6th Grade

Module 1: Myths: Not Just Long Ago

Students read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan along with informational texts and Greek myths, examining the idea of a hero’s journey. They write a literary essay analyzing how understanding a classic myth helps their understanding of the novel and they write their own Hero’s Journey narrative based on their learning. Students will enhance speaking and listening skills by engaging in discussions about the texts and sharing their writing with their peers.

Standards-aligned Questions:

• What is the hero’s journey in literature?

• How do you cite textual evidence when analyzing literature and informational texts?

• How does an author develop theme in a literary work?

• What are the elements of a narrative essay?

Module 2: Voices of Adversity

Students read Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz and Technically, It’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems by John Grandits, exploring the idea of adversity of people across time and place. Students engage in various types of writing - informational essay, argument and narrative. Speaking and listening skills are assessed through small group discussions around the texts. Students will create their own monologue or concrete poem around a modern-day adversity.

Standards-aligned Questions:

• How do authors use language to convey theme and meaning in a literary text?

• What are the elements of an explanatory essay?

• How does reading for research help me to form an opinion and make an argument?

Module 3: Sustaining the Oceans

Students build background knowledge by reading World Without Fish by Mark Kurlansky and then dive into the novel Flush to learn about point of view and perspective. Through close reading, students will learn multiple strategies for acquiring and using academic vocabulary. Students will conduct research to write an informative consumer guide and will practice speaking and listening skills by presenting their guide to their peers.

Standards-aligned Questions:

• How does an author develop the narrator’s point of view and perspective?

• How does an author’s geographic location affect his perspective, and how is that perspective communicated through his writing?

• How does an author’s purpose affect the narrator’s point of view?

Module 4: Insecticides: Costs vs. Benefits

Students read Frightful’s Mountain by Jean Craighead to practice citing evidence and drawing inferences as they begin to think about the interactions between people and the natural world. They also read and view other sources to gather evidence and trace arguments. Students will engage in a decision-making framework to research and collect relevant information on how various choices impact consequences. Students will write an essay explaining their claims and create a scientific poster to present to peers.

Standards-aligned Questions:

• How do different authors approach providing information and making an argument?

• How does reading for research help me to form an opinion and make an argument?

• What are effective speaking techniques that will help me give a strong presentation?