6th (& 5th) Grade English Language Arts Spring Semester
Meet twice/week for literature studies across a variety of genres, a grammar focus on vocabulary and sentence structure, and optional writing projects. Includes detailed study of "The Hobbit". A great addition to any homeschool curriculum.
Alison Stephens
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What's included
24 live meetings
20 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Between classes, student will: 1. Read (or listen to) the assigned reading chapters before each class discussion. A reading guide will be provided to help with comprehension and preparation. 2. Complete the provided grammar practice worksheets to reinforce the grammar material 3. Complete various writing tasksCertificate of Completion
Parents may contact me to discuss any requests for grades or for completion verification.Class Experience
US Grade 6
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 LiteratureLearning Goals
Students will study, practice, and interact with a mixture of fifth and sixth grade level literature and grammar topics, demonstrating understanding and mastery through worksheets and class discussion.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Units
24 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Book (Read Chapter 1 before class)
Introductory Materials - Author Background, "What is a Quest?"
Chapter 1 Discussion
Figurative Language Intro 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapters 2-3
Book Discussion
Figurative Language Focus: Simile/Metaphor 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapters 4-5
Book Discussion
Figurative Language Focus: Personification 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapters 6-7
Book Discussion
Figurative Language Focus: Idioms
Writing a Response to Literature: Tips and Instructions 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
All literature is chosen from a generally recognized collection of age-appropriate, often award-winning, books. Parents are encouraged to research any unfamiliar books to be sure they are appropriate for their learner.
Here is a synopsis for the books studied in this unit:
"THE HOBBIT" BY JRR TOLKIEN
'Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, never asked for adventure. It literally came knocking on his door -- 13 dwarves and Gandalf the wizard show up to tea to hire Bilbo as a thief in their quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure. It's stashed far away and guarded by a fierce dragon, Smaug. Bilbo will have to cross the Misty Mountains -- troll and goblin country -- and the untamed wilds of Mirkwood, where straying from the path can be deadly. In exchange, he gets an even share of the treasure and quite a story to tell. But is one little hobbit really up for such a big adventure?
There are few worlds more richly imagined than Tolkien's Middle Earth. Readers would get caught up just in his exquisitely imaginative details if it weren't for the nonstop adventure; it's a perfect balance. Add to that a wonderful main character -- the hairy-footed little hobbit who truly triumphs -- and you have the perfect fantasy-adventure. This is how it's done.' (Common Sense Media review)
NOTE: The Hobbit is an adventure that includes dragons, dwarves, traveling wizards and one reluctant thief. There is some violence with the battles, discussion of eating characters, and tense fights with dragons, trolls, evil wolves, etc.
"BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE" by EUGENE YELCHIN
Sasha Zaichik is a ten-year-old boy living in the Soviet Union during the 1950's Cold War era, under the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. The day he has been waiting for, the day he will officially join the Young Soviet Pioneers, has finally arrived. But suddenly everything goes horribly wrong. He breaks a classmate's glasses with a snowball. He accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway. And worst of all, his father has been arrested as an Enemy of the State. Based loosely on events in the life of the author, this book portrays a young boy's sudden realization that not everything he has always been told is true.
“A miracle of brevity, this affecting novel zeroes in on two days and one boy . . . Black-and-white drawings march across the pages to juxtapose hope and fear, truth and tyranny, small moments and historical forces, innocence and evil. This Newbery Honor book offers timeless lessons about dictatorship, disillusionment and personal choice.” —San Francisco Chronicle
NOTE: This book is set within the historical context of the Cold War under the harsh dictatorship of Joseph Stalin. Although there are hints of people (including Sasha's mother) having potentially been executed in prison, the story is told from the viewpoint of a 10-year-old and there are no detailed depictions of any torture or death. All discussion of basic world events surrounding this story will be age appropriate. Age ranges are flexible. Please reach out about learners that are outside the stated range.
"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. Following the Civil War, counterfeiting was rampant, and gang leader “Big Jim” Kennally aimed to ransom Lincoln’s remains to pressure authorities into freeing his top engraver from prison. 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.
Sheinkin's narrative brings history to life, offering a look at 19th-century crime and the development of the Secret Service. Parents should be aware that the book touches on topics such as grave robbing, criminal activity, and deception but presents these elements in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on the historical significance rather than sensationalizing the events.
Supply List
A copy of each of the books (print or audio) * "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkien * "Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin * "Lincoln's Grave Robbers" by Steve Sheinkin A notebook or folder to keep assignments and worksheets Pen or pencil and paper for jotting notes or writing important thoughts A writing journal for writing practice and brainstorming Occasional simple craft materials (colored pencils, markers, etc) These will be noted in class and in the classroom the week if they are needed.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
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361reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bob Jones University
BS Degree in English Education, 30+ years teaching experience for all ages from preschool to adult, former homeschool mom, current loving Nana to the best grandkids ever! Reviews
Live Group Course
$30
weekly or $350 for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
50 min
Completed by 35 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
4-14 learners per class
