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 and structure 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 an organized piece of writing.  In addition to the weekly writing, reading, and ELA assignments, there will be a research project, delivery of an informative presentation and a 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
* 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.
* 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                                                                                                                                                                            
* Internet/Wifi connection                                                                                                                                                                                  * Google Classroom access (free and only requires a Gmail account)
     
 * FALL NOVELS:   1) When Stars are Scattered (Graphic Novel) by Victoria Jamieson with Omar Mohamed
​                                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) Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
 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.