Language Arts
We will be using a number of strategies and resources in our Language Arts program this year.
The California State Board of Education defines Language Arts as Reading and Writing,
Listening and Speaking, Viewing and Visually Representing.
The standards also include Written and Oral English Language Conventions.
There is an emphasis on blending our Social Studies curriculum and our Language Arts Standards by reading and writing on topics we are currently studying in Social Studies. For this reason there are many “integrated” projects.
To address these standards we will use the following resources:
• The Language of Literature – textbook by McDougal Littell
• Step Up to Writing Program and 6+ 1 Traits
• The Write Source 2000 – supplemental textbook by Houghton Mifflin
• Teacher created and selected materials
Types of Reading:
Reading approaches include whole class, read aloud, partner, Literature Circles/small group,
independent reads, and the use of literature discussion and response. We will read novels,
short stories, poetry, and stage Reader’s Theater presentations. Vocabulary development is
integrated into our literature.
Additional activities include a Greek Mythology Unit with D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths,
a poetry unit, student selected reading within various genres, Book Reviews,
and Book Reports/Projects.
We will read two or three novels chosen from the following list:
Tuck Everlasting
Maniac McGee
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Number the Stars
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
The Clay Marble
The Cay
Types of Writing:
• Narrative (story-based on personal experiences)
• Persuasive (taking a position on a topic)
• Expository (compare/contrast, problem/solution, describe “how to”)
• Research Report (typically on current Social Studies and Science topics)
• Reading Responses
• Daily Language Review and Grammar and Conventions
• Informal written responses, quick-writes, journal entries, etc.
Sixth Grade Core Curriculum Highlights
Language Arts
Reading
1.0 Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development
• Word Recognition
• Vocabulary and Concept Development
2.0 Reading Comprehension
• Structural Features of Informational Materials
• Comprehension and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text
Expository Critique
3.0 Literary Response and Analysis
• Structural Features of Literature
• Narrative Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text
• Literary Criticism
Writing
1.0 Writing Strategies
• Organization and Focus
• Research and Technology
• Evaluation and Revision
2.0 Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
• Narratives, expository compositions, research reports, responses to literature and
persuasive compositions
Written and Oral English Language Conventions
1.0 Written and Oral English Language Conventions
• Sentence Structure
• Grammar
• Punctuation
• Capitalization
• Spelling
Listening and Speaking
1.0 Listening and Speaking Strategies
• Comprehension
• Organization and Delivery of Oral Communication
• Analysis and Evaluation of Oral and Media Communications
2.0 Speaking Applications (Genres and their Characteristics)
• Deliver narrative, informative, and persuasive presentations
• Deliver oral responses to literature and presentations on problems and solutions.
Write Source Step-Up to Writing