Magen David Academy

2014/2015 school year

Subject English
Teacher Patrick King
Grade 6th grade
Enduring Understandings

Reading:
Readers make inferences and draw conclusions based on the
information available in a text (literary or informational).
The elements of fiction are plot, character,setting, theme,
conflict. These are used to analyze and discuss a fictional text.
Writers write with a particular audience and purpose in mind.
This affects the style and structure of a piece of writing.

Writing:
A paragraph is a group of sentences based on one idea. It
contains an identifiable topic sentence and supporting
details.
Proofreading for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling is
an essential part of the writing process.
Revises text with a continued focus on logical sequence of
ideas and supporting
Statements and opinions are supported with evidence
and/or logic.
Speaking:
In group discussions students will create and answer open-
ended questions.
Students will make short oral presentations that are
organized around a thesis/main idea using evidence and
details to support that thesis.

Essential Questions What do I value in a book?
What is good organization and why is organization
essential to good writing?
What strategies do I have to revise and proofread my
writing?


Performance Standards Students will read grade level literature and informational
texts and show comprehension through short written
responses, oral presentations, and 1 to 3 page essays.
Students will produce organized writing that contains a clear
thesis that is supported by details and evidence.
Students will be able to create (orally and/or in writing) a
concise, unbiased summary of literary and informational
texts.
Students will cite textual evidence to support their own
opinions/arguments.
Students will follow the conventions of standard English
grammar in regards to capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling.
Students will use grade appropriate vocabulary and
figurative language (personification, similes, metaphors) and
sound devices.
Resources Call of the Wild by Jack London, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Wrinkle in
Time by Madeleine L'Engle, a variety of resources will be used for
writing and grammar instruction.
Requirements Be Respectful
Do not speak when others are speaking. Raise your hand when you
have a question or comment. Keep your hands off of other people
and their property (ask if you want to borrow something). Speak
and interact with everyone in a respectful manner.

Be Responsible
Come to school prepared and ready to learn with all materials and
homework assignments completed. In class stay on-task and
complete work whether working individually or in small groups.

Be Ready to Learn
Respond to questions, join in discussions, and help create a
positive learning environment. Always try! Set goals and be
engaged in your own learning in order to reach our learning
objectives.

Unacceptable Behaviors in the Classroom
Being disrepectful, being irresponsible, being negative or
non-participatory in class.
Chewing gum or eating food in class
Having a cell phone on in class
Being out of MDA uniform.
Copying, cheating, or plagiarizing

Units of Study Unit 1: Writing sentences, Writing paragraphs, Writing stories
Unit 2: Call of the Wild: Novel Study
Unit 3: Keeping it Real: Non-Fiction Writing and Reading
Unit 4: Wonder: Novel Study
Unit 5: Research Report
Unit 6: Wrinkle in Time: Novel Study
Grading Plan
Student Evaluation Chart:
All graded work will be entered into one of the following categories in
renweb, and grades will be calculated based on the weight indicated in the
far right column.
Grade Letter
Grade
Performance Standard
97-100

93-96

90-92
A+

A

A-
Independent Learner: Did research, designed and
planned; applied academic skills; evaluated work and
made adjustments; did quality of work; needed little or
no help from the teacher; sought and found resources
independently; produced a quality final product.
87-89

83-86

80-82
B+

B

B-
Semi-Independent Learner: Did research, designed
and planned; needed some help from the teacher; did
quality work with few flaws; work did not meet
standards; redid work to meet standards; produced
better-than-average final product.
77-79

73-76

70-72
C+

C

C-
Dependent Learner: Needed help to research, design
and plan; relied a lot on the teacher or tutor; had to be
reminded of procedures to perform task; produced and
average final product that meets minimal standards.
67-69

65-66
D+

D
Learned requiring considerable direction and
assistance: Required constant assistance from
teacher or tutor; required several edits to produce
quality work; final product did not meet standards and
its below average; need to organize thoughts before
writing; sentence structure and syntax present
problems that affect meaning and clarity.
65 and
below
E/F Not Yet: Did not complete projects or projects were
unsatisfactory; if projected completed, they were of
low quality and did not receive a passing grade. Poor
critical thinking skills. When writing, several problems
with supporting arguments, introduction, conclusion,
grammar, syntax, and mechanics.

Student Evaluation Chart: it shows how the breakdown of the
grade occurs in this course.
Homework Online work, written works, study of
material, and all types of assigned
20%
work, projects, web quests
Daily Classwork Application of acquired knowledge in
classroom activities done both
individually and/or in group
30%
Tests/Quizzes Unit tests on material studied over the
course of several weeks. Quizzes will
cover a week or two of learning
objectives.
30%
Projects Projects may be written reports,
presentations, or other creative
expressions of material learned.
20%

Homework Policy All assignments MUST be handed in on the due date at the
beginning of the class period. Homework will be assigned on
Monday and Thursday each week.
Late or Missed Homework Students must hand in their work on the established due date.
Failing to do so will result in losing 5% for each day late. Failing to
bring the work after the grade period will result in a failing grade
(20%) on the assignment.