6th Grade English Language Arts (Period 5)

• The reading program is based upon new Common Core Standards, the ability to read for meaning, and make claims about what was read. Reading selections include a variety of novels and trade books (see list below) and tied to the foundational use of the newly adopted Benchmark ELA program. Some of these reading assignments will be sent home as homework assignments, but most will be taught and read in class.
• New Common Core Standards include an emphasis on Non-Fiction selections and the ability to make claims (take a stand or position; state opinion), find and state evidence, then write about it, typically in essay format.
• Spelling and word usage study is biweekly and taken from the Houghton-Mifflin Language Arts Program as well as specific literature study units. Spelling pretest first day of alternating weeks, posttest end of those weeks (usually Fridays)
• Students will use worksheets provided/prepared by the teacher as well as the Benchmark program materials. Language Arts activities and projects will be periodically integrated with the History curriculum. 

2017 - 2018 Chart of Reading Study (tentative)

         Book/Novel Title                                           Unit of Study/Theme/Genre                    

Fiction:                                   

                Dar and the Spearthrower                                                      Early Humans/ HF

Hatchet                                                                                         Survival/ RF

                The Cay                                                                                        Survival/Prejudice/RF

*Hoot                                                                                             Friendship/Integrity/R                                                                     

*Bridge to Terabithia                                                                Friendship/Courage/RF

The Tiger Rising                                                                        Friendship/Feelings/RF

Where the Red Fern Grows                                                    Classic Adventure/Loss/RF

Benchmark Anthology                                                               Varies; Benchmark Texts

Nonfiction:

Pyramid and City                                                                     Ancient Egypt and Rome

Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio                                     Courage/Friendship/Bio

*Letters From Rifka                                                                Immigration/Bio

Benchmark Anthology                                                            Varies; Benchmark  Text         

Mythology:

Heroes & Monsters of Greek Myth

Favorite Greek Myths

Greek Gods

                  Poetry:

Benchmark Anthology                                                           Varies; Benchmark Texts

               *Technically, It's Not My Fault

               *Locomotion

* If time permits; used w/ independent assignments and/or book reports