六年級（和五年級）英語語言藝術春季學期

NOTE: The material for this course is based on accepted sixth-grade level language arts standards. It would also be appropriate for higher achieving fifth graders or seventh graders needing additional practice or review. I am happy to accept ages 10-12 in this class, and I am always willing to communicate with parents regarding any learner's placement.


LITERATURE
√   "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien (fantasy/adventure) 
√   "Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin (historical fiction)
√   "Lincoln's Grave Robbers" by Steve Sheinkin (non-fiction)
√    Informational Texts (materials provided by teacher)

In this spring semester, the literature material includes a six-week study of Tolkien's enduring fantasy adventure classic, "The Hobbit". We'll analyze the plot, characters, and amazing use of descriptive language as we travel to Middle-earth with Bilbo and the dwarves.

We will also read and discuss the riveting historical fiction novel "Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin. Students will be given a glimpse into Cold War Russia and the real events that are the basis of the story.

Also included is the captivating non-fiction book, "Lincoln's Grave Robbers" by Steve Sheinkin. This is a suspenseful account of a real-life plot in 1876 to steal President Abraham Lincoln’s body. The Secret Service, recently established to fight counterfeit currency, uncovered the plot and thwarted it by sending in undercover agent Lewis Swegles to gather evidence against the conspirators.

Finally, we will learn and practice the important skills needed for reading, analyzing, and discussing basic non-fiction informational texts. 

GRAMMAR
"All About Words" will be our grammar focus, including studies of vocabulary, figurative language, reading comprehension, and prefix/roots studies.  From a brief introduction to Greek/Latin roots to context clues to recognizing and using figurative language effectively, this grammar section will be varied and practical.

We will then turn our attention to sentences, clauses, and conjunctions. We will add interest to our communication by learning to identify and use simple, compound, and complex sentences in our conversation and our writing. 

WRITING
There will be optional writing projects for this unit. While there won't be any direct writing instruction, students will be given worksheets and tips to help them as needed. All submitted writing will receive detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. Students will have the option to write a Response to Literature Essay. Students will choose a topic related to our book study and write an essay demonstrating their understanding of that topic and its relation to the story. 
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This twelve-week unit is one independent part of a sixth-grade language arts course.  The two-semester course is designed to help learners review and reinforce the language arts foundations of the elementary years and move into the more in-depth critical thinking of middle school.  During these early middle grade years, students gain greater critical-thinking skills and are able to interact with literature and language in deeper ways. Their writing reflects their developing opinions and worldview as they grow in their ability to communicate clearly.

The two semesters in the course are fully self-contained and able to stand alone. They can be completed in any order. Each semester includes literature study (reading 2-4 books, poetry, or informational text),  a specific grammar focus, and optional writing projects. 

FULL COURSE OVERVIEW (FOR REFERENCE)

FALL SEMESTER 
LITERATURE: 
     "The Silver Chair" by CS Lewis 
     "Rescue" by Jennifer Nielsen
     "Framed" by James Ponti (mystery)
      Short Story Unit (reading materials provided by teacher)
GRAMMAR: 
     Foundational Parts of Speech / Usage 
     (Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs)
     Parts of Speech: Modifiers / Usage
     (Modifiers: Adj, Adv, Prepositions)
     Basic Sentence Diagramming
WRITING PROJECT: 
     Narrative Essay (Storytelling)
     Persuasive Essay


SPRING SEMESTER 2 [THIS UNIT]
LITERATURE: 
     "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien 
     "Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin
      "Lincoln's Grave Robbers" by Steve Sheinkin
      Various Informational Texts
GRAMMAR: 
     Vocabulary Skills and Figurative Language
     (Greek/Latin Roots, Context Clues, Connotations, Analogies, Figurative Language)
     Sentence Structures
     (Sub/Pred, Simple/Compound/Complex, Conjunctions, Punctuation)
WRITING PROJECT: 
     Response to Literature