Welcome to Mrs. Maholick’s

6th Grade Language Arts Class

One Hundred Years From Now

One hundred years from nowIt will not matterWhat kind of car I drove,What kind of house I lived in,How much money was in my bank accountNor what my clothes looked like.But the world may be a better place becauseI was important in the life of a child.

-excerpt from “Within My Power” by Forest Witcraft

Language ArtsCurriculum

Our Literature Program Includes:

Houghton-Mifflin Theme- Based Guided Reading and Writing program

Core novels and Anthology selections  reflect our four themes for the year:

Courage Growing Up Ancient Civilizations Doers and Dreamers

Core Novels for 6th grade

Jaguar by Roland Smith

Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

*Other additional novels may be used throughout the year

ReadingStudents will be using a variety of reading resources this year. Some of the materials include:

Reading & Comprehension: Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Anthology Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Leveled Readers Houghton Mifflin Reading Series Practice Books

Vol. 1&2

Independent Reading (SSR) Students are expected to have a chapter book

with them each day for independent reading time in class.

Reading Logs/Snapshot

Writing ProgramWrite Source- Skills Book, Text Book, and Daily Edits

Write Source Textbook- A reference guide to writing and grammar skills.

Write Source Skills Book- A workbook for grammar, editing, and proofreading practice

Students will be required to write 3 formal writing pieces in 6th grade:

Persuasive Essay

Narrative

Informational Writing Piece (including research papers) 

Research paper- Students will be taught how to effectively research and produce a thorough paper

Language Arts

Throughout the year students will engage in a variety of creative writing exercises and assignments, including poetry, short stories, and expository writing pieces. 

Students will also have opportunities to practice public speaking skills in class in order to build confidence in speaking confidently and effectively in front of a group.

Language ArtsGrading Policy

Assessments

Literature packets Tests, quizzes, projects Writing assignments

80% -

Tests quizzes long term assignments (research papers, book reports)

20% -

Classwork Homework Short term assignments

Classroom Rules and Expectations

As a student in my class, you will be expected to:

1) Respect yourself, others, and property.

2) Always be prepared and on time.

3) Use appropriate voice volume and language.

4) Follow directions.

Discipline Policy

Strike One:  Verbal que. Disruptions during learning will not be tolerated.  

Strike Two: A phone call to your home to discuss the situation with your parents/guardians.

Strike Three: phone call home and in-school detention.                       

Strike Four or Severe Disruptions: Student immediately sent to the office.

Daily Routine

1. Teacher Read Aloud (currently Loser by Jerry Spinelli)

2. Review Objectives & Agenda for the day!

3. Get started! (Independent, Partner and Group Work)

4. 1st & 2nd : Break in between periods, 3rd & 5th: they have 4th period in between – 7th: only one period for Writing- no break needed

5. For 1st & 2nd & 3rd & 5th at the beginning of the second period session students SSR/Independently Read

6. Students copy HW down before they leave for the day, Q & A session about HW, and referring to my website to allow the students to see what is available to them online

Contact/Communication

Email is the preferred method of contact.

Tina Watson watson@havsd.net

Karen Maholick maholick@havsd.net

Haverford Middle School (610) 853-5900

Maholick: xt.5239 Watson: xt. 5237

Be sure to check our websites for daily homework and long-term assignments.

Thank you!

Thank you for coming tonight.

Thank you for supporting your child.

Thank you for supporting me.

Let’s have a FORD-tastic year!

Go HMS!