English covers many topics including writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and speeches.
Friday Speeches
Famous Person Speeches
Writing Assignments
Wordly Wise
Daily Grammar
Friday Speeches
Each Friday, one student presents a "How to..." speech. Speeches should be about 20-30 minutes long including the demonstration and participation. The speech is graded on:
- an introduction, including a personal connection to the topic
- show materials necessary to complete the project/skill
- demonstration of the project/skill
- class participation of the project/skill
- conclusion that wraps up the speech
Students will also turn in a poster with written step-by-step instructions illustrated with photos or drawings. Posters should show attention to detail. Use a variety of colors and materials to demonstrate excellent effort. Remember to show pride in your work, do your best and Have Fun!! Posters are due the Tuesday before the speech.
Famous Person Outline
Students will research and create an outline on a famous person of the ancient civilizations. Students will be assigned the famous person in September, research in the library, and complete an outline for their famous person.
Writing Assignments
Throughout the year, students will write narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive texts of at least 500 to 700 words in each genre.
For each writing assignment, I will provide the students with:
- a detailed explanation of the assignment
- student examples of the assignment
- opportunities for in class peer edit
- adult editor assignment (parent or teacher)
- grading rubric, detailing how teachers will grade the assignment
Types of writing, as outlined by the California State Standards
Narratives:
- Establish and develop a plot and setting and present a point of view that is appropriate to the stories.
- Include sensory details and concrete language to develop plot and character.
- Use a range of narrative devices (e.g., dialogue, suspense).
Expository compositions
(e.g., description, explanation, comparison and contrast, problem and solution):
- State the thesis or purpose.
- Explain the situation.
- Follow an organizational pattern appropriate to the type of composition.
- Offer persuasive evidence to validate arguments and conclusions as needed.
Research reports
- Pose relevant questions with a scope narrow enough to be thoroughly covered.
- Support the main idea or ideas with facts, details, examples, and explanations from multiple authoritative sources (e.g., speakers, periodicals, online information searches).
- Include a bibliography.
Responses to literature
- Develop an interpretation exhibiting careful reading, understanding, and insight.
- Organize the interpretation around several clear ideas, premises, or images.
- Develop and justify the interpretation through sustained use of examples and textual evidence.
Persuasive compositions
- State a clear position on a proposition or proposal.
- Support the position with organized and relevant evidence.
- Anticipate and address reader concerns and counterarguments.
Wordly Wise 3000, Grade 6
This vocabulary program teaches carefully selected words. Each 15–word lesson begins with an alphabetized word list providing pronunciations, parts of speech, and concise definitions. Each word is used in a strongly contextual example, with a mnemonic anchor. Exercises encourage students to apply word meanings, think critically, and discover word relationships. Narrative passages in each lesson allow students to experience words in context. Word histories and common verbal hidden hazards are provided. Crossword and hidden-word puzzles review words learned in previous lessons while making learning fun!
Daily Grams
Everyday, core class begins with a grammar warm-up. With Daily Grams, students will practice capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
