6th Grade Language Arts

 

The sixth English Language Arts Curriculum follows a Readers and Writers workshop and balanced literacy approach.  Workshop is highly individualized and differentiated to engage students where they are as readers and writers.  Students learn skills and ways of thinking to apply directly to their personal growth in areas such as: developing reading habits, making inferences, identifying theme, and making arguments supported by evidence (to name a few).  

 

We explore the following reading genres/topics:

• narrative

• informational texts

• essay/editorial

• current events

• fantasy, drama

• poetry

• reading for standardized tests

 

In writing, students learn skills for the following forms of writing:

• narrative essay

• informational

• argumentative

• fantasy

• drama

• poetry

 

Grammar instruction occurs within the context of the writing process, particularly in the editing and revision stages.  Additional grammar and word study is explicitly taught through small group instruction and work study.  Word study focuses on learning Greek and Latin roots and making meaning through context.  The heart of literacy instruction lies in individualized small group guided reading where students are given specific feedback and teaching points tailored to their needs as readers.  Independent reading and writing time in the classroom and at home is essential for students to build a richly literate life.  Students understand that they must read and write daily to grow as readers and writers.