Sixth Grade Language Arts
Grades Offered: 6
SDE Course Code: 0601
MNPS Course Code: ENG1176Y (Advanced)
Course Description
This course encompasses a correlated study of reading, language development, literature, composition, listening, and speaking based upon the adopted District Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Elements of Language, Listening, and Speaking. In addition, this course will prepare students to demonstrate success on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test. The study of language arts at the sixth grade level integrates the reading/literature skills with the study of language mechanics, writing, spelling, and vocabulary to create a well-rounded, balanced language arts program. The curriculum centers around the literature provided in the adopted texts and the literature designated in the Essential Literature initiative and provides opportunities for students to encounter more challenging texts and assignments in greater depth. The required and choice literary selections are read and studied in the language arts class, not the reading class.
Essential Literature (K-12) is designed to ensure that all students read a minimum number of quality literary works, discuss them in depth, and engage in writing opportunities related to the literature. There are four components to Essential Literature: the required reading titles, school choice titles delineated by grade level, alternative texts for use when a book has been challenged by a parent, and adapted texts for use with special needs students (special education and English language learners). http://www.mnps.org/Asset8131.aspx?method=1
The texts read in language arts are integrated with the skills delineated in the MNPS District Academic Standards for sixth grade. Students engage in process writing and timed writing. Each six weeks, a minimum of three writing assignments reflecting the various domains in the MNPS Writing Standards should be assessed using an analytical, holistic, and/or primary trait process.
Course of Study
The student will develop the reading skills necessary for word recognition, comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and appreciation of the written text. The student will also develop the structural and creative skills necessary to produce written language that can be read and interpreted by various audiences. Additionally, the student will use, read, and view media/technology and analyze content and concepts accurately and will express ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts and apply active listening skills in the analysis and evaluation of spoken ideas. While this sample outline is arranged by theme, other formats may be considered. Bulleted themes may require more, or less, than six-weeks of instruction.
MNPS Language Arts Website http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=2287
Standards
MNPS Reading Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3342
MNPS Writing Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3247
MNPS Listening and Speaking Standards http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3352
MNPS Academic Vocabulary – http://www.mnps.org/AssetFactory.aspx?did=9880
Required State or District Assessments
TCAP Achievement Test – Grade 6 http://www.state.tn.us/education/assessment/tsachitems.shtml
Textbooks
Afflerbach, Peter, et. al. Great Expectations. Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman, 2000. Basal Adopted 2001).
Buckner, Joyce, et. al. Language Arts. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001. (Basal Adopted 2004).
Essential Literature Student Copies (Via Media Center)
· Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Avi
· Dragonwings – Laurence Yep
· Holes – Louis Sachar
Reminder: The required and choice literary selections are read and studied in the language arts class, not the reading class.
Additional Essential Literature Student Copies (Advanced) Via Media Center
· Anna of Byzantium – Tracy Barrett
· Eragon – Christopher Paolini
· Chinese Cinderella – Adeline Yen Mah
Recommended and/or Required Resources:
MNPS Graduate and 12 – K Academic Standards http://www.mnps.org/Page3241.aspx
Curriculum Alignment Guide for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking – Grade 6
Classroom set of Dictionaries (25 per set)
Classroom set of Thesauruses (25 per set)
Survival
Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Holes-Louis Sachar (Essential Literature – Required Title)
o “From A Spark” – Gary Paulsen (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “The Day of the Turtle” - Michael Morpurgo (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Storm-a-Dust” – Virginia Hamilton (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o Teacher selected poetry related to the theme of Survival
o Individually researched personal narratives from survivors of dangerous encounters
o Holes - film clips
General Reading Objectives- the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o use comprehension strategies to enhance understanding, to make predictions, and respond to literature.
o identify how the author reveals character (physical characteristics, dialogue, what other characters say about them, characters own actions).
o demonstrate making inferences and recognizing unstated assumptions.
o use MPNS academic vocabulary(e.g., function, perspective, cultural)
General Listening and Speaking Objectives- the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o orally respond and connect literature to real life characters.
o deliver presentations and/or responses using a variety of modes specific to the purpose and to the audience.
General Elements of Language Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o use subject- verb agreement correctly within context.
o identify correct use of collective nouns, nouns as objects, and predicate nouns.
o identify sentences with correct subject-verb agreement (person/number) within context.
General Writing Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o create an appropriate thesis statement for a piece of original writing.
o complete a graphic organizer (i.e., clustering, listing, mapping, and webbing) with information from notes.
o combine sentences to provide syntactic variety within context.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Personal narrative or journal entry about a time in the student’s life when he/she survived a difficult experience
· Research report from a personal narrative account of a survivor’s encounter
· Character analysis
· Comparison/contrast between a portion of the book, Holes and a clip from the movie
· Description of Camp Green Lake
Self Discovery
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Avi (Essential Literature – Required Title)
o “Teammates”- Peter Golenback (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “April’s Mud” – Carolyn Meyer (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Cutters, Carvers, and the Cathedral” – George Ancona (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 2)
o The Wizard of Oz - film clip from a scene
o “Andre” - Gwendolyn Brooks (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Who Will Teach Me?” – Nancy Wood (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.1)
o “Goodness” – Benny Andersen (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Almost Ready” – Arnold Adoff (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “The New Suit” – Nidia Sanabria de Romero (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
General Reading Objectives-the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o develop skills in making inferences and recognizing unstated assumptions.
o explore various literary techniques, such as flashback and irony.
o use a graphic organizer to determine cause and effect relationship
o use Academic vocabulary(e.g., genre, anecdote, accent)
General Listening and Speaking Objectives- the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in group discussions.
o communicate ideas clearly in standard English using techniques that give speech power and impact.
o use active listening skills.
General Elements of Language Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o correct sentence fragments by supplying the missing sentence elements.
o identify within context a variety of appropriate sentence combining techniques (i.e., comma + coordinating conjunction, use of semi-colon, introductory phrases and/or clauses).
General Writing Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o compose a first draft with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
o use precise language including vivid word, colorful modifiers, and figurative language.
o develop sentences that are clear, varied, and appropriate to the audience.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
· Creation of a family tree with explanations and annotations
· Rewriting the ending of a story
· Journal entry from Crispin’s point of view detailing his experiences with Bear
· Rewriting of a passage from the book using a different time and place
· A 35-minute timed writing in which students respond to a prompt asking them to reflect upon a time when they made an improper decision and what they might change if a similar decision had to be made today
Follow Your Dreams
A Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Dragonwings - Laurence Yep (Essential Literature – Required Title)
o “Elizabeth Blackwell: Medical Pioneer”- Joanna Halpert Kraus (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Winners Never Quit” – Carol Krucoff (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Casey at the Bat” – Ernest Lawrence Thayer (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 1)
o “Wilma Unlimited”– Kathleen Krull (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.1)
o “Fiddle Faddle” – Eve Merriam (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.1)
o “Dreams” – Langston Hughes
o Chinese Cinderella – Adeline Yen Mah (Essential Literature – Advanced List)
o Film clips of historical footage and research of San Francisco earthquake/fire, Wright Brothers, Chinese Immigration
General ReadingObjectives- the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o extend reading vocabulary using MNPS academic vocabulary(propaganda, perspective)
o use comprehension strategies to enhance understanding, to make predictions, and respond to literature.
o demonstrate an understanding of story elements (plot, theme, character, setting, conflict).
o identify bias and stereotype.
General Listening and Speaking Objectives-the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o use media to view, read, write, communicate, and create.
o use active listening skills.
o use multimedia to create, display, and explain information.
General Elements of Language Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o understand verb tenses, including present, past, and future tenses, and use them in sentences.
o understand the perfect verb tenses and use them in sentences.
o use irregular verbs correctly.
General Writing Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade Writing Standards)
o write frequently for a variety of purposes including narration, description, persuasion, exposition, and creative expression.
o create an appropriate thesis statement for a piece of original writing.
o complete a graphic organizer (i.e., clustering, listing, mapping, and webbing) with information from notes for a writing selection.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
o Transforming a chapter of Dragonwings into a scene for a play
o Letter to relatives in China describing life in America.
o Journal entry in the voice of an immigrant detailing the hardships encountered
o Detailed, sequenced description of the process of kite making
o Persuasive essay that provides compelling evidence to support the author’s viewpoint
o A humorous poem
Flights of Fantasy
Sample Unit
The following unit provides samples of texts that exemplify various types of connections (e.g., literary, thematic, skill-based, etc.) The intent is to provide a springboard of ideas for teachers; it is not meant to dictate specific text choices or course structures.
- Sample Texts might include but are not limited to…
o Eragon - Christopher Paolini (Essential Literature - Advanced)
o “Tyree’s Song”- Laurence Yep (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.2)
o “To the Pole” – Will Steger and Jon Bowermaster (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol. 2)
o “El Guero: A True Adventure Story” – Elizabeth Borton de Trevino (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.2)
o “The Jumblies” – Edward Lear (Scott Foresman: Great Expectations, Vol.2)
o Film clips from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy
General Reading Objectives-the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Reading Standards)
o use comprehension strategies to enhance understanding, to make predictions, and respond to literature.
o demonstrate an understanding of story elements (plot, theme, character, settings)
o understand and use literary elements (mood, tone)
o compare and contrast characters and settings.
o discover common themes in the story.
o use Academic vocabulary(pronunciation, resolution, syllabication)
General Listening and Speaking Objectives-the student will… (Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Listening and Speaking Standards)
o recognize biases and persuasive devices found in various texts.
o select, evaluate, and utilize resource material in order to apply it effectively.
General Elements of Language Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade 6 Writing Standards)
o use singular, plural, possessive, subject and object pronouns in writing.
o capitalize, punctuate, and write quotations correctly.
o demonstrate the correct use of commas, colons, and semicolons.
General Writing Objectives-the student will…(Refer to MNPS Grade Writing Standards)
o select appropriate transitional devices and time-order words.
o use literature as a model for student writing.
o select the best way to combine sentences to provide variety within context.
o write creative, imaginative, and original responses to literature.
Sample Writing Assignments for Assessment (Refer to MNPS Grade Writing Standards)Please note that a minimum of three writing assignments should be assessed each six weeks.
o Character analysis of Eragon and/or Saphira
o Description of the view from Saphira’s back (e.g., What might one see while riding on the dragon?)
o Compare/contrast Eragon and Saphira
o Reading log entry predicting what will happen to Eragon and Saphira
|
