Language Arts - 6th Grade

Reading, writing, and discussions are guided by thematic questions and student choice. The curriculum over the three years of middle school explores texts with diverse representations of gender, culture, race, and socio-economic perspectives.

READING

Units of Study

• 3 literary units each year, at least one integrated with social studies
• Deep reading / Independent reading
• CommonLit Units

Approaches to Learning

• Previewing
• Anticipation guides
• Vocabulary building
• Using context clues
• Reading-response questions
• Annotation (online and in-text
• Analytical discussions of literature
• Freewriting/personal connections
• Writing from character’s point of view
• Review writing
• KWL+ (Know Wonder Learn)
• Discussion questions
• Triple Entry Journals
• Schoology LMS

Listening and Speaking Strategies

• Oral presentations
• Debates
• Dramatic performances
• Recitation
• Think Pair Share

Genres

• Fiction: historical fiction, short stories, poetry, realistic fiction, novels-in-verse, science fiction, graphic novels
• Nonfiction: expository texts, essays, Newsela articles, websites, biography, memoir

WRITING

Creative Writing Units of Study

• Personal narrative
• Short stories
• Memoir
• Graphic novels
• Poetry anthologies
• Collaborative world-building projects

Expository Writing Units of Study

• Literature response and analysis paragraphs
• Thesis based literature essays
• Personal response paragraphs
• Persuasive arguments
• Research reports and reports
• Interview and profile project
• Investigative journalism

Approaches to Learning

• Brainstorming
• Planning and mapping
• Proofreading
• Peer-editing
• Revising
• Publishing
• Research / Source evaluation
• Note taking
• Summarizing
• Student choice
• Collaboration
• Projects
• Portfolios

Writing Conventions

• Integrated grammar and punctuation practice
• Paragraph structure - TEXAS paragraphs
• Tone and style
• Sentence combining
• Personal voice
• Narrative techniques
• Citing and integrating sources - MLA format