The Mcgillis School 2012-2013 6 Grade English Curriculum Overview and Class Expectations Teacher

The McGillis School 2012-2013 6th Grade English Curriculum Overview and Class Expectations Teacher Charlotte Larsen
email: clarsen@mcgillisschool.org website: www.mcgillisschool.org; Our Program; Middle School; Teacher Pages; grade level then subject/teacher
Texts
Seedfolks, by Paul Fleischman The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton The Giver, by Lois Lowry A Tugging String, by David T. Greenberg Romeo and Juliet, by Shakespeare Selected Novels for Book Clubs Poetry and short stories (handouts)
Course Objectives
The emphasis of English in the sixth grade is on strengthening students reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Students in sixth grade are exposed to an array of classical and contemporary literature and there is a thematic focus on community. Students also focus on journal, poetry, and analytical essay writing, as well as an introduction to thesis construction.
Academic Honesty and Respect

We will review the issues of respect, plagiarism, and honesty. The bottom line is that students are expected to do their own work, submit their own work, avoid cheating, and respect the opinions and personal space of others. Certain assignments, such as reading questions, can sometimes best be answered in discussion with friends and this I do allow. When in doubt, ask.
Grading The English grade will be determined by the following criteria:

Assignments 45% Assessments 25% Preparedness 15% Participation 15% Assignments: Assignments will consist of: word study assignments, homework, writing prompts/journals, reading assignments, class projects, long-term projects, and notebook checks. During class students will use a response journal to resond to specific teacher provided writing prompts, ususally related to our class discussion (response journals will be provided). The purpoase of this journal is writing practiceand also to keep a record of questions, reactions, and discussion ideas related to our reading assignments. The reading journal may be used as a part of class discussions. Students can expect homework at least three nights a week. It is imperative that students complete their homework each night. Part of a students homework responsibility is to come to class ready to discuss, to ask questions, and to contribute positively to the group. Late homework assignments are not accepted for credit. If a student is unable to complete his/her homework with a legitimate reason, that student must talk to me in person before class and arrangements may be made. Otherwise, earning a zero on a homework assignment is a grade that cannot be made-up. Homework will be part of your preparedness grade each day. If you havent completed it, you often cant make it up because we review answers in class.
Each homework assignment must: Be titled with name, date, English block, and assignment description in the upper right hand corner. Be neat, legible, and complete. Reflect evidence of effort. Occasionally long-term projects will be assigned with at least one-week notice. These assignments may be turned in late, but with the following loss of points: lose one letter grade the first day, two the second, and three the third. For example, an A will become an A- and a B+ will become a B. These long-term assignments will receive no credit when more than three days late, but again must be completed as much of the subject matter is cumulative. When students are absent, for whatever reason, it is their responsibility to find me or use the website to determine what was missed while they were absent. With planned absences, students need to see me before the absence rather than after. It is the students responsibility to make up all missed classwork, reading, and homework. Notebooks: English materials should be organized within a three ring binder (with at least 1-inch rings). Students should have an adequate supply of paper in their notebooks at all times. We will use notebooks regularly as a place to keep store and access vocabulary, class discussions, word study, and literary terms and concepts that we review. Students should have their notebooks with them every day. I will check notebooks. Preparedness: Students earn up to three points each day for preparedness. Preparedness encompasses: arriving to class on-time, coming prepared with all necessary materials (binder, pens, pencils, word sort notebooks, and the novel we are studying), and having compled the homework assignment. Student notebooks are occassionally turned in for assessment of neatness and organization, which will count toward the prepareness grade as well. Participation: Students earn up to three points each day for participation and impact on the classroom environment. Participation encompasses: contributing to class discussion and asking related/relevant questions, productive work on in-class activities, being supportive and respectful of others, seeking extra help when needed, active note taking, attentiveness, and following school and class expectations. Assessments: Assessments will consist of: weekly word sort and vocabulary quizzes, quizzes on reading assignments, and grammar quizzes. Students are always given notice of upcoming exams.
Communication/Office Hours
My door is always open. I will go out of my way to be available to meet with students outside of our regular class-time. If you have questions, please email (clarsen@mcgillisschool.org) or talk to me in person so that we can set up a time to meet. My office hours are Mondays 7:30 a.m.-8:10 a.m. and Thursdays 3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. This is a great time for students to get one-on-one extra help. I am also often free for extra help and questions during break and lunch times. The best way to reach me is by email. I check my email between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. When you email me I will respond within the next 24 hours unless it is a holiday or a weekend. If you would like to meet in person, Im always happy to set up a time. You may also leave a message at the main office (801-583-0094 ext: 514). Another great resource of information about classwork, homework, and upcoming due dates is my website. To access this site, go to www.mcgillisschool.org; Our Program; Middle School; Teacher Pages. This site will be updated regularly. However, it is still the students responsibility to use a planner and to stay up-to-date in the class without depending solely on this site.
Ive read and understand the course expectations for Sixth Grade English (return to teacher). Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________ Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________________________

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The McGillis School 2012-2013 6th Grade English Curriculum Overview and Class Expectations Teacher Charlotte Larsen

Academic Honesty and Respect

Grading The English grade will be determined by the following criteria:

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