ELA
Grade 6 Reading
Units of Study
- Unit 1: Maintaining an Independent Reading Life
- Unit 2: Deep Study of Character
- Unit 3: Historical Connections Novel Study
- Unit 4: Tapping the Power of Nonfiction
- Unit 5: Social Issues Book Club
- Unit 6: Fantasy Novel Study & Book Clubs
Reading Workshop:
The goal of the workshop methodology is to teach students explicit strategies that they can employ across all types of reading. It allows students’ choice and teachers the ability to differentiate instruction to provide for the needs of all students. Reading Workshop helps to foster a love of reading and gives students dedicated time to practice reading strategies independently and with guidance.
The structure of reading and writing workshop mirror one another. The workshop begins with a mini-lesson in which teachers introduce and demonstrate an explicit strategy to support reading comprehension. The mini-lesson is followed by independent reading time in which students apply the new strategy they learned, alongside the repertoire of strategies they have already acquired. During this time the teacher meets with students 1:1 and in small groups to differentiate instruction. To close the workshop students meet either with peers or convene whole class to share and reflect on their learning.
Curriculum Resources:
Units of Study for Teaching Reading: A Curriculum for the Reading Workshop (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University)
Curricular Calendar for Reading K-8 (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University)
Prestwick House, Latin and Greek Roots: A Study of Word Families
Grade 6 Writing
This course follows the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project workshop methodology. (see below). In class and at home, students keep a writer’s notebook where they will grow in skills and strategies needed for specific writing types as well as develop their personal style as writers. Volume, variety, organization, and thoughtfulness are also areas of emphasis in the writer’s notebook. Students set goals and focus on improving their writing by applying specific research-based strategies to their work. In the mini-lesson, the teacher demonstrates these strategies to help the students push themselves to improve as writers. Students learn to give and apply peer feedback effectively and publish their final pieces. Grammar and written conventions are taught and practiced both in isolation as well as integrated into authentic writing. The students will also use programs such as No Red Ink for repeated practice.
Units of Study
- Unit 1: Personal Narrative: Creating Powerful Life Stories
- Unit 2: Literary Essays: From Character Analysis to Compare and Contrast
- Unit 3: Research-Based Informational Ebooks
- Unit 4: Advocacy Persuasive Speech Writing
- Unit 5: Fantasy: Writing within Literary Traditions
- Unit 6: Writing Portfolios
Writing Workshop
This predictable structure provides a supportive environment in which new learning takes place. The workshop begins with a “mini-lesson” in which the teacher introduces and explicitly teaches skills and strategies related to the unit of study. Students then transition to independent writing time. During this time, teachers pull students 1:1 or in small groups providing individualized instruction. The workshop closes with a share of new learning, either whole class or with peers.
Curriculum Resources:
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Curricular Calendars K-8
Units of Study in Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing
Instructional Software Support:
Google Suite for Education
iReady
Literably
Grammarly
No Red Ink
Nearpod
7th graders are eligible to take General Reading 7 and Honors Reading 7. Students who qualify for Honors Reading have demonstrated a strong ability to move quickly through reading materials and are ready for the challenge of additional work.
Reading 7:
Download the 7th reading curriculum summary
Units of Study
Unit 1 Reading with Agency: Independent Author Studies
Unit 2 Dystopian And Fantasy Book Clubs: Exploring Unreal Worlds & Characters
Unit 3 Informational Reading Text Sets: Close Reading to Identify & Argue Issues
Unit 4 How to Eat a Poem: Analyzing Language & Craft
Unit 5 Historical Reading Clubs: Studying the Past Through Fact & Fiction
Unit 6 Portfolio: Reflecting on Our Growth
Honors Reading 7
Students who qualify for Honors Reading have demonstrated to be strong readers and is comprised of additional rigor and challenge to the current college-preparatory course offering. The English Language Arts teachers use the current Columbia Reading Units of Study for grade 6 as the basis for instruction while further developing units with a strong focus on meaningful class discussions, including thorough comprehension and critical analysis of a variety of genres. The program will emphasize vocabulary, composition skills, research skills, grammar conventions, and sentence construction. Due to the fast-paced, rigorous curriculum of this class, only students who are self-motivated, passionate about reading, and have exceptional work ethic will be eligible.
Criteria for Placement in Advanced Reading Class is based upon an advanced level of proficiency in the following areas:
• MAP Test Results
• SBAC Test Results
• OLSAT Test Results
• District Benchmark Assessment
and teacher recommendation.
Reading Workshop
The Reading Workshop is a teaching method in which the goal is to teach students strategies for reading and comprehension. The workshop model allows teachers to differentiate and meet the needs of all their students. Reading Workshop helps to foster a love of reading and gives students chances to practice reading strategies independently and with guidance.
– Mini Lesson
– Independent reading, conferring, small group instruction
– Share
Curriculum Resources:
Units of Study for Teaching Reading: A Curriculum for the Reading Workshop (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University)
Curricular Calendar for Reading K-8 (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University)
OWL
Teen Ink: Mentor texts
This course follows Columbia’s Reading and Writing workshop model (see below). In class and at home, students keep a writer’s notebook where they will grow in skills needed for specific writing types as well as develop their personal style as writers. Volume, variety, and thoughtfulness are also areas of emphasis in the writer’s notebook. Students set goals and focus on improving specific skills. In the meeting area, the teacher models strategies to help the students push themselves as writers. Students also receive peer feedback and publish their final pieces. The students will also use the Easy Grammar curriculum to build their understanding of proper mechanics to better communicate their sophisticated writing ideas.
Download the 7th writing curriculum summary
Units of Study
Unit 1 Memoir: Discovering the Stories of Our Lives
Unit 2 Writing About Reading: From Reader’s Notebooks to Companion Books
Unit 3 Persuasive Essays: The Art of Argument
Unit 4 Poetry: Immersion, Analysis & Innovation
Unit 5 Historical Documentaries: Sharing the Past Through Words, Sounds, and Images
Unit 6 Portfolio: Reflecting on Our Growth
Writing Enrichment Courses:
The Art of Writing
The Art of Writing- creativity and inspiration will flow in this dynamic writing course. Students will free the writing muse with projects that combine creative writing, art, and a touch of marketing.
Speech and Debate
Students will learn the techniques for building a successful commemorative and persuasive speech as well as learn the impact on using technology and visuals effectively to aid in presentations. Students will also analyze great speeches and debates of ancient history, and will learn how to debate effectively with their peers.
Writing Workshop
This predictable structure provides a supportive environment in which new learning takes place. The workshop begins with a “mini lesson” in which the teacher introduces and explicitly teaches skills and strategies related to the unit of study. Students then move to independent writing time. During this time, teachers pull students 1:1 or in small groups providing individualized instruction. The workshop closes with a share of new learning, either whole class or with peers.
Curriculum Resources:
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Curricular Calendars K-8 (2014-2015)
Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative,Writing,2013
Rancho Santa Fe Middle School ELA
Instructional Software Support:
Google Suite for Education
No Red Ink
Defined STEM
