In Grade 6, students will be exposed to a range of texts and tasks and build on the skills and understandings acquired in 5th grade. There will be a regular focus on all four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing and students will be expected to participate actively in class, take ownership of their own reading choices, think critically, and write frequently, both formally and informally. There will also be a focus on students reading widely and independently, and expanding their vocabulary/lexis. In this course, students will engage with themes and issues that apply to the real world, like social justice, prejudice, and persistence. This course will emphasize the development of key reading and writing skills and habits using the Lucy Calkins Reading and Writing Workshop model. The overall goal is to help students develop the skills and understandings of previous courses and prepare students for success in future English courses and academics in general.