Saraland Middle School

Home of the Spartans

6th Grade Reading- Mrs. Natalie Lewis

This will be an exciting year for your child! As one of your child’s teachers, I pledge to create a positive and safe environment, where learning is fun and conducive for mastering objectives and goals. Research-based strategies implemented during class will provide optimal learning experiences, which will enable your child to apply these acquired skills in daily life.

Course Description:

Sixth grade reading will provide students with a curriculum that enables them to become better writers and readers. This course will allow students to use prior knowledge and apply new strategies learned through literature, informational text, and vocabulary. Students will gain a thorough understanding of reading comprehension skill application.

Required Materials:(These materials are to be brought to class on a DAILY basis.)

  • binder w/dividers (This will be the same binder used for your child’s other classes.)
  • notebook paper (wide-ruled)
  • sharpened pencils and a handheld pencil sharpener
  • red pen for corrections
  • reading workbook

Assessments/Classwork/Homework:

On our class website (smspartans.com), you will find PowerPoint presentations and interactive websites, which supplement topics covered in class. Your child will be alerted in class of any scheduled test dates, etc. Important dates can also be found on the newsletter section of our class website, and please check your child’s planner daily for any changes. As a 6th grader, your child will be responsible for taking notes during class. Please work with your child on being responsible in this area. Reading tests cover the skills that are taught and the story vocabulary. Tests consist of vocabulary questions, a fresh read with comprehension questions, and an open-ended response question that relates to the weekly story. The assigned workbook pages that correlate with the story are a great assistance in understanding and helping your child with the reading skills. Students will receive an Accelerated Reading grade per quarter that is based on the comprehension percentage and points received.

Expectations:

Students are expected to enter the room orderly and immediately begin posted assignments. Students must have all necessary materials. A positive attitude is expected so maximum learning can take place.

Reading Grading (Per Every Nine Weeks):

  • Standards Based Assessments 70%
  • Classwork 20%
  • Speaking and Listening 10%

Parents and students are urged to check grades using INOWParent Home Portal on the Saraland Middle School website (smspartans.com). If you need your child’s login information, contact our registrar, Mrs. Wilson, at 679-9405.

Absences and Make-up Work:

A written excuse is required within three days of the student’s return to school. In the case of an absence, students are expected to make up any work or missed assessments. It is their responsibility to turn in or complete any work missed during the absence. An absent folder with missed assignments/assessments will be provided.

Classroom Rules:

  1. Listen when your teacher is talking.
  2. Follow directions quickly and correctly.
  3. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
  4. Raise your hand for permission to speak.
  5. Be safe, be kind, and be honest.

Consequences:

Depending on the nature of the offense, the first offense will be a warning. Excessive disruptions or repeated offenses will result in the student having a note sent home or the parent being called. If necessary, a parent conference will be requested, and the student may be given an office referral. Disrespect will not be tolerated towards the teacher or other students.

Conferences:

Conferences can be scheduled by calling the school office at 679-9405, writing a note to the teacher, or emailing . Conferences can take place during my planning time. My door is always open for parents, and I will be happy to assist with any concerns.

The key to success is teamwork, and I know that we are all going to make a great team at SMS!

The back page of this syllabus should be signed and returned by this Friday, August 11th.

Weekly Schedule

Date Story Skill/ Strategy Test Date

August 14-18 / Old Yeller / Setting and Plot/ Visualize / Test Friday, August 18
August 21-25 / Mother Fletcher’s Gift / Character and Theme/ Inferring / Test Friday, August 25
August 28- Sep 1 / Viva New Jersey / Compare and Contrast/ Summarize / Test Friday, September 1
September 5-8 / Saving the Rain Forests / Fact and Opinion/
Important Ideas / Test Friday, September 8
September 11-15 / Hachiko / Fact and Opinion/ Questioning / Test Friday, September 15
September 18-22 / The Universe / Main Idea and Details/ Monitor / Test Friday, September 22
September 25-29 / The Emperor’s Silent Army / Main Idea and Details/ Background Knowledge / Test Friday, September 29
October 2-5 / Quarter / Review / Week

Verification Receipt –Reading Syllabus 1st Quarter 2017-2018

_____Yes, I have read Mrs. Lewis’ 1st quarter reading syllabus.

_____I understand my child will only receive one copy of this syllabus.

_____I understand if my child or I lose this syllabus, I may print another one from Mrs. Lewis’ class website.

_____I understand my child will have a reading test each Friday.

_____I understand my child’s reading tests will come from the reading skills reviewed in class, not the story of the week.

_____I will be on the lookout for reading skills sheets and/or workbook pages, and realize it is my child’s responsibility to study these pages to prepare for each Friday’s test.

_____I understand there will be vocabulary words on each Friday’s test. These vocabulary words will be on workbook

pages.

_____I understand that my child will have a test on the required summer reading books.

Student Name Class Period Date

Home Telephone # Work and/or Cell Phone #

Parent/Guardian Signature Parent E-mail (work and/or home) - please print