6th Grade Language Arts/Literature

Ms. Montelango

Contact:
  phone: (847) 432-3858 x263, after hours dial x263 for voicemail
  e-mail: amontelongo@nssd112.org

Units of Study:

Click here for 2008-09 Syllabus

LITERATURE REFLECTS SOCIETY AS IT OPENS A WINDOW INTO UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES – WHO ARE WE? Welcome to sixth grade English and an exciting year of reading, discussing, sharing, analyzing, and exploring a variety of literature! This English class focuses on the reading-writing connection and is organized around overlapping themes. To foster the reading-writing connection, students will read for pleasure, understanding, personal growth, and as inspiration and models for their own writing. Students will learn to clearly communicate ideas as well as appreciate the writing process by experimenting with narrative, expository, persuasive, analytical, character sketches, memoir, dialogue, nonfiction, poetry, letters. To encourage clarity of expression, students will study mechanics, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.

CURRICULUM PROFILE:

LITERATURE – The thematic units covered this year will include Tests of Courage, Growth and Change, A Sense of Fairness, and Making your Mark. Each unit will include the exploration of short stories, poetry, nonfiction, independent reading, novels, and theme products.

WRITING WORKSHOP – A variety of creative activities integrate literature with real-world experiences. Evidence of the writing process including brainstorming, revising, and editing must be apparent. Opportunities are provided for students to develop style, as well as improve communication. Papers must be typed, double-spaced and stapled with the final draft on top. The student’s name, date, and period must be in the upper right hand corner of top page. Each additional page must have the student’s name in upper right hand corner.

GRAMMAR – The language arts resource book    provides a variety of exercises to reinforce instruction for all grammar, usage and mechanics concepts. Parts of speech are introduced, practiced, reviewed and pretested before each mastery test.

SPELLING/VOCABULARY – Spelling is distributed on Monday. The homework is due Wednesday and the test will be Friday. Late spelling homework will not be accepted (except for illness).

INDEPENDENT READING – Reading choice books in addition to instructional books is a requirement. Upon completion of each novel, a simple one page set of six to eight questions need to be completed in ink. Grades for independent reading are determined by number of pages completed: 600 pages = 100%; 500 pages = 90%; 400 pages = 85%; 300 pages = 80 %; 200 pages = 75%. Extra credit may be earned for each additional 200 pages. This method allows students to read several short books or one long book.

HOMEWORK – Daily assignments are due at the beginning of class on the next day that class is in session. Late assignments are accepted for 10% off each class session following the due date. Students with three or more late daily assignments per quarter in any one class are assigned to ALP until the assignment is completed. Long-tern assignments are due at the beginning of class on the identified due date. Late assignments are accepted for 5% off each class session following the due date. After five class sessions, students will earn a zero, which is recorded as NHI. Students that have not completed a long-term assignment in any class are assigned to ALP until the assignment is completed.

SUPPLIES - Students will need a two pocket folder to organize work, wide ruled loose leaf paper (NO SPIRALS), pens (blue, black, red), and highlighters (four colors). All supplies should be brought daily along with homework and text. Students will not be allowed to return to lockers for forgotten materials.

Students grades will be based on the following: 25%-writing 25%-assessments 10%-independent reading 10%- vocabulary/spelling 20%- quizzes 10%-homework

Class homework policy:

Expectations: Be responsible for your actions and accept the consequences of your actions. Enter class appropriately and on time. Come to class prepared with all your materials. Come to class ready and willing to learn. Conduct yourself appropriately during class time.