English Language Curriculum Guide
Sixth Grade
Mrs. Palarz
Contact Information
For a timely response, please email rather than leaving a voicemail.
tpalarz@barrington220.org
847.842-3676
Also, don’t forget to visit my online classroom to see what we are accomplishing in class. The online
classroom can be found by clicking on the phrase “enter the classroom here” link on my web page.
Station/directory/6th grade/Palarz. Sign in with your child’s Novell login (generally first initial + last name)
and 6 digit I.D. number. The enrollment key is “station.”
Course Overview
The focus of English Language class is non-fiction reading and writing. Therefore, we will be studying
“true” stories, both short and extended texts, and we will use these pieces as vehicles for writing. In
English Language class we also study grammar, usage, and mechanics. The end result, of course, is that
correct grammar and usage is present in student writing.
Formative & Summative Assessment
Grades consist of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments are approximately
10% of the total grade and consist of instruction and practice for students as they are learning new
concepts. Homework and classwork fall under this category. For summative assessments, students will
be required to demonstrate growth and understanding of concepts taught through formative assessments.
Summative assessments are important tests and papers and represent 90% of the grade in the English
Language class.
Writing Instruction
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Argument writing is a major focus in our curriculum. Students must be competent with
incorporating the terms claim, evidence, and interpretation into their writing. We also write
summaries, compare/contrast, definition, and research papers. The writing process includes five
steps: brainstorming, writing the rough draft, revising, editing, and writing the final draft. Each
paper is broken down into manageable parts, graphic organizers are provided, and a significant
amount of class time is devoted to modeling and guided instruction.
●
Grammar, usage, and mechanics will be taught using the Language Network book. Please keep
the book at home where your student can easily reference it when needed. Packets used in
instruction will be handed out to students, and we will use them to learn together in class. These
packets are considered formative practice, and summative unit tests will be periodically given in
class. The end goal of this instruction is that summative pieces of student writing will show
application of these skills.
Course Assessment
Grading scale:
A
100% - 90%
B
89% - 80%
C
79% - 70%
D
69% - 60%
Keys for Success:
●
Your child should charge the iPad every night. Please help with this process and set aside a
regular location to do so.
●
As each paper is broken down into manageable parts, students may be expected to continue the
writing that was started in class. This student writing will be found on the Google drive which is
accessible both at school and home, even if the home does not have Internet access. I
encourage you to check in with your student regarding his/her writing and help edit obvious
spelling and punctuation issues.
●
Formative Work: It is in a student’s best interest to stay current on all assignments. Please
access the online classroom calendar when absent and strive to get caught up as soon as
possible. I am available for extra help during Advisory class each day.
●
Summative Work: Successful performance on summative assessments requires classroom
preparation as well as study outside of school. Students should re-read assignments and study
practice materials in order to prepare themselves to do their best on summative assessments.
Communication of Progress
Your child’s grades are posted online through Infinite Campus, and you are able to access grades at any
time. We also expect students to review their grades on a regular basis. An actual report card will be
issued quarterly.