Welcome to 6th grade English Language arts! (ela) Mrs. M. Schmidt Room 601 mschmidt@ franklinboe.org

About Our Class ELA 6 is a class that focuses on improving your reading and writing skills. Improving these skills will help you in all academic areas and in life! These skills will be improved through goal setting and independent practice, with support from me and each other! A positive attitude and a willingness to work hard are essential. If you supply these two things, you WILL succeed!

Room 601 Supply List Planner or assignment book 2 marble notebooks Lots of pens! (preferred over pencils) 2 folders Lots of post-its! Independent reading book 1 box of tissues Ear buds or headphones

Grading Profile 25 % Classwork and Homework 25 % Quiz Grades Daily Bell Ringers Classwork assignments Homework 25 % Quiz Grades Unit Quizzes Monthly Participation/ Preparation Grade First Drafts 50 % Test Grades Notebook checks Final Writing Drafts Projects

Our Units Unit 1 Reading- Turning Every Kid Into a Reader and Character Analyst Writing- Raising the Quality of Notebooks/ Personal Narrative Unit 2 Reading- Social Issues Book Clubs Writing- Literary Essay Unit 3 Reading- Synthesizing Nonfiction Writing- Research-Based Information Writing Unit 4 Reading- Historical Fiction Book Clubs Writing- Historical Fiction Stories Unit 5 Reading- Literary Synthesis Writing- Literary Synthesis including Fan Fiction Unit 6 Reading- NF Reading Across Text Sets Writing- Persuasive Essay

Class Structure Bell ringer (10 minutes) Book talk (5 minutes) Mini-lesson (10-15 minutes) Independent work/ small groups/ conferences (40-45 minutes) Share (5 minutes)

Class Procedures- Starting Class Make sure you have all necessary materials for class. Enter the classroom quietly. Write down tonight’s assignment. Get started on bell ringer.

Mini-Lesson procedures Come to the meeting area quickly and quietly, with all necessary materials. Sit near your partner. All attention should be directed at the speaker (NO side conversations). Be prepared to participate in turn-and-talks often. No bathroom breaks during mini-lessons except in the case of an absolute emergency.

Independent work time procedures Return to your seat from the meeting area and get right to work. Have all materials that you might need accessible: IDR book, post-its, pen, paper, notebook, etc. NO conversation except in the case of partner or group work. Do not interrupt small groups or conferences. Do not be a distraction to yourself or others. Remember this is the time for you to work on achieving your goals!

Leaving the classroom During whole class activities, always ask permission to leave the room. You can do this by raising two fingers. During independent work, you may leave the room if the indicator for your gender is available. Place the indicator on your desk before you leave. Your planner will be your pass. Fill it out and approach me silently to sign off. Make your best effort to avoid leaving the room. If a pattern develops, a conference will be held.

Dismissal Clean your work area and take all garbage to the trash can as you exit the room. Do not leave items under your seat. Leave using inside voices, ONLY after you have been given permission to do so. You are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.

Homework You will be required to complete at-home reading and a written response five nights per week. Occasionally writing work not completed in class will be assigned as homework. Always check the homework board for assignments and reminders. If absent, you will be expected to make up missed homework.

Extended Learning (EL) Extended Learning is just what it sounds like: a chance for you to extend your literacy learning through independent work and small group work. During Extended Learning you will work on any/ all of the following: Independent reading Small group work I-Ready All of the usual classroom rules apply during EL!

Class Rules Listen and follow directions. Raise your hand before speaking. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Respect your classmates and your teacher.

Positive Behavior Consequences Verbal praise Star tickets Positive note sent home

Second mark next to name Negative Consequences (should you choose not to follow a classroom rule) Warning Mark next to name on clipboard Second mark next to name Conference with teacher Possible time out or dismissal to buddy teacher Third mark next to name Parent contact Lunch/ recess detention Referral to administration should the behavior continue

I’m glad you’re here! Let’s have a great year together!