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

2. 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!

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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!

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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!

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

15. Positive Behavior Consequences
Verbal praise
Star tickets
Positive note sent home

16. 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

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