The document outlines the agenda and plans for the first day of 6th grade language arts class. It includes introducing the syllabus, setting up binders, a spelling pre-test, and assigning homework on unit 1 spelling and vocabulary. The syllabus overview covers components of the class including spelling and vocabulary lessons, literature studies, independent reading, writing assignments, grammar instruction, and classroom expectations.

1. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
August 17, 2012 Agenda:
Turn in Summer
• Summer Reading Comments/Questions
• 6th Grade Syllabus Reading Paper!
> Spelling & Vocab, Literature, Writing, Grammar
> Schedule, Homework Expectations, Late Work
> Materials, Classroom Expectations
• Binder Set Up/Labeling Supplies
• Language Arts Blog
• Spelling Pre‐Test, Grade & List
• Vocabulary Homework Intro
Homework:
• Unit 1 Spelling Post Test Friday, August 24th
• Vocab pgs. 24‐25 due Thursday, August 23rd
• Bring Summer Reading List B Book on Mon.!
1

2. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Spelling & Vocabulary
• Sadlier and Oxford Curriculum, 2 weeks per unit
• Differentiated Spelling and Vocabulary Lists
• Week 1: Spelling Pre­test/Final Test
(Pre­Test Friday/Final Test the following Friday)
• Week 2: Vocabulary Pre­test/Vocabulary Writing Assignment
(Pre­Test Friday/Vocab Writing the following Friday)
2

3. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Literature
Novel­based:
Maniac Magee, Holes, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Out of the
Dust, The Westing Game, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Operation Yes
Literature Circles:
Lit. Circles are a structure for talking about a book with your peers. Students
are in charge of leading discussions. You are responsible for reading the
assigned text before coming to class. For every Lit. Circle, you also must come
prepared with a reading log. Your reading log will contain at least three
(thinking) questions to discuss with your group, as well as any of the following:
connections, opinions, criticisms, advice, vocabulary, and/or illustrations.
3

4. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Independent Reading
> The Independent Reading Log will consist of reading 30 minutes per
night, or 3 hours per week.
> You may include any classroom novels we read, magazines, comics, and
any other outside novels.
> You will create and assemble a Log Book for one outside novel by the
end of the quarter.
> Independent Reading Sheets will be due every other week. In addition,
you will be required to turn in one part of your Log Book with your bi­
weekly Independent Reading Sheet as a checkpoint.
4

5. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Writing
• 6+1 Traits
• Novel­based writing: Holes, The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe, Out of the Dust
• Research writing: Historical, Scientific, or Mathematical Event;
Science Fair
• Vocabulary writing
5

6. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Grammar
• 6th Grade: Language Network
• Grammar lessons and homework will generally be done in class.
• We’ll work through a lesson together, do example problems, and
you’ll practice a few on your own. We will have a test at the end of
each unit. You can expect a Study Guide and review before each test. •
6

7. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Language Arts Schedule
• Block Scheduling: 2 (80 minute) blocked classes per week, 3
(40 minute) half blocks
• Blocked classes will generally consist of Grammar (20
minutes), Spelling & Vocabulary (20 minutes), and Literature
(40 minutes)
• Half blocks will generally be Writers’ Workshop
7

8. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Homework Expectations
• Grammar work will mainly be done in class in order to assess student
comprehension. Few outside grammar assignments will be given.
• You should be reading every night. This could include our current class novel
and/or your independent reading selection.
• Generally, writing (including a majority of the writing process) will be done in
class. (This doesn’t mean you will never have writing homework!)
Late Work
• If you do not have the assignment completed, it will be counted late and 20% will
be taken off of your grade. It will be the student’s responsibility to get the late
work turned in or they could lose their privilege of going to recess for that day and
will come work with me during Seminar.
8

9. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Materials
• Fabulous Five—Pencils, Textbooks, Materials, Planner, Assignment
• Language Arts Binder
Every day (blocked or half­blocked classes) you will need to have your Language
Arts binder with you. We will set up your binders together in class. Be sure to
always have extra loose leaf paper!
Classroom Expectations
• Wanted: Students who are engaged in their learning.
• Wanted: Students who come to class prepared to learn.
• Wanted: Students who are willing to work cooperatively with others.
• Wanted: Students who give their best effort.
• Wanted: Students who are respectful to others and their school.
• Wanted: Students who trust God and rely on Him.
9

10. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Binder Set-Up & Labeling Supplies
• Language Arts Binder­­
>5 Tabs: Spelling & Vocabulary, Grammar, Writing, 6 Trait Notes,
Literature
>Loose leaf Paper
>Everything goes in here!
• Vocabulary Book­­
>Label!
10

11. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Language Arts Blog
5th & 6th Language Arts Blog
Homework Page?
6th Grade Homework Page
11

12. 6th first day 12.notebook August 17, 2012
Spelling & Vocabulary
• Pre­Test, Unit 1
• Grade
• Make Unit 1 Word List
> Final Test Friday, August 24th
> Vocabulary Workbook due Friday, August 24th
12

13. Attachments
5th & 6th Language Arts Blog
6th Grade Homework Page