ELA includes many standards that help our students grow their literacy, research and communication skills. The four ELA strands include:
In 6th grade, we will explore both literature and informational texts through the lenses of readers and writers. As readers, students will learn to cite textual evidence, compare and contrast themes and topics, explore figurative meanings, analyze text structure and understand an author's point of view.
We will also hone our craft as writers by examining the craft of and strategies used by favorite authors. Students will build on their literacy foundation from elementary school and continue to develop their writing around the three main writing genres: argumentative/opinion, informative and narrative.
Language and Speaking & Listening standards are integrated into daily reading and writing work, as well as social studies.
Choice is a key component in empowering our readers. The students' personal interests will guide their book selections, and they will be encouraged to explore many different text genres throughout the year. They will have access to our extensive classroom library, as well as the wonderful SMS library. One of my primary goals for the year is to help all students grow their reading passions and confidence, and discover the joys of reading for pleasure!
Please encourage your children to read anything that appeals to them—graphic novels, comic books, newspapers, magazines, greek myths, non-fiction, fantasy, realistic fiction... These are all wonderful options that will help them grow their literacy skills and become lifelong readers.
Our overarching theme for social studies this year is Ancient Civilizations. We will explore the Civics, History, Economics and Geography of early civilizations around the world through lenses of inquiry, investigation and evaluation of sources.
To kick-off the year, we will start a bit closer to home and develop a strong understanding of basic US and world geography. If your child has a special connection to any particular parts of the world, please let me know; I’d love to find a way to incorporate those regions into our studies!
As often as possible, social studies will be integrated into our ELA curriculum.