This course is designed with the new 6th grade student in mind. Through the analysis of literature, students will learn how to identify major parts of a story, the key ingredients to proper writing and grammar, and demonstrate their learning through various writing assignments. This course moves the student from proper paragraph format and one page responses to a minimum three page, properly organized composition.  In addition to the weekly writing, reading, and ELA assignments, there will be a research project, delivery of an informative presentation and a minimum three page report/paper for this grade level, over the course of the year.

Class instruction (for Fall and Spring) includes:
* Determining meaning through the use of figurative language and connotative meanings
* Comparing the texts in different forms or genres for approach to themes and topics
* Quoting text to give to evidence when writing
* Describing how a plot unfolds and the changes that occur as the plot moves toward resolution
* Using technology to improve writing and gather information
* Integrating inference and analyzing on informational texts (i.e. non-fiction; articles, etc.) to arrive at the main ideas
* Practicing the stages of writing (planning, drafting, revising/editing, final product)
* Writing arguments to support claims with relevant evidence from text
* Writing explanatory texts with a basic thesis statement and concluding statement or section
* Creating a research project using several sources with Bibliography
* Creating a typed paper of a minimum of 3 pages
* Learning how to avoid plagiarism
* Producing stories, real or imagined, with descriptive details, dialogue and clear sequence of events
* Engaging in collaborative discussions in class about the stories we read, information we learn, etc.
* Presenting a piece of writing (poem, speech, etc.) orally to class
* Reviewing all pronouns and proper use
* Using commas appropriately
* Using underlining, quotation marks, or italics to indicate titles of literary works
* Expanding, combining or reducing sentences to create greater meaning and interest
* Discovering new vocabulary each week through word studies from our text and Greek/Latin root words

This is a year-long class and  it is assumed a fall student will continue through the spring. This design allows continuity in learning and skills acquired for the student; allowing the topics to build upon one another, from one semester into the next. However, students are welcome to join after the semester begins or mid-year with instructor permission. 

Required Equipment: 
* Gmail account
* Headphones with mic ability                                                                                                                                                                            * Scanning ability (Simple Scanner app is free and highly recommended)
* Internet/Wifi connection                                                                                                                                                                                  * Google docs access (free and only requires a gmail account)
* Printer ability for weekly homework           
 * FALL NOVELS:   1) Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson
​                                2) Percy Jackson and the Olympians - The Lightning Thief  by Rick Riordan      
 * SPRING NOVELS: 1) Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Russell Freedman
                                  2) Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
    
 
Weekly Class Time:  Tuesdays,  11:30 am - 12:30 pm (log-in at 11:25am)
Assigned Work for the Week: approximately  three assignments  per week 


Vouchers are due by the first day of class. Private pay options are available. Please email to request this option.