6th Grade Language and Literature Course Syllabus

6th Grade Language and LiteratureSyllabus

In 6th Grade Language and Literature, students will develop strategies that will enable them to enhance their reading and writing skills. Additionally, students will be provided with opportunities to build community and make global connections while refining their presentation and communication skills in a fun, supportive, and collaborative environment. Our goal this year is to encourage students to develop a love of reading and writing!

Expectations & Citizenship:

We are excited to grow together in order to develop a community of lifelong learners through collaboration and teamwork. In order for us to succeed, you will need to:

• Think critically, read deeply, write meaningfully, try your best, pay attention to your growth (self-assess), and respect yourself and others.

You will need to come to class prepared. You need your fully charged chromebook, agenda, an independent reading book, a notebook, a folder, any completed assignments/homework and a sharpened pencil everyday.

Units of Inquiry:

• Literary Analysis/Close Reading/Writing Units: Digital Literacy, Action/Adventure, Fantasy and Folktales, Non-fiction, Narrative

• Language Study: Parts of speech, sentence structure, paragraph and essay format, and word study

• Independent Reading: Students will be reading books of their choice or assigned reading at school and at home. They will be expected to read about 2 hours per week (20 minutes per night) at home. Students may also be expected to complete a weekly assignment to demonstrate comprehension and completion of their weekly reading.

Learning Targets & Grading:

Learning targets are "I can..." statements that inform students what he/she needs to know and will be able to do. We will ask you to engage in self-assessment around each specific learning target. Grades will be based on both formative and summative tasks. It is very important to complete all assignments in order to be prepared for summative assessments and to receive the best possible grades.

Summit Ridge has a 70/30 grading policy. 70% of a student’s grade is based on summative assessments; 30% of student’s grade is based on formative assessments.

Formative (30%)

• Weekly homework

• Reading responses

• Classwork

• Class participation and work habits

• Writing assignments

• Exit Tickets

Summative (70%)

• Tests

• Final projects

• Formal Reading Responses

• Formal Writing assignments

Retakes/Late Work:

• Make up work: In the event of an absence (excused or unexcused), students will have two days for each day absent to make up missed work.

• Late Work: All late work, regardless of the reason, must be turned in by the end of the Unit. No late work will be accepted after the Unit Summative Assessment/project. If the Unit is split by a trimester, all work must be turned in by the end of the Trimester. All late work turned in more than a week after the due date will receive a maximum of 70%. Lastly, all late work will be graded each Monday afternoon, time permitting.

Students can correct summative assessments/projects (think essay) for up to 100% to demonstrate mastery. All corrections need to be completed prior to the end of the trimester.

Extra Help:

Teachers are available to help students with assignments after school Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30-3:25. We encourage students to take advantage of this time.

International Baccalaureate World School:

Summit Ridge Middle School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) embraces the adolescent learner, establishment of trusting relationships, and development of independent, responsible citizens. The IB approach is grounded on the following five pillars:

• Inquiry - students asking questions, students finding answers.

• Global awareness - connecting to the local, state, national and international community.

• Action and Service - learning by doing, making a positive impact.

• World languages - all students learning a world language.

• Access and Equity - intentional development of curriculum and supports connected to the needs of all learners.

Technology:

Students are expected to come to class with a fully charged Chromebook daily. The majority of school work is done digitally. When students do not bring their devices charged, it impacts their ability to complete assignments on time and affects their grade. We also expect students to use Chromebooks responsibly and only visit approved Jeffco websites relevant to classwork.

Students are NOT permitted to bring cell phones into the classroom.

We are looking forward to an amazing year together!