English Language Arts Information Sheet 6th Grade Apollo Team - Bullock
AG/Magnet Classes
Classroom novels: We will study several novels as a class: Journey to the River Sea, White Mountains, When You Reach Me, and The Weirdo. These books were selected because they complement our social studies and science curricula and are challenging for gifted students. I will loan students a copy of each book. Lost books must be paid for by the student.
How can parents help? We will occasionally have chapter chats (literary circles). Parents are invited to get a copy of the book, read it along with us, and participate in the chats.
Self-Selected Reading: Students should read at least twenty minutes a day. Students should always have a book to read. Students will keep a list of books read, date completed, author, and number of pages in the book.
How can parents help? Turn off the television, limit Internet and telephone time, and lock up the video games during the week! Periodically look over your students reading list. Talk to your student about what s/he is reading.
Literature Book: Students have been issued the textbook Literature. This book is to remain at school. Students will often take a quiz and write a response to the selections. A lost textbook must be paid for about $60!
Speaking: Students will ROUTINELY be called upon to present to the class. My hope is to foster in each child a level of comfort speakiing in front of others.
Poetry: We will read, write, illustrate and perform poetry. We will finish the unit with a poetry performance for the parents.
How can parents help? Share favorite poems with your student and come to our poetry party.
Writing: In seventh grade students will complete a state-mandated writing portfolio including four content-specific prompts and two on-demand five-paragraph essays. These essays are in the argumentative style (problem/solution and evaluation) with a main idea, supporting details, organization, and coherence. This year students will get extensive practice in writing content-specific paragraphs. These paragraphs will each count 100 points. Students will also have the opportunity to put these paragraph-writing skills into practice in science, math, and social studies classes. We will do a few five-paragraph essays in the argumentative style. These essays will each count 300 points. A sampling of student writing is kept in a writing portfolio.
How can parents help? Read your students pieces and offer suggestions for improvement.
Grammar/Mechanics: Grammar and mechanics are taught in diagramming lesson or workbook exercise. There will be periodic tests over these lessons.
How can parents help? Encourage your student to do his best. This is not the favorite area of language arts for most students!
Reflections: All students will have the option to participate in the PTSA Reflections program. This provides students an opportunity for authentic writing about a creative projectpart of our standard course of study. This will be part of the regularly-assigned homework, not in addition to the usual twenty minutes each night.
How can parents help? Help your student study the guidelines on the PTSA web site and select a project than can reasonably be completed in the allotted time.
