6Th Grade English Syllabus

Sixth Grade Language Arts Syllabus, 2014-15 First Quarter Teachers: R. Joy Luna [email protected] (270) 746-2290 ext. 2149 Ashley Whittle [email protected] (270) 746-2290 ext. 2150

Mission Statement: At BGJHS, all students are empowered to become respectful and responsible 21st century learners and leaders.

Welcome to the first quarter of sixth grade language arts class. You are about to be changed!

By the end of this quarter you will have a deeper understanding of the way language works and be able to use it to communicate more professionally. You will understand how to write a powerful story by taking an important event through the stages of the writing process. Another way that you will be different is that your vocabulary will knock the socks off everyone who hears you.

Our goal is not to leave you the way you are.

Our goal is to make you stronger, more powerful, a verbal force to be reckoned with!

Quarter Topics: 1st Quarter (August 6 - October 1):  Conventions o Comma usage  Writing o the writing process o narrative o figurative language

 Vocabulary o Greek/Latin Root Words: “ped”, “man/manu”, “spec”, and “dict” o Sadlier Oxford study units one through three and review

Grades are taken for the following:  engagement assignments - practice activities (ex.: notecards, online interactive games, exit slips, free writes, Edmodo quizzes, note cards)  quizzes and homework - formative assessments (ex.: weekly vocab. Quiz, vocabulary writing, grammar quizzes)  tests and essays- summative assessments (ex.: cumulative vocabulary tests, grammar tests and essays)

Parents and students may check grades online through Infinite Campus Parent Portal at any time to monitor student progress.

Kentucky Content Standards for English Language Arts: Language: L. 6.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. L. 6.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. L.6.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. L. 6. 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. L. 6.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. L.6.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Writing: W.6.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. W.6.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. W.6.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. W.6.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single setting. W.6.10 Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Speaking and Listening: SL6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study. SL.6.4 Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. SL.6.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information. SL.6.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate

Classroom Supplies:  one 1” 3 ringer binder o Students may combine their reading and English binders with the use of a divider  composition notebook  loose leaf paper  pencils  erasers  highlighters, markers, and index cards will also be used throughout the year