6th Grade Language and Literature

Willows Preparatory School

Mrs. West 2015-2016

Welcome!
My name is Mrs. West and I will be your 6th grade Language and Literature teacher (previously
known as English). This year we will be utilizing the IB Framework at Willows Prep.

COURSE WORK
In 6th grade L&L, we will develop essential reading, composition, and communication skills
through varied literature, grammar, vocabulary, and writing tasks. You will read an assortment
of complex literary works to broaden your perspective, understand different human experiences,
and deepen your appreciation for literature. While reading, you will analyze, evaluate, discuss,
and critique literary works. Within writing, we will use the writing process to develop effective
writing skills and produce quality pieces. Furthermore, all grammar and vocabulary will be
integrated within the literature and writing units. Each trimester will also include investigations
into short stories or poetry. We will engage in class discussions surrounding the units in order to
view people and events through different lenses. Through curiosity, risk-taking, and hard work,
L&L will inspire you to become a life-long reader and writer.

Units of Study
Trimester 1:
Individuality and Identity: A Walk in My World
- Novel: Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of Cultural Revolution (Historical Biography)
- Writing: Narrative Essay: Telling My Story
- Short Story Investigations
Trimester 2:
Courage and Heroism: The Road Less Traveled
- Novel: The Hobbit (Fantasy/Adventure)
- Writing: Descriptive Essay: Painting a Picture
- Poetry Investigations
Trimester 3:
Curiosity and the Problem Solving: Detectives at Work, Whodunit?
- Novel: Chasing Vermeer (Mystery)
- Writing: The Art of Mystery Writing
- Slam Poetry: Finding My Voice
Interactive Notebooks
You will be working all year on adding content in the form of graphic organizers and notes into a
composition notebook covering grammar, vocabulary, literary devices and other content. This
will become a reference manual and a resource to study from during each unit.

Students will be able to:

Analyze, interpret, and synthesize information in literary and informational works

Critique and evaluate authors use of language, style, purpose and perspective
Identify, evaluate and produce literary devices and elements present in texts
Find and cite textual evidence to support analysis of the meaning of a text
Expand vocabulary and use context clues to comprehend word meanings
Further develop the skills of summarization, previewing, predicting and inferring
Apply the writing process to compositions and include correct grammar and mechanics
Express written ideas with clarity, organization, transitions, purpose and audience
Take risks with original content and creativity in writing and oral presentations

PROCEDURES
Classroom Rules
Please review the student handbook to make sure school rules are being followed at all times.
Middle School students are expected to:
Arrive to class on time and
Have their Surface 3 tablet fully charged
Behave appropriately
Participate with an open mind
Collaborate with others
Below is a list of the classroom rules:
Be Ready To Learn
Be a Team Player
Respect Others
Use Manners
Follow Directions
Give Your Best
Set Goals
Take Risks
Work Hard
Have Fun!
Below is a list of the IB Learner Profile traits which are foundational to Willows Prep:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-Minded
Caring
Risk Takers
Balanced
Reflective

Supplies
In I&S, students will use their Surface 3 tablet, a composition notebook, and other supplies as
needed. Additional supplies are located within the classroom on the west wall.

Restroom Use
Students are expected to use the restroom before school, during passing periods, or at lunch.
However, if an urgent need arises during class, you may ask permission. Please keep in mind
you will need to be present during important instruction.

Dismissal
Students are dismissed with a three minute passing period to allow them to transition to their
next class. This is not a break time and your next class will begin promptly at its start time.
Teachers expect students to be seated, quiet, and ready to learn as soon as class begins.
Chronic tardiness will affect a students participation grade and parents will be notified.

Absences
For excused absences, projects, tests, quizzes, homework, and classwork can be made up
receiving up to full credit. For unexcused absences, students may have the opportunity to make
up missing projects, essays, tests, quizzes, homework, and classwork, but may only receive
partial credit (up to 50%). The participation grade will be affected as you will be missing
important conversations, collaboration, and your own contribution to learning in the classroom.

Late Work
All assignments are required to be turned in by the due date. If an assignment is turned in one
day late, the student can only receive up to 50% credit. Assignments will not be accepted if
more than one day late and no credit will be given. This is the general rule for all late work no
matter what the reason. Please see Mrs. West if you have a special circumstance to discuss.

Homework
Students should expect to receive up to 1 and a half hours of homework per night, covering all
subject areas. Therefore, students should plan on setting aside about twenty minutes for I&S
homework per night; however, more time may be needed based on different projects or
assignments. All homework, projects, and tests will be recorded on your My Study Life online
planner. Assignments, homework, and other information can be accessed on your Surface
under the OneNote content library. It is essential that you plan and manage your time well.

Grading
All grades will be reported in percentages. You will receive both formative grades throughout the
course to show your progress and summative evaluations at the end of each trimester. All
grades are found on Willow Preps online electronic system, Engrade.

Class Grading Scale

Written Projects and Presentations 25%
Participation and Classwork 25%
Tests and Final Exams 25%
Homework 15%

Quizzes 10%

Contact Information
Please email me with any comments, questions, or concerns. I will respond to all emails within a
24 hour period. I am looking forward to an insightful, engaging, and fun-filled school year!
Email: hwest@willowsprep.com