Course Description - 6th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Ring
Language Arts is a combination of reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking. Your child will have the opportunity to hone skills in these areas in a variety of ways throughout the school year. Some of these ways include reading novels, plays and short stories; writing organized paragraphs, short stories and essays; participating in group and individual projects; contributing to class discussions; and completing warm-up activities in class.
This year in Reading and Language Arts, students will be learning spelling words. The first list is made up of words that are frequently misspelled, and by the end of the year the students will know how to spell 100 words from that list. The second list is called "The Nifty Thrifty Fifty" or (NTF). Students will learn fifty words by the end of the year that are based on spelling patterns. Once they learn these patterns it will help them know how to spell new words and determine if a word "looks right." New words from each list will be added each month, so please have your child review the words regularly.
During the second semester your child will have the opportunity to research an invention and write a research paper in class. I will assist with the research and writing process during class in order to help your child successfully write the first formal research paper. Overall, I believe this paper will be an excellent opportunity for your child to demonstrate what he or she has learned about writing so far this year.
In Language Arts class, your child’s grade will be divided into three categories: tests, quizzes and projects (50%), daily assignments (40%), and responsibility (10%). Since fewer scores entered into the tests, quizzes and projects category, it is essential that your child is fully prepared for each one, as it will be a significant part of your child’s final grade. In addition, it is also very important for your child to be responsible for completing and turning in the daily assignments on time, as late work will only earn partial credit.
If there is no Language Arts assignment given, please encourage your child to spend some extra time reading his or her Accelerated Reader (AR) book for Reading class or reviewing spelling words. Thank you!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. The quickest way to get in touch with me is via email (jring2@rvschools.org), but I also try to check my voicemail messages as often as possible (588-2556 Ex. 604). I am also very willing to arrange in-person meetings either before or after school.
01/04/08 jar