6^th Grade ELA Syllabus

A. Canela

Course Description: This language arts class is designed to increase your communications skills through reading, writing, speaking, and the study of the English language. Our primary focus in language arts class will be mastery of different writing styles, demonstration of the rules of grammar, and the ability to express yourself effectively through various mediums of communication in direct correspondence to the Common Core State Standards. This year you can expect to write a variety of  essays. These writing pieces will model the different writing styles we will be working on. Writing assignments will include timed responses, journal writing, essays, critiques, and creative pieces. Vocabulary, spelling, and supplemental grammar assignments (as needed) will also be an important part of this class. Because we are a community of learners, please also expect to work periodically in cooperative learning situations and to present information to your peers in collaborative teams as well as individually. 

TOPICS OF STUDY WE WILL COVER IN ELA

6 Traits of Writing (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions) + presentation • Effective Communication Skills (listening, speaking, and viewing) • Elements of Poetry • Journal Writing • Literary Terms • Mechanics & Standard Grammar • Narrative, Expository/Informative (descriptive, explanation, comparison and contrast, problem/solution), and Persuasive Writing • Parts of Speech • Presentation Techniques (Prezi, iMovie, Green Screen, etc.)

Reading Requirements: NightJohn by Gary Paulsen & Neighborhood Odes by Gary Soto 

Grading Policy:  

  Averaging Grades:            Daily Grades 50% and Test 50%

   1^st Semester Calculations: 1^st  Six Weeks 25%, 2^nd  Six Weeks 25%, 3^rd  Six Weeks 25%,  Mid-Term Semester Exam 25%

   2^st Semester Calculations: 4^th  Six Weeks 25%, 5^th  Six Weeks 25%, 6th Six Weeks 25%,  Final Semester Exam 25%

    Final Grade: 1^st Semester 50% and 2^nd Semester 50%

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

All students will be prompt, prepared, polite and productive. 1. Be Prompt: You are expected to be in your assigned seat and ready to work at the start of class. Make sure you complete the “Daily Preview”/“Welcome Work” activity as soon as you enter the classroom! ) 2. Be Prepared: You must bring the requested supplies to class everyday unless specified otherwise. 3. Be Polite: You will be respectful, considerate, and polite to all people and property. 4. Be Productive: You will come to class and use all of the resources available to learn and explore new and exciting ways to enjoy the English language.

Supplies Required:

2 Composition Notebooks, Pens, Pencils, Colored Pencils, Theme Paper (College Ruled), 1 Box of Kleenex, and a pair of Scissors.