Welcome to Mrs. Watson 6th Grade Language Arts Class One Hundred Years From Now One hundred years from now It will not matter What kind of car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, How much money was in my bank account Nor what my clothes looked like. But the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child. -excerpt from “Within My Power” by Forest Witcraft Language Arts Curriculum Our Literature Program Includes: Houghton-Mifflin Theme- Based Guided Reading and Writing program Core novels and Anthology selections reflect our four themes for the year: Courage Growing Up Ancient Civilizations Doers and Dreamers Core Novels for 6th grade Jaguar by Roland Smith Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis *Other additional novels may be used throughout the year Reading Students will be using a variety of reading resources this year. Some of the materials include: Reading & Comprehension: Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Anthology Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Leveled Readers Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Practice Books Vol. 1&2 Independent Reading (SSR) Students are expected to have a chapter book with them each day for independent reading time in class. Reading Logs/Snapshot Writing Program Write Source- Skills Book, Text Book, and Daily Edits Write Source Textbook- A reference guide to writing and grammar skills. Write Source Skills Book- A workbook for grammar, editing, and proofreading practice Students will be required to write 3 formal writing pieces in 6th grade: Persuasive Essay Narrative Informational Writing Piece (including research papers) Research paper- Students will be taught how to effectively research and produce a thorough paper Language Arts Throughout the year students will engage in a variety of creative writing exercises and assignments, including poetry and various writing skills like writing memos, speeches, and instructions, for example. Students will also have opportunities to practice public speaking skills in class in order to build confidence in speaking confidently and effectively in front of a group. GOOGLE DRIVE/GOOGLE CLASSROOM Language Arts Grading Policy Assessments Literature packets Tests, quizzes, projects Writing assignments 80% - Tests quizzes long term assignments (research papers, book reports) 20% - Classwork Homework Short term assignments Classroom Rules and Expectations As a student in my class, you will be expected to: 1) Respect yourself, others, and property. 2) Always be prepared and on time. 3) Use appropriate voice volume and language. 4) Follow directions. Discipline Policy Strike One: Verbal que. Disruptions during learning will not be tolerated. Strike Two: A phone call to your home to discuss the situation with your parents/guardians. Strike Three: phone call home and in-school detention. Strike Four or Severe Disruptions: Student immediately sent to the office. PRIVILEGES/CONSEQUENCES Daily Routine Record Homework in Assignment book Review the Agenda for the day Message of the Day/ Independent Reading Lesson (s) for the day (small groups/partners/whole group) Per.1/2: break in between classes Per. 3/5: split Per. 6/7: Watson (focus on reading) Maholick (focus on writing) Contact/Communication Email is the preferred method of contact. Tina Watson watson@havsd.net Karen Maholick maholick@havsd.net Haverford Middle School (610) 853-5900 Maholick: xt.5239 Watson: xt. 5237 Be sure to check our websites for daily homework and long-term assignments.