Tips for Success in English/Language Arts
Welcome to 6th grade English/Language Arts!
Below are some tips for success.
1. READ! It is the one thing that will help you the most. Research has shown avid readers are successful in ELA and are better students in math, science, and social studies. Reading improves your speaking, vocabulary, and spelling! If you don’t like to read, relax! I’ll help you. We’ll work on this together. Selected extended texts for 6th grade are listed below. It's suggested that students purchase their own copies for use at home. Having personal copies at school will also allow your child to highlight, etc. as needed and have a copy readily available to re-read as needed.
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love, and Learning
edited by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger
- Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. Bantam 1993 ed. New York: Bantam Books, 1967. (Several versions have been released, so edition is important here.)
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
2. WRITE! Come prepared to write more than you have in elementary school. Writing is a vital part of middle school ELA curriculum, and we'll be writing on an almost daily basis. Unfinished writing becomes homework, so do your best to stay current.
3. Students complete student planner daily. Projects may be assigned up to a month in advance. Notes about behavior, homework, or supplies may also be written in student planners by teachers.
4. Do your homework. You cannot be prepared for the next lesson if you haven’t practiced previously introduced material. Homework is designed to reinforce instruction at school. Homework also includes test material. If you aren’t putting time and effort in homework, tests will be difficult.
5. Study for tests. Do this by reviewing material 5 to 10 minutes a day for several nights before a test. Research has shown this is much more effective than cramming the night before a test. Find a time and place to study every night. Routine is important.
6. Hydrate your brain. All students are allowed to have bottled water in class. No sugared water or food coloring additives are allowed. Research shows a hydrated brain works better!
7. Organization is an important key to success. Keep all of your English/language arts materials together and in order, so you can quickly find what you need.
8. Attendance is very important. Research shows that students who attend class regularly succeed. If you have to be absent, make up your work as soon as possible to avoid getting behind.
9. Ask for help. Please raise your hand or see me if you have a question or need help. The goal is for you to be successful. Students with homework questions should come for assistance during homeroom.
10. Contact teachers if needed. Teacher e-mail addresses can be located easily at .
Technology in Mrs. K.’s Class:
E-readers are allowed. If students have e-readers (Nooks, Kindles, IPads, read application on cell phone, etc.), they are allowed with teacher permission. Guidelines for use in class are as follows:
- All technology should remain off unless specific permission is granted for use. When on, devices should be in “Airplane” mode to disable calls, texts, etc.
- Students may use e-reader applications only during approved times. Students should download books for use at home. No opportunities to download will be provided at school.
- Occasionally, and only with specific teacher permission, will students be allowed to research using electronic devices. Devices must have independent internet access. Parents should install any web access limiting software that they desire before use.
- Electronic use for texting, e-mail, etc. during the school day is strictly forbidden. Any use of such will result in confiscation of electronic devices.
- Inappropriate use in any way will result in confiscation. Please see Student/Parent Handbook page 10, Rule 20 for details.
It’s going to be a great year!