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This comprehensive 6th-grade English curriculum, led by Wendy Pieseski, focuses on essential reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. It features discussions of classic literature such as Shakespeare and Maya Angelou, along with creative projects and independent reading assignments. Emphasis on continuous skill development through a variety of genres ensures students engage deeply with the material. The curriculum fosters responsibility, respect, and communication skills among students while providing a structured environment for academic success.
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6th Grade english Middle School Core Knowledge Curriculum “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
Wendy Pieseski • BA from Boston University--double major in psychology and sociology; minor in women’s studies • Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of California, Berkeley • Master’s Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) from University of Phoenix • Secondary English Endorsement (7-12) • Student taught under Nancy Heins • Fourth year teaching sixth grade at AA
Grading Percentages • Participation 10% • Reading 25% • Grammar 20% • Spelling/Vocab 15% • Writing 30%
Reading Curriculum • Realms of Gold Poetry and Short Stories such as • All the World’s a Stage (Shakespeare), The Raven (Edgar Allen Poe), and Woman Work (Maya Angelou) • Novels • Greek Myths • The Prince and the Pauper • Julius Caesar • The Odyssey and The Iliad • Walk Two Moons • Open Court Reading • Outside Reading and Book Reports: 1 per trimester
Book Reports/Projects • Book Reports: • Trimester 1: Fantasy/Science Fiction • Newspaper • Trimester 2: Historical Fiction • Multi-genre Project • Trimester 3: Walk Two Moons • Online Scrapbook
Grammar Holt Grammar Book: subject/predicate, independent/dependent clauses, fragments, run-ons, sentence types, punctuation, active and passive voice, “Caught Ya” or DOL daily grammar practice/quiz on Fridays Continual practice and strengthening of skills Focus on understanding concepts
Writing • Focus on research, persuasive, descriptive, narrative, expository, poetry, compare and contrast, short stories • 6 Trait +1: Convention, Ideas, Organization, Sentences, Voice, Word Choice + Presentation • Five paragraph essays with introductions, conclusions, hooks, zingers, “Magic 3” • Write To Learn • Peer Editing
Vocabulary and Spelling • Vocabulary: • Novels • Core Knowledge • Vocabulary Book • Caught Yas • Weekly activities: varied; may be written, electronic, or web-based • Weekly spelling/vocabulary tests with definitions • Daily work to be done independently
Homework • Amount will vary class to class • Assignments due at the beginning of class (unless specified) • Time given in class for individual and group work • Use of study hall--effective use of study hall will reduce the amount of homework at night • Help and encourage your children to use their planners. They are the first resource for homework • Homework Club M-Th
Classroom expectations • Respect students, teachers, and property • Come prepared—physically and mentally • Clear Desks = Clear Minds = Easy to Learn and Focus • Essential 23 • Behavior concerns will result in a conference with teacher and student to create a plan, then teacher-student-parent • Encourage students to come to conferences
Middle school website www.americanacademyk8.org
Infinite Campus (IC) • IC lists all homework in the order that it is due on the “To Do” list • Teachers enter graded assignments on Infinite Campus • Assignments are not on the website • The website will simply provide the students with big projects, links, and downloads • IC lists your student’s overall percentage, missing assignments, and letter grade • Assignments in red are not missing!
Student Advocacy • Students may come see me before school, during HR, by appt during lunch, or after school • Extended HR • Students should be their own advocates when they have questions or concerns about assignments • Develops strong communication skills • Ensures that students are taking ownership of work • Parents are welcome to contact me after the student has initiated communication • Please follow the AA parent communication policy • Student use of AA email
Locker Break • Breaks are provided mid-morning during a double class time (either English or Science) • Schedule posted in lockers • Enables students to have to carry a limited number of items with them to each class • Eliminates the need for backpacks • Provides students a mid-morning snack to keep up energy until lunch (we encourage healthy snacks!)