Course Description
The goal of 6th grade Language A is to empower each student’s individual voice, ignite his/her curiosity and personal passion, and diversify his/her perspective. The curriculum employs literature analysis, active questioning, creative writing, oral and visual presentation, Socratic seminars, community service, literature circles, self reflection, music, and intercultural/international case studies to further develop students’ communication skills and “cultural literacy.”
Literature
The relationship between reader and author, and the skill of active reading is emphasized in the literature covered. Students engage text through discussion, written response, and creative projects. While developing a deep appreciation for all forms of literature, students are taught to filter information critically, attend to subtlety, and use common experiences to inform inferences. The texts selected address themes of self-love, friendship, and community, and expose students to other cultures, value systems, and experiences.
Composition
In composition, the writing cycle is of primary importance. Students are to value writing as a dynamic process rather than a solitary endeavor. Writing is used as a thinking tool in the search for deeper meanings in literature and life. It is also emphasized as a means of self-expression. Written works include literary responses, short stories, personal narratives, myths, research projects and poetry. Oral composition/presentation includes storytelling, role-playing, poetry recitations, dramatic improvisation, and speeches. Visual presentation is combined with writing in order to hone students’ word choices and their ability to create vivid imagery.
Language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling
Grammar and correct usage are studied in conjunction with spelling, capitalization and punctuation. These skills are mastered through daily exercises and contextual practice.
Vocabulary is drawn from both independent and class texts, and is reinforced through consistent use in conversation and writing. No extensive spelling instruction is conducted in the 6th grade.
Class Texts
The class novels read are The Skin I’m In, Sharon Flake, Seed Folks, Paul Fleishman, Freak the Mighty, Rodman Philbrick, and The Adventures of Ulysses, Bernarn Evslin. Short stories are drawn from our Literature Anthology, including works by Sandra Cisneros, Edgar Allen Poe, Maya Angelou, and Gary Paulsen. A wide variety of classic and contemporary poets are covered, including Shel Silverstein, Judith Viorst, Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Countee Cullen.
Grading
Grades are broken into two categories, formative and summative. Formative grades include class work, participation, quizzes, and homework. These relate solely to the learning process and measure primarily work ethic, level of engagement, responsibility, and self-discipline. Summative grades include written exams, essays, creative writing pieces, book projects, oral presentations, and other projects that culminate a unit. These grades measure student mastery of content and/or skills that are part of a unit of study. In order to avoid penalizing students for the learning process and to ensure that final grades are a reflection of what they have actually learned. Formative grades are weighted at 20% while Summative are weighted at 80%.
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