6th - Birch
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- J.T. Lambert Intermediate
- Mrs. Nealy
- ELA and Social Studies Syllabus
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· Course Overview For English Language Arts
Grade 6 Birch Team
The state of Pennsylvania combines the disciplines of English and Reading into one discipline known as English Language Arts. While sixth grade students have a separate teacher and course of study for both English and Reading, the core content overlaps and we collaborate within the team to address the key concepts.
We have several areas of focus in English. A large portion of the year is spent reading and analyzing both fiction and nonfiction texts. Students are required to compose evidence-based responses subsequent to reading various genres. In English, we will spend more time on informational texts and news articles of current interest rather than on fictional texts.
In addition to composing responses to text we also engage in writing informative, narrative, and argumentative pieces. Our goal is to develop literacy skills while assisting students as they grow into effective readers and communicators.
Over the course of the year we will be practicing and strengthening the following skills:
Writing Skills
o Sentence fluency and paragraph structure
o Vocabulary development
o Grammar and language conventions
o Note-taking and research techniques
o Effective use of technology
o Merging of factual data with personal understanding into a final written product
Reading Skills
o Identify literary elements in text
o Comprehend and express an author’s purpose
o Locate specific supporting information for a premise
o Appreciate and utilize elements of craft
· Compare fiction and nonfiction text
Course Overview For Social Studies
Grade 6 Birch Team
In sixth grade our social studies curriculum is exciting and intriguing. We open with geography and map skills. We will be spending time in the beginning of the year identifying many specific world locations since the course of study for the year spans ancient cultures and their development.
We have a comprehensive text titled: My World History. Our course of study this year extends from Stone Age civilizations to the more complex civilizations of ancient Sumer, Rome, Greece, India and China. Students study the captivating progression of human advances in language, writing, art, architecture, agriculture and other numerous breakthrough technological advances of diverse cultures.
In addition to written tests, students will also participate in various projects and classroom activities that provide occasions for them to express their knowledge in a creative fashion.
Frequently we will have enlightening classroom discussions. The text and topics easily generate lively conversation. I also welcome current event news that students want to share at any time. We will have a terrific year in social studies no doubt.
Our text is available online HERE. Students have been given a username and password.