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Welcome to the Sixth Grade Literature and Composition Web Page. This web page is brought to you by Sara Reed and is meant to give you the latest and greatest news and information.
See the PDF attached for this month’s calendars.
Literature Calendar Period 2,3
Literature Calendar Periods 4,7
Compostion Calendar
Mrs. Sara Reed, Instructor for 6th grade On and Above Level Literature and Composition
Phone: 708-246-7333
Email: sreed@d107.org
Novels – Whole class, Literature Circle or Readers’ Workshop
Reading/ Writing Skills: Daybook by Great Source
Source of Short Stories: Junior Great Books 6th Grade Level
Vocabulary Workshop Book – Green or Red
Novel Notebook
Post-its
Pencil/Pen
Separate Pockets in Pendeflex
Notecards
Grading:
The grade book is set up in weighted categories.
The following are the categories and their weight:
Homework - will be graded using the life skills criteria
Classwork – 20%
Homework - 10%
Quizzes - 20%
Tests – 25%
Activities -25%
Literature Goals: (What we learn)
READING
- Apply strategies before, during, and after reading instructional level text in order to construct meaning by
- activating prioridentifying supporting details.
- asking factual and interpretive questions.
- differentiating between fact and opinion.
- establishing purpose for reading.
- Analyze the author’s purpose, message, theme, and style and be able to demonstrate an understanding of literary elements.
- Read, identify and analyze the characteristics of a variety of literature including fiction and non-fiction.
VOCABULARY
- Acquire and use new vocabulary words in speaking and writing and be able to analyze the meaning of words and phrases in context.
WRITING
- Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs which include a variety of sentence types.
- Use correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling on final copies.
- Use the writing process to compose papers of various types for different audiences. (narrative, expository, and persuasive writing).
RESEARCH
- Locate, assess and communicate information on a chosen topic.
SPEAKING
- Demonstrate good speaking behaviors in front of a group that include: appropriate volume , good posture, use of standard English, and appropriate gesture and movement
LISTENING
- Demonstrate good listening behaviors (eye contact, appropriate response, recalling information) as well as following directions.
Instructional Strategies (How we learn):
READ ALOUD: The teacher reads aloud to the whole class or small groups
GUIDED READING: The teacher will choose materials for students to read and then guide them using a variety of reading strategies. It can be whole group or small group and focuses on comprehension. Literature Circles are one variation.
INDEPENDENT READING: Students read on their own from a wide range of sel-selected materials.
WORD STUDY: The teacher provides lessons to help students learn more about words.
Resources:
During guided reading we will be reading 3 novels or collections of other genre such as poetry and short stories each trimester. Among those titles will be:
Maniac Magee
The Giver (AL)
Tuck Everlasting (OL)
The Man Who Loved Clowns
Assessments:
Whole class novel tests will occur during each trimester.
Journal Entries
Novel Completion Activities
Homework:
Students will need to read novels and do follow up writing and or activity sheet at home.
Composition Goals: (What we learn)
VOCABULARY
- Acquire and use new vocabulary words in speaking and writing will also be able to analyze the meaning of words and phrases in context.
WRITING (Using 6+1 writing process)
- Write compositions that contain complete sentences and effective paragraphs which include a variety of sentence types.
- Use correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling on final copies.
- Use the writing process to compose papers of various types for different audiences. (narrative, expository, and persuasive writing).
RESEARCH
- Locate, assess, and communicate information on a chosen topic.
SPEAKING
- Demonstrate good speaking behaviors in front of a group that include: appropriate volume, good posture, use of standard English, and appropriate gesture and movement
LISTENING
- Demonstrate good listening behaviors (eye contact, appropriate response, recalling information) as well as following directions.
Instructional Strategies (How we learn):
WORD STUDY: The teacher provides lessons to help students learn more about words.
LANGUAGE STUDY: Teacher provides lessons to ensure understanding of relationships between words and rules of English usage.
GUIDED WRITING: Teacher assigns a particular type of writing and often the topic to teach specific writing skills. 6 Traits of Writing are how we discuss what the components of good writing are.
WRITER’S WORKSHOP: Students are given time in class to write pieces that reflect their own choice of topic and type of writing. Teacher provides mini-lessons on skills, conferences with individual writers, share sessions, and opportunities to publish.
Resources:
Vocabulary: Vocabulary Workshop by Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Reading/ Writing Skills: Daybookby Great Source
Assessments:
Informal assessments will be done daily via classroom activities and discussions.
Vocabulary Quizzes over one unit in the Vocabulary Workshop book are on Thursday.
Spelling/vocabulary tests over one unit in the Vocabulary Workshop book are on Friday.
Writing will be scored using the 6-Traits Rubric and then the work will be filed in the student’s writing folder in school.
Homework and class work may be used as a formal assessment.
Homework:
Students will have weekly vocabulary units, quizzes, and tests.
Students will be asked to do writing and publishing at school or at home.
I am going into my tenth year of teaching at Pleasantdale Middle School. I am certified to teach English grades K- 12, Social Sciences K-9, and have a Middle School Endorsement. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Outdoor and Experiential Education. I have a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Francis University, and I have my second Master’s Degree in Administration Type 75 through Concordia University. Developing as an educator is a passion of mine. I feel that I expect my students to grow as learners and I try to be the best role model I can be for them by being a lifetime learner.
I grew up in the area and attended Gower, then went on to Hinsdale South High School. got married in 2008 (formally Ms. Stetina). Currently, I live in Naperville with my husband Mike, son Bryce, and dog Charlie.
Click on link below to view
Links to additional team resources.
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