6th Grade ELA Reading Curriculum Map
BIE Arizona Standards: First and Second Quarter
Introduction
This curriculum map outlines the essential readings, learning objectives, and assessments for the 6th-grade English Language Arts (ELA) program for the first and second quarters, aligned with the Arizona English Language Arts Standards. The goal is to enhance students’ reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills through a variety of literary and informational texts.
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Introduction to Literary Elements
Duration: 4 weeks
Primary Texts:
- "The Giver" by Lois Lowry (Selected passages)
- Short stories from the anthology "Stories from Around the World"
Learning Objectives
- Identify and analyze literary elements such as theme, character, setting, and plot.
- Understand the author’s purpose and point of view in fictional texts.
- Make connections between texts and personal experiences.
Key Activities
- Read Aloud: "The Giver" focusing on the development of the protagonist.
- Group Discussions: Analyze characters’ motivations and conflicts.
- Writing Exercise: Response journals where students express personal connections to the text.
Assessments
- Quizzes: Comprehension quizzes addressing key literary elements.
- Project: Create a character map for a character from "The Giver."
- Reflective Essay: Write an essay discussing the theme of control versus freedom.
Unit 2: Exploring Informational Texts
Duration: 4 weeks
Primary Texts:
- Selected articles from Scholastic News
- Nonfiction excerpts related to historical events.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the structure of informational texts, including headings, graphs, and call-out boxes.
- Determine main ideas and supporting details.
- Evaluate the credibility of sources.
Key Activities
- Research Project: Students select a historical event to research and present.
- Text Features Scavenger Hunt: Identify and explain various text features in class materials.
- Debate: Discuss differing perspectives on a historical event presented in Scholastic News.
Assessments
- Presentation: Students present their research projects to the class.
- Worksheet: A guided worksheet to identify main ideas and details from a selected article.
- Quiz: Assess understanding of informational text structures.
Quarter 2
Unit 3: Analyzing Poetry and Figurative Language
Duration: 4 weeks
Primary Texts:
- Poetry selections from Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou
- "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai (excerpts)
Learning Objectives
- Identify and explain various forms of figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification).
- Analyze how figurative language enhances poetry and its meaning.
- Compare and contrast themes across different poems.
Key Activities
- Poetry Recitation: Memorize and perform a selected poem.
- Group Analysis: Break down figurative language in selected poems and discuss their effects.
- Creative Writing: Write original poems using identified figurative language.
Assessments
- Poetry Analysis Essay: Write an essay comparing two poems.
- Presentation: Share original poems in a “Poetry Slam” format.
- Quiz: Identify figurative language in new poems.
Unit 4: Narrative Writing and Personal Reflection
Duration: 4 weeks
Primary Texts:
- Memoirs and personal narratives from various authors.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the elements of narrative writing including plot structure, character development, and dialogue.
- Write personal narratives that reflect individual experiences and perspectives.
- Employ descriptive language and varied sentence structure in writing.
Key Activities
- Story Mapping: Create visual representations of narratives read in class.
- Peer Review: Exchange drafts of personal narratives for feedback.
- Writing Workshop: Focus on drafting and revising narratives, emphasizing voice and style.
Assessments
- Final Draft of Personal Narrative: Submit a polished personal narrative reflecting feedback.
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on the writing process and areas for improvement.
- Class Submission: Publish a class anthology of personal narratives.
Conclusion
This curriculum map provides a structured approach to the 6th-grade ELA program, focusing on literary analysis, comprehension of informational texts, poetry, and narrative writing. By engaging students through varied readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, the curriculum aims to foster a dynamic and enriching learning environment. Evaluations and assessments will ensure that students are meeting the Arizona standards and are prepared for the subsequent quarters.