Welcome to 6th Grade ELA!

Sixth Grade English

Ms. Wahdy

Al Salam College Preparatory

http://mswahdy6th.blogspot.com

Welcome to my class!  I love teaching English, and I hope you’ll have fun learning to improve your reading and writing skills this year!  This class will be all about strengthening your English skills and preparing you to be both confident and competent as you move closer to your first year at high school.

My classroom policy is relatively simple: I have the right to teach, and you have the right to learn.  Our rules and procedures will reflect this policy, which will help ensure that you maximize your learning to your utmost potential.

Supplies

Please be prepared with the usual necessary academic tools:

-pencils and erasers, black/blue pens

-a red pen

-3-ring binder with plenty of paper

-coloring utensils (markers, crayons, etc.)

In addition, you will need the following for this class:

-Post It sticky notes

-a 3 subject-notebook for writer’s workshop AND a 3 subject-notebook for reader’s workshop OR

-a 3-ring binder with 6 subject dividers

-an agenda notebook

Curriculum

We will be using the Lucy Calkins’ model for reading and writing workshops. Our major reading units will be the following:

-- plot elements

-- character

-- historical fiction

-- nonfiction

-- author study

Our major writing units will be the following:

-- personal narrative

-- literary essay (compare/contrast)

-- research paper

Grading

We will be accomplishing a variety of activities in this class.  The following is a list of some of the major assignments that will play a leading role in your class grade:

1. Daily reading assignments (F)
2. Daily writing assignments (F)
3. Final essays (S)
4. Spelling/Vocab packets (F)
5. Homework (F)
6. Tests/Quizzes (F/S)
7. Participation (Scribe Duty) (F)

Per school policy, your classroom grade is based on a 60% formative assessment and 40% summative assessment scale.

Spelling/Vocabulary

Our focus will be on building a strong vocabulary. You’ll be assigned a packet each week with 10 words. Spelling tests will be held each Friday; vocabulary tests every other Monday.

Homework

You should expect homework on a daily basis.  I may ask you to complete a short assignment or simply finish what you started in class.  You’ll also be practicing spelling/vocabulary to prepare for our weekly tests. Homework is almost always due at the beginning of class and will need to be submitted to the In Box.

Scribe Duty

Our class will be maintaining a blog to document our learning and activities. Everyone is required to participate in Scribe Duty (much like adults participate in Jury Duty). You’ll be assigned a certain number of days each quarter during which you’ll need to type up the agenda, homework, and any notes for that day. Scribe Notes are due by MIDNIGHT but I will do my best to give you time in class to type it up.

Absences

You are required to attend class every single day it is in session.  However, life happens.  If you are absent for a valid reason, you are responsible for referring to the Scribe Notes, retrieving the notes and assignments that you missed while you were out, and making up all the assignments/quizzes/tests within THREE days.  Please refer to the classroom’s blog to stay informed on what was covered during your absence.

Discipline

Anything that disrupts the learning process will be considered a discipline problem and will be handled accordingly.  Your participation grade may suffer as well, depending on the infraction.  To avoid such consequences, please heed the following:

1. Follow the posted Class Rules.
2. Be in assigned seat before the bell rings, and remain there unless otherwise instructed.
3. Remain on task, doing what is assigned.
4. Bring appropriate materials to class every day.

Warning Policy:

1st warning: verbal

2nd warning: checkmark

3rd warning: parent notification

4th warning: classroom infraction posted online

5th warning: office visit; principal and parent notified

Positive Reinforcement

If you refrain from disruptive behavior and are prepared and attentive during class time, you may receive verbal praise, a positive note home, special seating privileges, and exclusive class passes.

Parent Involvement

Your parent plays an important role in providing you with the best education possible.  You will be expected to keep your parents informed of all your assignments and grades.  Therefore, you will be copying down the Daily Agenda to keep track of your class and homework, and your parents must sign the agenda on FRIDAYS to be turned in on Mondays.  Your parents are also asked to please be vigilant in signing the following:

1. Weekly accumulation of Daily Agendas (due Mondays)
2. Quizzes and tests
3. Disciplinary warning notices
4. Permission slip forms