Sixth Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Wendy Heffler & Ms. Jessica Schoepflin
This is a year of both CHOICE and CHALLENGE.
Together in our community of readers, writers, and thinkers, we’ll learn about ourselves, and the world around us. Specifically, we’ll investigate the ways in which reading can enliven our minds and writing can sharpen our thinking.
I will be reading and writing beside you as we learn and grow together!
WE WILL:
- Closely read various types of texts.
- Study author's craft and determine author's purpose and point of view.
- Determine themes.
- Learn how to analyze texts to truly understand them.
- Cite evidence and elaborate on it.
- Build vocabulary
- Make connections.
- Conduct research.
- Write short responses as well as formal essays to develop and express our thinking.
- Participate in scholarly discussions.
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- BE RESPECTFUL
- BE PREPARED
- GIVE YOUR BEST EFFORT
- FOLLOW CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
- MAKE GOOD CHOICES
- MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY
Expectations
- We will be using various methods to expand our learning. In a 1:1 environment, we are lucky and appreciative that we may utilize these tools at our fingertips.
- Students will copy homework in their agendas as they enter class.
- Laptops will remain closed until we are ready to use them.
- Students will be expected to follow all classroom procedures regarding technology. Each student will sign a technology agreement and be expected to follow all classroom procedures including technology procedures. Failure to do so will result in consequences:
- Warning
- Call home/detention
- Loss of laptop privileges
- Academic honesty is a serious topic. Plagiarism is the taking ideas and writing of another and passing them off as your own. We will learn how to cite sources correctly; therefore plagiarism will also have consequences.
READING AND WRITING
Many of the texts we read together will be dealing with various topics and social issues. To start the year, we will read Pax by Sara Pennypacker for the Global Read Aloud. Later on in the year, we will read A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Park and discuss the global water crisis. We will explore coming of age stories, stories of bravery and courage in the face of adversity, and highlight character education and what it means in a global world. We will analyze texts and write our own arguments on debatable topics.
Avid readers become strong writers. Through mentor texts we will notice and note the craft of a writer and apply it to our own writing. Our grammar lessons and new vocabulary will be applied as we develop our writing skills. Revising and editing, a necessary skill in the writing process, will be encouraged and expected.
IT WILL BE AN EXCITING YEAR!
Daily Supplies
In addition to curiousity, initiative, open-mindedness, and a strong work ethic, you will need:
- Binder (5 sections) : Reading, Writing, Grammar/Vocabulary, Do Now, Homework/Keepers
- Charged Laptop
- Independent Reading Book
- Lined Paper
- Pocket Dividers
- Composition Notebook (100 pages College Ruled)
- Post its (MANY)
- Highlighters- at least 2 different colors
- Colored Pencils
- White out
Assessments and Grading
Grades will be calculated using a "total points" system. Late homework will be accepted
(up to 2 days late) for partial credit. Grades are posted online. All homework, test and project information and due dates will be posted online as well.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to see me for missed work.
Final Unit Essays, Tests and Projects (Major Grades) 50%
Quizzes, Reading Notebook, Article of The Week, Brief Responses (Minor Grades) 30%
Homework/Class Participation 20%
READING
- Independent Reading
- Global Read Aloud
- Whole Class Novels
- Short Stories
- Poetry
- Memoirs
- Biographies
- Informational Text
- Article of the Week
WRITING
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Personal Narrative
- Argumentative Writing
- Informational Writing
- Literary Analysis
- Creative Writing
4Cs
- Book Talks
- Book Trailers
- Book Reviews
- Oral Presentations
- Skype
- Blogging
- HyperDocs
- Sketch-notes
- Infographics
Contact Me
I have high expectations for all of you! My classroom is a place of trust and mutual respect.
Extra help is always available- please contact me ahead of time if possible.
Monday Wednesday Friday- 8:00-8:15
Tuesday Thursday -3:15-3:30
The best way to reach me is e-mail.
Email: heffler@nvnet.org
Location: Demarest Middle School, Demarest, NJ, United States
Phone: 2017686060