English Language Arts
READING
In Language Arts classes, students will read or write everyday. They will learn to listen to each other and share their ideas about books with others. Students will participate in individual silent reading time, small guided reading groups and whole class mini-lessons and class discussions. The guided reading groups are dynamic (students are never stuck in a certain reading group all year long.) Each reading unit is taught as a genre study so even though students are reading different novels, they can still discuss the commonalities of the genre as an entire class.
WORD STUDY
Students will study words that appear in their novel studies. In order to prepare students for the future of standardized testing, (and to become better readers and writers,) the vocabulary tests are written in a SAT-like format. Students will learn to use the words they choose, not just memorize the definitions. Greek and Latin roots are also studied.
WRITING
Students will also participate in several writing units of study. These include; narrative, (creative) essay, argumentative essay (research and inform) as well as various reading analysis essays. There are also several other shorter writing assignments that are taught throughout the year. The writing workshop includes mini-lessons followed by time for students to write and practice what they learned in class. While students are writing in class, I meet with each student to check in with him or her to address any concerns.
GRAMMAR
Because I meet with my students during the writing process, I can assess their writing and address their concerns in the moment or as a mini-lesson during the next class period. Many grammar based mini-lessons occur during the writing workshop. I also teach a short unit that addresses all of the 6th grade Michigan Academic Standards.
SPEAKING AND LISTENING
These skills are a core part of the guided reading/book club experience. Students will learn techniques on how to listen to each other's ideas and elaborate on them.
In Language Arts classes, students will read or write everyday. They will learn to listen to each other and share their ideas about books with others. Students will participate in individual silent reading time, small guided reading groups and whole class mini-lessons and class discussions. The guided reading groups are dynamic (students are never stuck in a certain reading group all year long.) Each reading unit is taught as a genre study so even though students are reading different novels, they can still discuss the commonalities of the genre as an entire class.
WORD STUDY
Students will study words that appear in their novel studies. In order to prepare students for the future of standardized testing, (and to become better readers and writers,) the vocabulary tests are written in a SAT-like format. Students will learn to use the words they choose, not just memorize the definitions. Greek and Latin roots are also studied.
WRITING
Students will also participate in several writing units of study. These include; narrative, (creative) essay, argumentative essay (research and inform) as well as various reading analysis essays. There are also several other shorter writing assignments that are taught throughout the year. The writing workshop includes mini-lessons followed by time for students to write and practice what they learned in class. While students are writing in class, I meet with each student to check in with him or her to address any concerns.
GRAMMAR
Because I meet with my students during the writing process, I can assess their writing and address their concerns in the moment or as a mini-lesson during the next class period. Many grammar based mini-lessons occur during the writing workshop. I also teach a short unit that addresses all of the 6th grade Michigan Academic Standards.
SPEAKING AND LISTENING
These skills are a core part of the guided reading/book club experience. Students will learn techniques on how to listen to each other's ideas and elaborate on them.