CURRICULUM FOR GRADE SIXLANGUAGE ARTS: The sixth grade curriculum for language arts is a combination of reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing.
Reading: The sixth grade students use the text Literature-Common Core Edition, published by Prentice Hall. Students are able to access this book via an App on their iPad. This series of selections include short stories, folk tales and myths, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. Lessons in reading connect ideas and language in literature with the skills of composition and writing. Students are also responsible for reading books two books per quarter from the Accelerated Reader list and completing an assessment on the books. In addition, all students in sixth grade will read A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt in their ELA classes. These novels will be used for classroom discussion in developing students’ ability to critically examine literature.
Grammar: Students in grade six use the text by Holt Elements of Language Introductory Course as well as other sources. There is online access to this book accessible through a password(http://my.hrw.com/).The text supports the curriculum of writing, usage and mechanics, as well as spelling.
Writing: Grammar and writing skills are also incorporated in the Collins Writing .This program emphasizes writing fluency through frequent, usually short, writing tasks, while specific writing skills (sentence variety, organization, word choice etc.) are addressed in longer, more detailed assignments. Writing will be focused predominately on the Common Core Standards which are emphasized in the literature book. The Common Core emphasizes the strengthening of writing skills by practicing all types of writing.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary development is addressed through reading selections and other supplementary materials. The grammar book also offers spelling and vocabulary exercises
SOCIAL STUDIES: The social studies curriculum for grade six uses a text from Pearson entitled My World History Early Ages. This book is accompanied by two websites (www.successnetplus.com and www.pearsonsuccessnet.com). Students can access the book via the web site. Additionally students can print review sheets for tests, quizzes, play review games, take virtual tours through various museums, and explore many related websites. The sixth grade study of ancient civilizations begins with early man and continues through the fall of the Roman Empire.
SCIENCE: All sixth grade students will be working from the Science Explorer text by Prentice-Hall. This text is designed to engage students by using a hands-on,
inquiry-based approach to learning. In sixth grade, Science Explorer focuses on the life sciences starting with the six kingdoms of life. Other topics include Ecosystems, Environmental issues, and the changing features of the Earth. This text offers many opportunities for the students to think like scientists. Science Explorer encourages students to improve their understanding of science by developing inquiry skills through directed instruction to open-ended activities and projects.
MATH: The sixth grade is using a sequential math curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and the Common Core. Units of study consist of:
Number Sense: Whole number operationsEstimation of whole numbersOrder of Operations/ExponentsMental MathOperations with fractions/decimals/percentsFactors/Multiples
Algebra: Patterns and VariablesTranslating between words and mathGraphing functions in first quadrantSolving integer equations and inequalitiesAddition/subtraction of integers
GeometryMeasurement: Area/Surface Area/Volume
NetsMetric measurement/standard measurement
Statistics:Data Collecting and displaying data
Interpreting dataPlotting ordered pairs with integersExperimental/theoretical probability
Units are reinforced through direct instruction and practice during the math period. The sequential curriculum continues the skills and concepts that have been introduced in 5th grade. The program balances the teaching of conceptual skills and basic skills. The students will be utilizing the new textbook Holt McDougal 6th
grade Mathematics which have been downloaded to their iPads. The students have been given an user id and password to access the textbook.
Open Response Questions:Students will be given an open response scoring rubric, detailing the
necessary pieces that need to be included in their open responses. Additionally, they will be given a reference sheet to guide them through the process of writing an effective open response. Two acronym, R.U.C.O and L.A.W.S. were created as a catchy way for them remember how to follow first, the “laws” of solving an open response (Labeling sections, Answer clearly stated, Work included, Step-by-step solving). Throughout the year, students will be assessed on their ability to explain their mathematical reasoning. Approximately once a month, students will be assigned a sample MCAS open response question. With each open response question they are assigned, they will receive an open response template and a checklist to ensure that they have “Obeyed the L.A.W.S.” These tools and strategies are ways of increasing the ability to explain their mathematical thinking and solving process.
Assessment
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways throughout the year. Both formal and informal assessment will be used as a means of grade evaluation. Students will have homework almost every night. The homework will typically be written homework; however there will be nights, students are expected to review the concepts/key terms that we are covering in class.
Formal Assessment:Chapter/Unit tests, quizzes, completion of homework (see homework policy),
lab reports, research projects, completion of class notes (spot notebook checks).
Information Assessment:Observation of conduct, effort/participation, ability to work effectively in
cooperative group/partner setting, as well as ability to work independently and stay on task.
Technology: The students will be embarking in a new era with the integration of technology into the classroom. The math, social studies, and English language art textbooks will now be accessible on student iPads. iPads will be used to enrich
lessons. Other Apps and internet websites will also help to expand on topics covered in the classroom. They will also use the Google Docs, Google Presentation, and Google spreadsheet to develop a variety of technology skills such word processing, creating spreadsheets and presentations, and other skills as outlined in the district computer curriculum for grades K-12.
STUDY ISLAND: Study Island is an instructional and diagnostic program that enables teachers to help our students prepare for the MCAS tests in both Reading and Math. Each subject includes approximately 15-30 different topics which correspond to one of the MA state standards. Topics consist of a lesson and a series of practice questions on that topic. Study Island can be used at home and during late nights for remediation and practice.
Communication Between Home and School
We believe that one of the main ingredients for a child’s success is a strong partnership between school and home. We intend to contact you from time to time either by phone, note or via email, and we invite you to do the same. If you ever have a question regarding our expectations, assignments, or your child’s progress, please do not hesitate us.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Web page: www.norwellschools.org
Email: [email protected]@[email protected]
Telephone: 781.659.8814 Ext. 116
781.659.8814 Ext. 117 781.659.8814 Ext 103
Late Nights: Mrs. Flanagan – Tuesday Mrs. McGuire –Wednesday Mrs. Ryan- Thursday
Expectations
It is important for every student to come to class on time and be prepared to learn. Students need to bring a pen, pencil, ELA/Science binder and Social Studies/Math, iPads and/or textbook, and assignments to class each day. Students will be taking
guided notes for some units. Students will be responsible for keeping their binders organized and complete, as well as making sure that they gather any notes taken during an absence. These notes will serve as an important part of their study guides for tests/quizzes.
Homework Policy
Students are now recording their homework assignments on “My Homework” APP on their iPads. Students will and have been receiving training on this new APP. Students are responsible for recording assignments on a subject by subject basis, including long term assignments. Students will be reminded frequently of assignment deadlines.
Homework assignments are expected to be completed and handed in on time.
Excessively missed homework will not only result in the lowering of one’s grade, in addition, contact will made with parents/guardians to keep you informed about the missing work. A student may also have to stay after school with that teacher for a “late night” to make up missed work.
Accelerated Reader Information
Access to the AR Book List:
1. Log onto renlearn.com2. Click Store in the upper right -hand corner of the page.3. In the Quiz Store box, click Quiz Search.4. Choose Advanced Search (next to the green GO!)
This page now allows you and/or the student to browse through a list of books according to the criteria you choose: through a Title or Author search or by clicking various fields that are shown on this page. Make note of the points of the book since your teacher might set a minimum number that you must read in a quarter.
Response To Intervention (RTI)
Academic Extension block on their schedule is a placeholder of time in which students are either going to the RTI tutors to receive intervention as a result of the screening or participating in an activity with one of the 6th grade teachers.
The activities during Academic Extension is for students not receiving intervention are enrichment activities, reinforcement activities, organizational activities, study strategies, reading, etc..
The Academic Extension block is not a study hall for students to do homework and new required material is not being presented during this time.
Parents will be informed if their child goes to the RTI tutors for intervention.
Camp Bournedale and CORI Forms
Since we need a large number of chaperones for the Camp Bournedale trip (early May), we need to make sure we have all the paperwork taken care of early.
CORIs are good for three years so if you have had a CORI done through the school system recently (with regards to your 6th grader or another student), you should be all set.
You can check if your CORI is up to date by emailing Deb Tully who will have a list of names and the date your CORI is good through.
If you do not have a current CORI, you should complete the form, include a copy of your driver’s license, and send it to Deb Tully.
Grade breakdown for math and scienceTests 40% - usually, two given per term. Based on an
entire unit or chapter. Multiple quizzes given prior to break information down. Quizzes are useful
study tools for tests. Class notes and packets serve as study guides. Students will have at least a two
day notice.
Quizzes 30% - quizzes are given frequently throughout the term. Students may only have a day notice. Based
on recent classwork and current lesson.
Classwork 25% - assignments completed during class may be graded. These may include projects, labs, review
sheets, graded homework, ect. Students will usually receive notice at the time of the assignment.
Homework 5% - students should expect homework every night Monday through Thursday in math and science.
There may also be an occasional weekend assignment.
Description of HW grade:Science- students will receive either a check plus
for exemplary work that is in depth and neatly completed (25 points), a check for work
satisfactorily completed (20 points), a check minus for an assignment that is poorly completed, partially completed, or turned in up to 1 day late (15 points),
or a 0 for an assignment not completed or more than 1 day late. Each week students can earn up to
100 points for a homework grade.Math – 1 point is given for each completed
homework, .5 point for homework that is only partly completed, and a 0 for a missing homework. Math homework is required to completed the following
day that it is assigned, unless otherwise specified.
Grade breakdown for social studies
Tests and Projects 40% - usually, two given per term. Based on an entire unit or chapter. Multiple quizzes given prior
to break information down. Quizzes are useful study tools for tests. Class notes and packets serve
as study guides. Students will have at least a two day notice. Projects are completed in class and
may be short or long term.
Quizzes 25% - quizzes are given frequently throughout the term. Students may only have a day notice. Based
on recent classwork and current lesson.
Map Work 20% - students may have a quiz on a region of countries that they have memorized or on reading current or ancient physical, political, or thematic
map
Homework/Participation 15% - students should expect homework every night Monday through Thursday. There may also
be an occasional weekend assignment.Students will receive either a check plus for exemplary work that is in depth and neatly
completed (25 points), a check for work satisfactorily completed (20 points), a check minus for an assignment that is poorly completed, partially completed, or turned in up to 1 day late (15 points),
or a 0 for an assignment not completed or more than 1 day late. Each week students can earn up to
100 points for a homework grade.
ELA BreakdownVocab, Spelling, Grammar 20%Reading Comprehension Quizzes,Tests 20%Writing 25%Homework 15%Participation 15%Independent Reading AR 5%TOTAL 100%
