6th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) Reading Syllabus
Arizona BIE Standards for First Semester
Course Overview
The 6th Grade ELA Reading course is designed to enhance students' reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Throughout the semester, students will explore a variety of texts, engage in discussions, and practice writing responses to literature. The curriculum aligns with the Arizona BIE Standards.
Course Objectives
- Develop the ability to read and comprehend a range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
- Analyze character development, themes, and the author's purpose in various literary works.
- Expand vocabulary and use context clues for meaning.
- Foster critical thinking and articulate responses to texts through discussion and writing.
Required Texts
- Class Novels:
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- Supplementary Texts:
- Short Stories and Poems from various anthologies.
- Informational articles and essays relevant to topics studied.
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Introduction to Reading Strategies
- Objectives:
- Understand various reading strategies (predicting, questioning, clarifying, summarizing).
- Activities:
- Group discussions on the importance of reading strategies.
- Practice predicting outcomes based on text titles and images.
Week 2: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction
- Objectives:
- Differentiate between fiction and non-fiction texts.
- Identify key features of both types of texts.
- Activities:
- Read excerpts from both genres and fill out comparison charts.
Week 3: Character Analysis
- Objectives:
- Analyze characters in Wonder.
- Identify character traits, motivation, and change.
- Activities:
- Character trait graphic organizers.
Week 4: Themes and Motifs
- Objectives:
- Explore major themes in Wonder and Holes.
- Relate themes to personal experiences.
- Activities:
- Theme identification essays.
Week 5: Author's Purpose and Perspective
- Objectives:
- Determine the author’s purpose in short stories.
- Recognize various perspectives in literature.
- Activities:
- Analyze non-fiction articles for purpose.
Week 6: Vocabulary Development
- Objectives:
- Expand vocabulary using context clues.
- Activities:
- Vocabulary journals and weekly quizzes.
Week 7: Analyzing Poetry
- Objectives:
- Understand elements of poetry (rhyme, meter, imagery).
- Activities:
- Read and analyze selected poems.
- Write a poem mimicking forms studied.
Week 8: Summative Assessment
- Objectives:
- Assess knowledge gained through reading and analysis.
- Activities:
- Mid-term assessment covering themes, character analysis, and vocabulary.
Week 9: Introduction to Informational Texts
- Objectives:
- Recognize and analyze informational texts.
- Activities:
- Read articles and identify main ideas vs. supporting details.
Week 10: Research Skills
- Objectives:
- Develop research skills for informational writing.
- Activities:
- Practice citing sources and summarizing.
Week 11: Critical Response to Literature
- Objectives:
- Write critical responses to texts read.
- Activities:
- Draft responses to thematic questions.
Week 12: Group Projects
- Objectives:
- Collaboratively analyze a text.
- Present findings to the class.
- Activities:
- Group projects based on selected themes from novels.
Week 13: Final Review
- Objectives:
- Prepare for final assessments.
- Activities:
- Review sessions and practice assessments.
Week 14: Final Assessment
- Objectives:
- Evaluate comprehensive understanding of the semester’s material.
- Activities:
- Final project and presentation.
Assessment Methods
- Formative Assessments: Weekly quizzes, homework assignments, class discussions.
- Summative Assessments: Mid-term and final assessments, projects, and essays.
Grading Policy
Grades will be based on a combination of assignments, participation, and assessments. The breakdown is as follows:
- Classwork and Homework: 30%
- Quizzes: 20%
- Projects: 20%
- Mid-term Assessment: 15%
- Final Assessment: 15%
Conclusion
This syllabus outlines the journey through the first semester of 6th Grade ELA Reading. By engaging with a variety of texts and honing critical reading and thinking skills, students will be well-equipped to understand and navigate literature effectively.