Course Focus, Textbook, and Curriculum

We are excited to blend the sixth grade literature curriculum with a program called Wit & Wisdom, along with various short stories from our textbook, and student-selected novels . Moreover, students will be asked to purchase 2 additional novels from our RMS school fundraiser, as part of our Wit & Wisdom curriculum, near the end of the first quarter. Our textbooks, Elements of Literature, and Elements of Writing @2012, are aligned with our Revere Learning Standards, published by Holt McDougal. 

Novels/selections we will read this year are as follows:  Blood on the River by Eliza Carbone, I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, Ramayana: Divine Loophole illustrated by Sanjay Patel, The Odyssey, a retelling for grade 6. Also, nonfiction classroom text sets will be implemented.   

Grammar and Sentence Structure Instruction 

Grammar and sentence structure is taught by labeling each part of speech, Sentence of the Day (SOD) method, and as incorporated in the reading and writing lessons. The writing process is explored and practiced from prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing stages, to the publishing stage.  Most essay writing will be done in class as it relates to the reading selections; however, the final typed copy may be done at home.  Speeches and proper public speaking techniques and various projects are incorporated into this course as well.

Vocabulary Study -  We will use an online vocabulary program called Membean twice weekly in class, with periodic scored quizzes.  Students will need earbuds for this program. 

Book Bistro!  We will implement an independent reading program for outside of class reading for 3 quarters.  Students will have freedom of choice and no book reports!  Instead, this program focuses on peer recommendations, brief summarizing skills, and small group book talks.

Assignments, Progress Book, iPads

Students are encouraged by their teachers to write their assignments daily in their assignment books. Furthermore, ELA assignments, test and quiz dates, study guides, project due dates, are posted on the 6th grade homework website. ELA class grades are typically updated weekly, if not daily.  Students and parents should already have their username and password for Progress Book from last year.  If not, please follow the step by step directions on our RLSD website to secure this information.  Please note, I accept late work at anytime during the current quarter, but for less credit. 

iPAD usage:   Each sixth grader will be or has been assigned an iPAD from the district prior to the start of school.  Students should bring it to each ELA class period everyday, fully charged, along with earbuds.

Class Room Rules for 219 

1. Follow ALL directions the first time they are given.

2. Raise hand to share your thoughts.

3. Respect others, respect yourself, respect things.

4. Bring all materials to class each day. 

5.  Be to class on time.  

6.  Follow the Golden Rule:  Treat others the way you expect to be treated.  Be sure to communicate with Mrs. Burket if you are not being respected by others. 

7. All cell phones are turned off  and kept in your locker. 

 10.  Late work will be accepted, but less credit will be   

          earned.  Late work will be accepted only during  

          the quarter in which it was assigned.

11. If absent - see Make-Up work on the front board. Fill out a missing work slip and give it to Mrs. Burket when the work is done.

ELA Binder Set Up