Reading and Content Area Learning

1. Reading and Content Area Learning Grade 6- Period 5

2. Course Description • The primary goal of the 6th grade Reading and Content Area Learning course is to promote critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration through engaging in literature-based and student-centered interdisciplinary units. The flexible schedule of this period promotes a positive climate and learning environment.

3. Course Goals • To promote skills and concepts for academic growth across the disciplines: social studies, language arts, math, and science

4. Reading Goals The reading component of this course will strive to: -improve reading fluency -improve comprehension and effective analysis of text -enrich vocabulary -support reading connections across the content areas -provide remediation and enrichment -promote communication using writing, speaking, and information technologies

5. Math and Science Goals Through participation in project-based learning experiences, the mathematics and science component of this course will strive to: • foster the understanding that mathematics and science concepts are pertinent and applicable to real-life situations • demonstrate how math and science as integrated and supportive of one another • Afford opportunities for students to apply knowledge of skills and concepts to their project-based assignments

6. English/Language Arts English Language Arts Learning Standards Standard 1 Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.As listeners and readers, students will collect data, facts, and ideas, discover relationships, concepts, and generalizations; and use knowledge generated from oral, written, and electronically produced texts. As speakers and writers, they will use oral and written language to acquire, interpret, apply, and transmit information. Standard 2 Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression.Students will read and listen to oral, written and electronically produced texts and performances, relate texts and performances to their own lives, and develop an understanding of the diverse social, historical, and cultural dimensions the texts and performances represent. As speakers and writers, students will use oral and written language for self-expression and artistic creation. Standard 3 Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.As listeners and readers, students will analyze experiences, ideas, information, and issues presented by others using a variety of established criteria. As speakers and writers, they will present, in oral and written language and from a variety of perspectives, their opinions and judgments on experiences, ideas, information and issues.                  Standard 4 Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.Students will use oral and written language for effective social communication with a wide variety of people. As readers and listeners, they will use the social communications of others to enrich their understanding of people and their views. Mathematics and Science Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry, and DesignStudents will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. Standard 2: Information SystemsStudents will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies. Standard 3: MathematicsStudents will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry. Standard 4: ScienceStudents will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. Standard 5: TechnologyStudents will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs. Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common ThemesStudents will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning. Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem SolvingStudents will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions. New York State Standards

7. Resources • Teacher-designed interdisciplinary units in social studies, language arts, math and science • Teacher created PowerPoint Presentations designed to support the curriculum • Video Streaming, and content-specific websites. • Various literature selections and anthologies, such as “Treasures” • Content-specific web sites

8. Content Outline The course will outline the following areas of study: • literature genres and book reports (to be completed at home using knowledge of elements of genre learned in class) • Sustainability education (in partnership with Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES) • Amusement Park (project-based learning project)

9. Agenda books, pens, pencils, folder, and notebook Necessary materials for projects assigned by teachers Homework is expected to be handed in on time and is factored into the overall grade. Missing or alternative assignments must be made up. School homework policy will be adhered to in this course as well. Class Preparation and Homework

10. Grades consist of tests, quizzes, projects, class work and homework. Extra help will be scheduled on an as-need basis. Grading and Extra-help

11. Classroom Expectations and Behavior • Students are expected to come to class prepared and on time. • Respect the teacher and classmates by listening and contributing to class discussion.

12. Questions…