COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Language Arts class is designed to provide
instruction over the sixth grade Language Arts standards in reading, writing,
English, spelling, vocabulary, research, and oral and visual
communication. Standards and indicators
for sixth grade language arts are found on the Ohio Department of Education www.ode.state.oh.us/academic_content_standards.
Portfolio binders will collect student work samples
throughout the year. Portfolios are
sent home every nine weeks for parent and student reflection. In April, students will take the Ohio
Achievement Test. To find sample test
questions and further information visit the Ohio Department of Education
website www.ode.state.oh.us/proficiency.
MATERIALS USED:
In Reading students use:
McDougal Littell textbook, various novels listed
below, various literature of different genres, nonfiction books, poetry,
magazines, newspapers. Students will
participate in the “Book It” reading program from Pizza Hut. Students keep reading logs every month. Monday through Friday students should read
twenty minutes a night from a self-selected novel. Parents should sign the reading log every night. Students will also study vocabulary through
their reading, spelling, and English. A
well-balanced variety of resources are used to help students gain knowledge.
In Writing students use:
Students will write many different kinds of essays
such as fictional and personal narratives, journals, friendly letters, business
letters, summary, persuasive, informational, research, and poetry. Write Source 2000, authentic writing tasks,
and 6 traits of writing will also be used.
In addition, students will also study grammar through their writing,
Daily Oral Language, mini-lessons, and text worksheets. If given, Daily Oral Language quizzes will
be on Thursday.
In Spelling students use:
Sitton Spelling.
This is a program that is different from the traditional spelling
programs. Instruction in the series
focuses on spelling accurately in writing by repeating words and skills
throughout the year. Cloze spelling
tests are given on Tuesdays.
Guidesheets are given on Wednesday with the new five Core spelling
words. Students continue to revisit
words from the Priority word list and the Core word list throughout the
year. These word lists can be found in
the students’ spelling folders that I provide for them. To find out more about this spelling
program, visit www.sittonspelling.com
.
HOMEWORK:
Students have homework every night. Students are asked to write down homework
assignments in their planner. I
encourage all parents to monitor and review homework, ask questions about
stories we read, and revise and edit writing throughout the year. Thank you for your help and support in
making it a successful sixth grade year.
REWARDS
and CONSEQUENCES:
To encourage students to make good choices, I use a
Patriot Card Award System. Your child
will earn rewards for following my classroom rules. Rewards will also be awarded for acts of exemplary citizenship or
outstanding behavior. There are some behaviors that will be penalized. Such behaviors include, but are not limited
to, the following: incomplete homework,
lack of required materials, disobedience, disrespect, running in the halls or
classroom, lying, and cheating. Students
will sign Patriot cards for wrong choices.
I will contact you by phone or letter if your child’s behavior hinders
the learning process or if misconduct occurs three or more times. Students may be referred to the assistant
principal for further disciplinary action if warranted.
In order to provide a safe, productive learning
environment, all students in my class are expected to follow five rules. Further, I require my students to comply
with all policies set forth in the Student Handbook.
* Arrive to class on time with
all required materials.
* Follow directives the first
time they are given.
* Prevent no one from learning.
* Respect the rights and
feelings of others.
·
Have a positive attitude, believe in yourself, and
use good manners.