Every Nine Weeks

2014-2015 Syllabus Mrs. Back Sixth Grade ELA

Every Nine Weeks: Writing Objectives  Students will produce various genres of writing for their portfolio and possible publication.  Students will write in journals daily.  Students will revise their writing through collaboration, conferencing, and self-evaluation.  Students will participate in mini-lessons concerning conventions, organization, content and development, voice, and other areas that will help the students see themselves as writers. ***Grammar will be taught in mini-lessons and during individual teacher/student conferences. All Writing Standards will be covered using the 6 Traits Curriculum during these workshops.

Reading Objectives  Students will read literature circle novels of their choice and class novels.  Students will participate in class discussions where they will be asked to analyze character, plot, theme, author’s technique, etc.  Students will participate in sustained silent reading.  Students will participate in library activities biweekly.  Students will participate in mini lessons concerning literature devices, authors and their style, genres, vocabulary and spelling studies, and other pertinent material. ***All Reading Standards will be covered during this workshop and through various other activities and assignments in the classroom.

Oral Presentations  Students will be asked to share a book, a personal writing piece, a story, research, or other topics covered in class.

A basic timeline of classroom topics of study: First Nine Weeks Second Nine Weeks Third Nine Weeks Fourth Nine Weeks Narrative Writing Argumentative Writing Argumentative Writing Blogs Expository Writing Research paper Oral Presentations (Book reports, project presentations, research projects…) Literary Models/Read Alouds/Mini Lessons (Authors purposes and styles…) Genre focus through novel studies and independent reading. The 6 Traits of Writing Elements of Fiction Informational Texts Mini Research Project Greek/Latin Roots and Affixes Figurative Language Drama Poetry/poetic devices *These skills will be taught during the 1st nine weeks and repeated throughout the year.

Grading: Formative assessments will include: teacher observations, warm-ups, exit tickets, quizzes, journal writing, homework/classwork, responses to teacher questions, practice assignments.

Summative assessments will include: tests, final drafts, projects, and research papers.

Behavior: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner toward the teacher and his/her classmates. Following classroom instructions and fulfilling class expectations is very important to success in any classroom setting. If a student chooses not to comply, action will be taken based on the demerit code given to us by the district office. Contacting teacher: Text Reminders:

School phone: 847- 4333 Text @backh to (703) 639-4303 [email protected] Accelerated ELA text @c22ced to (703) 639-4303