Sixth Grade English Syllabus

Texts:

Students will read, write, memorize, and recite many short poems over the course of the year.
Coolidge, Olivia, The Trojan War Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1980
Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1994 (abridged)

Materials:

Pens, pencils, paper, assignment book, and class handouts (kept in English binder).

Course Description:

In 6th grade English, students learn to think logically, to read with interest and critical understanding, and to speak and write clearly and fluently. Writing in different genres and for different purposes is the focus of the year. Students will strengthen their knowledge of grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading strategies, writing techniques, and elements of literature.  The boys will practice proofreading and editing and learn to recognize their individual writing strengths and weaknesses.  Each month, each boy will choose a piece of poetry, memorize it, and present it to the class.  Boys will write a regular letter to the teacher about their self-selected reading, using friendly letter format and providing a correct MLA bibliography citation. 

Homework:

One half hour of reading each day.
Assignments posted on the board and the website, and available from the Middle School Office and on Moodle. 

Extra Help:

Website:  www.dmturner.org/English/
E-mail dturner@haverford.org
Telephone 610-642-3020 extension 1371 and leave a message
Schedule time to ask questions during morning recess, lunch, or some study halls

Quizzes and Tests:

Quizzes and tests are to be signed by a parent

Grades Based on:

• Written class assignments.
• Poetry assignments.
• Class notes and writing journal.
• Reading letters
• Class behavior and participation.
• Quizzes
• Final exam