1. CHALLENGER MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS COMPUTER WHEEL

2. Mrs. Deborah Robbins  BBA Business Administration, University of San Diego  Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, University of San Diego  Reading Specialist, Master in Arts, San Diego State University  Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, Point Loma Nazarene University

3. Contact Information  drobbins@sandi.net drobbins@sandi.net  I do check my e-mail messages frequently. This is the best way to reach me.  (858) 596-7001 ext. 505  Please leave a message and I will return your call at the earliest opportunity.

4. Philosophy of Education  Every student has strengths and needs.  My role is to help each student grow while teaching specific sixth grade standards.  Parents can become familiar with the 6 th grade standards and discuss these standards with their child.  Keep in mind that each student will work on goals designed specifically for them within the context of the standards..

5. Every student is a valuable member of this community.  As a member of this community, students will learn from each other. My role is to guide them and to allow multiple opportunities for success.  Parents can help by helping students to foster social skills through after school and/or weekend activities that promote collaboration.

6. Each student is responsible for their own behavior and learning.  My role is to hold students accountable and to aid them in becoming self-reliant.  Parents can help students by asking them how things are going and keeping in touch with the teacher with any concerns.  Students will not be allowed to disrupt the learning of any other student.

7. Assignments should be differentiated to meet students needs and learning styles.  Students are given choice, with teacher guidance on assignments.  Each student conferences with teacher on individual goals.  These goals are changed as student progresses.

8. Grading Policy  Students have opportunities each week to check on their grade. Students know how they are doing academically.  Progress reports will be issued every six weeks.  Parents can help by asking their student how things are going.  A grade of “C” is meeting the standard.  Grades of “B” or “A” are exceeding the standard and indicates student has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements of an assignment.

9. English  Informational Texts  Text structures  Compare & Contrast  Cause & Effect  Problem & Solution  Temporal Sequence  Descriptive A BC Topic Subtopic A Subtopic B Subtopic C

10. Types of Informational Texts  Functional Texts  Newspapers  On line Sources  Textbooks  Trade magazines

11. Delving Deeper into the World of Literature Delving Deeper into the World of Literature  Self-selected novels  Book Clubs  Variety of Genres  Individual and Group Projects  Written Literature Reponses using higher level thinking skills  Deep conversations revolving around the text.

12. 6 th Grade Camp  Camp Palomar is located approximately 1 hour away in the Palomar Mountains.  Students will stay there from Monday until Thursday afternoon.  Camp is currently scheduled for October and December.  Parents are welcome to visit.