This course develops the sixth-grade students’ literacy habits and skills. Teachers incorporate flexible grouping, mini lessons, and conferring to improve student learning. A high volume of daily, independent reading is expected, both in school and at home.
Students engage in ongoing reading work and literature analysis using selected mentor texts, including novels, short stories, poetry, and drama, as well as student-selected texts to study the elements of literature (plot, character, conflict, theme and setting). Sixth grade students also analyze writing techniques and participate in in-depth studies of how authors develop characters, use perspective, convey theme, and address social issues.
Writing instruction in this course focuses on writing narratives and literary analysis essays. Poetry and responses to reading are also written throughout the year. Lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics will be integrated in all units.
The lessons and units are aligned to the PA Core Standards for English Language Arts.
6th Grade Units:
Unit 1: Characters Who Change and Grow
Unit 2: Author’s Craft in Fiction and Nonfiction
Unit 3: Analytical Reading and Writing
Unit 4: Kindness and Social Issues
Self-selected readings, vocabulary, and grammar run concurrently with the above units.
