Reading

Students will be reading several class novels this year, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe;  Hoot; The Cay; and The Hobbit and The Watsons Go to Birmingham.

Vocabulary

We use the Wordly Wise 3000 vocabulary program.  There are 15 words per chapter which are linked to SAT exams, and the words from previous chapters are reiterated through the nonfiction passages and through other sentences and definitions. Not only are the students building on their academic vocabulary through this program, but they are also enhancing their reading, writing and critical thinking skills.  Students have had much success with this program.

There is also an online component that students can access from home. Here is the link: Wordly Wise 3000. After clicking on the link, students will need to select their book which corresponds to their grade level. Then choose the current lesson. There are flashcards with definitions, fill-in-the blank sentences to practice the word in context, and an audio component to hear the word and definition aloud.

Another helpful website to learn any type of vocabulary (Spanish, history, science, Wordly Wise 3000 vocabulary) is quizlet.com.  Quizlet.com has online flashcards to study or print with a variety of games and practice quizzes as well. There is a huge database, so you have to be specific when searching for a certain lesson.  For example, if you type in Wordly Wise 3000, you will get a long list of flashcards from which to choose.  Be more specific.  In the search bar, type in Wordly Wise 3000 Book 8 Lesson 1.  As with anything on the internet, these lessons are typed in by regular people, students, teachers, etc.  Be careful that the lesson you choose to study has correct information.  You can also create a free account of your own and create your own flashcards, but this is typically not necessary.

Here is the pattern for vocabulary homework (Each unit will last 2 weeks.):

Monday: Intro words.  Assign exercises A, B, C.  Due Thursday.

Thursday: Read and discuss passage (section E) as a class. Begin working on comprehension questions with partners.  Must be written in complete sentences.  Exercises D and E are due Friday. I will grade over the weekend and return on Monday.

Monday:  Possible Google Classroom assignment to review vocab.  Due Wednesday.

Thursday:  Exam.  It will be multiple choice with a writing component. 

Writing and Grammar
Students will write using a variety of genres and formats.  They will learn to take several pieces of writing through the writing process.  At times, students will use technology for peer-editing and publishing certain pieces.      

AR Points

Students in the 6th grade are required to earn 12 AR points per 9 week grading period.  This will be 10% of their report card grade in Language Arts.  Once a student completes a book, they need to take the AR test on the book to earn points.

Bluebonnet

Students through 6th grade are encouraged to read books that have earned the Texas Bluebonnet Award.  If 6th graders read a total of 8 Bluebonnet books, they will be awarded with a prize toward the end of the year.  These  books can also be tested on to earn AR points as well.   

Technology class is held three days a week for 6th graders.  The main focus is on keyboarding and truly memorizing the keyboard letters and numbers along with some special keys.  This skill will be a needed life-long skill that students will have mastered. 

Sixth grade science will introduce the students to several units of study.
Matter and Energy
Force, Motion and Energy
Earth and Space
Organisms and the Environment
Several field trips untilizing area resources will be taken. 
Students will spend considerable time conducting laboratory and field investigations.