6Th Grade Language Arts Howard Middle School

6th Grade Language Arts Howard Middle School

Teachers: Mrs. Anne McQueen – Team 6-1 Gifted/Advance Content 6600 Forsyth Rd.

Email: Macon, GA 31210

Conferences: 9:05 am – 10:25 am, by appt. only 478-779-3500

Course Objective

This course is designed to create life-long learners. Students should develop their reading, writing, speaking, and English language conventions.

Course Description

Focus on Writing: During the 2014-2015 school year, we will be using the 6+1 Writing Traits model to ensure that student writers understand how strong pieces of writing are created and to apply that knowledge to their own work. Using the Six Traits allows students to grow as writers. It’s important to take them from where they are and move them forward one step at a time.

Focus on Reading: Writing and reading are closely related and, some would say, inseparable. Better writers tend to be better readers, and better readers produce better writing. It makes sense that the strategies students use to read are the same ones they use to write.

Grading Policy

Grades are cumulative through the end of each semester and will be based on demonstrated mastery of concepts and the development of skills. Updated grade reports will be posted on Infinite Campus on a weekly basis so students and parents may continually monitor academic progress. I encourage you to do so! You can access Infinite Campus at https://campus.bibb.k12.ga.us. Please contact the school office for more information on logging in.

Grade reports will go out every four and one half weeks. Student performance will be assessed in Three areas:

Homework : 10%

Daily Work/Quizzes (Classwork/Participation): 40%

Asessments/Tests/Projects/Writing: 50%

Enrichment/Acceleration for Gifted/Advance Content

Although I will follow the Bibb County pacing guide and CCGPS, my gifted and advance content students will have additional course requirements that will go beyond the set curriculum. The purpose of this course is to provide gifted sixth graders with an enriched and accelerated language arts program. Read below to view the additional requirements.

·  Daily Grammar Practice: In addition traditional grammar and usage instruction, my students will participate in Daily Grammar Practice (DGP) this year. Students will be given a sentence each week, and they will break it down based on parts of speech, sentence parts/phrases, clauses/sentence type, punctuation/capitalization, and diagramming. This will be part of their daily grade.

·  S.A.T. Vocabulary: S.A.T. vocabulary definitions and sentences are due every other Tuesday. The format for this work will be discussed in class. There will be cumulative assessments over this information; therefore, keeping this information organized is IMPERATIVE.

·  Book/Article Reports: Students are required to read two fiction books, one non-fiction book, and a current event article each nine weeks. That means there is a total of sixteen reading assignments over the course of the school year. Students will be asked to turn in a book report form that will be given to them during the second full week of school. More information over the book/article reports will be passed out and discussed in class.

Makeup work and Late Work

It is the student’s responsibility to turn in work on time and to submit work after an absence in a timely manner. Unexcused late work will be penalized. I typically take 5 points off each day that the assignment is late.

Final Note for Parents:

I look forward to working with your child this year! Communication between parents and teachers is critical to each student’s success. Please feel free to email or call me with any concerns or questions you may have. This copy of the syllabus is yours to hold on to. I am here to help your child grow, succeed, and become a lifelong learner. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Mrs. McQueen

Sixth Grade Curriculum Map

Unit 1: 1st 9 Weeks / Unit 2: 2nd 9 Weeks / Unit 3: 3rd 9 Weeks / Unit 4: 4th 9 Weeks
Reading Focus: / Reading Focus: / Reading Focus: / Reading Focus:
Primary Focus: Informational Text
Secondary Focus: Literary Text / Primary Focus: Literary Text
Secondary Focus: Informational Text / Primary Focus: Informational Text
Secondary Focus: Literary Text / Primary Focus: Literary Text
Secondary Focus: Informational Text
Writing Focus: / Writing Focus: / Writing Focus: / Writing Focus:
Primary Focus: Argumentative/Persuasive Writing (4-6 essays) / Primary Focus: Informative/Expository Writing (4-6 essays) / Primary Focus: Informative/Expository Writing (4-6 essays) / Primary Focus: Argumentative/Persuasive Writing (4-6 essays)
Research Connection: Brief or sustained inquires related to the texts or topics. /
Narrative Writing: Narratives to develop real or imagined experiences (2-3 narratives) /
Routine Writing: Notes, summaries, process journals, and short responses across all genres. /

The following supplies will be needed for this course:

o  3” 3 ring binder (Team binder)

o  Dividers for binder

o  Planner

o  Blue or black pens

o  Red pens (or a color other than blue/black)

o  Pencils

o  Colored pencils or markers

o  A ream of copy paper

o  Notebook paper

o  Manual (small) pencil sharpener

o  Scissors

o  Highlighters (recommended for notes)

o  A flash drive (recommended for projects)

______

Please cut this portion off and return it to your Language Arts teacher. It should be signed by you and your parent/guardian to verify that you have read and understand the course syllabus.

Student Signature: ______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______