texts
§ Participate in collaborative discussions and debates around common topics
§ Conduct research study and present findings through argument essay
§ Produce text dependent analysis essay
§ Practice citing text evidence and offering commentary
4th Quarter: Literary Study/Literary Text Analysis
§ Read/analyze literary texts: prose, poetry, or drama
§ Examine and analyze author’s craft: characterization, setting, plot structure and development, figurative language, connections to historical context, themes
§ Learn habits of inquiry
Class Schedule:
1st Period SAIL: 8:30-8:55 A.M.
2nd Period: 9:00-9:55 A.M.
3rd Period: 10:00-10:55 A.M.
4th Period: 11:00-11:55 A.M.
Lunch: 12:00-12:30 P.M.
5th Period: 12:35-1:35 P.M.
6th Period: 1:38-2:24 P.M. (Related Arts 1)
7th Period: 2:29-3:15 P.M. (Related Arts 2)
Grading Policy:
The grading policy to be used this year is as follows:
*50% for major assignments such as tests, writing assignments, projects (3-4 major grades)
*50% for minor assignments such as classwork, quizzes, mini projects (12-15 minor grades)
90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D 50-59=F
Homework Policy:
Homework is an important component of education. Please know that while there will be some homework; it will not be excessive. It will be used mainly when further practice is needed to master a skill or in preparation for a test or project. Most homework will be completed through Google Classroom- please check daily that your child has turned in work. An agenda is a good tool to teach organizational skills and accountability.
Redo Test Policy:
Students must request a retake of a test which had a score of 79% or lower. They will have five days to request and take the new test. I will subtract the new test score from the old test score, take the difference of those, and divide that difference in half, and that number will be added to the original test grade. For example, if the old test had a grade of 65%, the new test had a grade of 95%, 95-65=30. Half of 30 is 15, so 15 points will be added to 65 to make a final test grade of 80%.
Make-up Work:
When students are absent, the school make-up policy will be followed. It states that a student with an excused absence of three or less days, they must have all missed work submitted within five school days. If a student has four or more excused absences, they will be allowed up to 10 days to submit work. All assignments are listed in Google Classroom; please consult the Google Classroom page for make-up work.
Attendance and Tardy Policy for in-class and e-Learning:
Please refer to the student handbook. On in-school days, students are tardy after 8:30 a.m. They must be in each class ready to work when the bell rings.
On e-Learning days, students may work at their own pace and timeframe. Each teacher will accept work until a certain time of evening- see each for specific times. We expect and encourage students to join Google Meet sessions weekly on Fridays- it’s for me to check on their well-being, answer questions about content and work, and allow for students to socialize safely online.
Guidelines for Classroom Behavior:
The following guidelines are given to help you understand my expectations for students in this classroom. If you have any questions about these expectations, please feel free to discuss them with me.
To Begin a Class Period
1. Check the board or Class home page immediately when you enter the room. Look at the learning target for the class, bell work, and homework. Record any homework in your agenda and then begin the bell work. Bell work is a fun activity that allows students to practice what has been learned and prepare them for the day’s tasks.
2. The following items should be brought to class each day:
Binder
Pencil case with necessary supplies
Chromebook and charger
Remember: supplies may not be shared, so practice ways to be organized and prepared for class
3. Make sure you are IN the room, quiet, and beginning to work when the bell rings.
During the Class Period
4. Be quiet and attentive during the classroom instruction and discussions. There will always be time for questions during a class period. Never leave the room wishing you had asked a question.
5. Keep your mind alert and get involved in activities and discussions each period. Use each class period to learn something you didn’t know before.
6. If you have a question or comment, raise your hand and wait to be called upon. Remember to be respectful of other students. Be prepared to defend your responses.
At the End of the Period
7. I will tell you when we are ready to put away materials. Do not decide to quit early. We need every minute of class time for instruction and discussion.
8. Wait for me to dismiss you at the end of the period. You will be dismissed on time.
9. Before you leave your desk, check underneath and around your desk to be sure you have not left materials or trash.
Classroom Expectations
10. The classroom rules are as follows and are in addition to school wide rules:
1.
§ Students will bring all needed materials to class.
§ Students will follow directions the first time they are given.
§ Students will remain in their seat unless they have permission to do otherwise.
§ Students will be respectful of others at all times.
§ Phones are not permitted in class unless otherwise instructed. Devices must be powered off and kept out of sight in backpack.
If you choose to break a rule: See student/parent handbook. Each student will have a private discussion with me when rules are broken. We will work together to develop an action plant to follow rules in order to maximize learning for all.
When You Have Been Absent
11. It is your responsibility to find out what assignments or tests you missed while you were absent. All assignments are listed in our Google Classroom page. Please check that before you ask me what you missed.
12. See me immediately to schedule a time to make up tests and quizzes.
13. We will follow the school policy as regards to days allowed to make up work.
Pass Usage
14. You may use a pass to leave the room only if it is considered to be absolutely necessary. Remember that you are responsible for all activities in the classroom while you are out of the room.
15. In general, passes should be used sparingly. Unless you are ill, you should not ask for more than 2 passes in a quarter.
Supplies: See supply list on Bryson Middle School home page.