Language Arts 6

Semester A

Through a study of myths, fables, and folk tales from different cultures—as well as novels and other modern forms of narrative, students learn the elements common to all forms of literature and also the elements that are unique to each form. In lessons focused on writing and language study, students craft essays in several different modes and learn how to create the more formal style expected for school writing assignments. Lessons in this semester guide students to recognize and reproduce text structures and organizational patterns that work for different types of essays. The writing lessons also demonstrate the kinds of changes that students should make during the revising and editing stages of the writing process. Opportunities for teacher feedback are frequent, detailed, and varied.

Semester B

The second semester of grade 6 English Language Arts online course builds on the skills and concepts introduced in the first semester. Students tackle more difficult texts in Semester B and apply more advanced analysis skills to reading and writing tasks. They also study some of the more subtle aspects of language, such as the role of connotation and nuance in an author’s word choices and how those choices affect readers. Reading assignments are selected, in part, to provide models for students’ own writing in specific modes, forms, or genres. Several lessons demonstrate methods of sharing and publishing writing using 21st century technology.

Semester A

Major Concepts:

• Reading Skills and Strategies
• Recognizing and Describing Literary Elements
• Comparing and Contrasting Forms of Narrative
• Recurring Themes in Literature
• Methods of Collaboration
• Word Study Skills
• Modes of Essay Writing
• Stages of the Writing Process

Semester B

Major Concepts

• Uses of Figurative Language
• Connotation, Denotation, and Nuance
• Interpreting and Analyzing Literature
• Reading and Summarizing Informational Texts
• Coherence and Cohesion in Writing
• Interpreting Multimedia Messages
• Using Technology to Share and Publish

Materials listed should be acquired by the student prior to beginning work in the course.

Required Books:

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan