Welcome to Sixth Grade Reading/Language Arts Mrs. Milkowski

About Me

Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop: A Student Choice Approach Integrated Reading and Writing 90 Minute Block. Integrated Reading and Writing 90 Minute Block. A workshop approach to teaching Language Arts, allows the student to learn the objectives through material in which the student is interested. This means that students choose the books for their reading activities and they generate their own ideas for writing topics. A workshop approach to teaching Language Arts, allows the student to learn the objectives through material in which the student is interested. This means that students choose the books for their reading activities and they generate their own ideas for writing topics.

Time Time Students have large chunks of time and the opportunity to both read and write during each workshop rather than trying to squeeze and rush both workshops in on a daily basis. Students have large chunks of time and the opportunity to both read and write during each workshop rather than trying to squeeze and rush both workshops in on a daily basis. Choice Choice Students have ownership of their learning through self selection of books they read and topics for writing. Students have ownership of their learning through self selection of books they read and topics for writing. Benefits of a Workshop Approach

Benefits of Workshop Approach Response Response Students respond to books they are reading in Interactive Student Notebooks, class discussions, and Good Reads. Students respond to books they are reading in Interactive Student Notebooks, class discussions, and Good Reads. Students become actively engaged in the writing process using the Six Traits of Writing which they house in a personal Writer’s Portfolio. Students become actively engaged in the writing process using the Six Traits of Writing which they house in a personal Writer’s Portfolio.

Structure Independent Reading (20 minutes) Independent Reading (20 minutes) Read Alouds Read Alouds Mini Lesson Mini Lesson Guided Reading/Writing Practice Guided Reading/Writing Practice Independent Reading, Writing and Conferencing Independent Reading, Writing and Conferencing

Novels for Read Alouds The Cay by Theodore TaylorTheodore Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry Red Kayak by Priscilla CummingsPriscilla Cummings Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Homework  Emphasis on Reading  30 minutes of reading every night  Independent Reader’s Log posted on Good Reads  Vocabulary Practice  Study for tests/quizzes  All late homework is automatically assigned a 20 pt. reduction

Grades 45% - major work such as tests, projects and book reports and the reading logs. 45% - major work such as tests, projects and book reports and the reading logs. 40% - minor work such as quizzes and daily grades 40% - minor work such as quizzes and daily grades 15% - other work such as participation and completion activities. 15% - other work such as participation and completion activities.

Rules and Procedures  Students have a guide in their binders that outlines classroom rules and procedures.  I have also posted the attachment on the website. Behavior – Two Things  Be Nice  Work Hard  I remind students that not only are they choosing their behavior, they are choosing the consequences.

Library Day Students need their Student ID cards to check out books. Students need their Student ID cards to check out books. It is required that students bring reading material to class for Reading Workshop, Self-Selected Reading Assignments and Advisory Period. It is required that students bring reading material to class for Reading Workshop, Self-Selected Reading Assignments and Advisory Period. I take a participation grade while we are in the library. We always have a purpose while in the library, even if it is to simply select books of interest and enjoy reading time. I take a participation grade while we are in the library. We always have a purpose while in the library, even if it is to simply select books of interest and enjoy reading time.

Class Websites  The class webpage allows students and parents access to all kinds of important classroom information, handouts and resources.  tmilkowski.pbworks.com tmilkowski.pbworks.com  Assignments will be posted on a regular basis in Edmodo.com Edmodo.com

Conference Period  My conference period is from 9:10 – 9:55 a.m.  I am also available to meet with you by appointment before or after school hours.  My phone is  **  Please call or to communicate your concerns or ask questions.