6th Grade Language Arts Curriculum Map This curriculum map is a general outline of skills and concepts that will be taught this year and is subject to change. Additional skills and concepts may be added. Mrs. Goodman 2012 2013
KEY SWBAT: students will be able to Introduction Unit What is the writing trait Ideas, and how does it enhance my writing? What are the different parts of speech? What is inferring, and how does it help me to better understand the text? SW take a pretest on: Reading Writing SWBAT understand and use grade appropriate Greek and Latin prefixes, affixes, and roots as clues to the meaning of a word. SWBAT understand and implement class and department standard operating procedures SWBAT choose a narrow topic from their brainstorming activities SWBAT organize notes for a pre write. SWBAT review parts of speech SWBAT properly use intensive pronouns and recognize correct shifts in pronoun number and person. SWBAT use a comma: After an introductory phrase With a direct address
Unit 1 (8 weeks total) Reading What are the elements of a plot? What is inferring, and how does it help me better understand the text? SWBAT determine the meaning of words or phrases as they are used in the text and analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning or tone. SWBAT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words. Students will also verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of the word or phrase. SWBAT describe how a particular story s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. SWBAT Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story to listening to it read, including contrasting what they see and hear when reading the text to what they perceive when they listen. SWBAT cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Unit 1 Writing How does word choice enhance my writing? SWBAT to write a personal narrative (from a list of topics) using: Dialogue Elements of a narrative Precise words or phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events. SWBAT, with guidance from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. SWBAT use bold and effective word choice to write one or more Lyric Poem(s) SWBAT to write a fictional personal letter using proper punctuation, greeting, and conclusion. SWBAT write a fictional narrative of their choice using strong word choice (pre write to revising to keep in portfolio)
Unit 2 (4 weeks) Reading SWBAT monitor their comprehension as they read. What is monitoring comprehension, and how does it improve my understanding of a text? SWBAT determine the author s point of view and purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text. SWBAT compare texts from different genres about the same subject. SWBAT determine a theme (or main idea) and how it is conveyed through particular details. SWBAT identify Idioms in the text (Smokejumpers) and use context clues to define the idiom. SWBAT cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. SWBAT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words and phrase. SWBAT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words. Students will also verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of the word or phrase.
Unit 2 Writing What is monitoring comprehension, and how does it improve my understanding of a text? SWBAT write a literary response giving clear ideas explaining why a character or scene appealed to them after summarizing the text and focusing on the most important details. SWBAT determine the proper organization for a mixed up paragraph with a topic sentence and conclusion. SWBAT use commas to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements. SWBAT use the writing process to develop and strengthen their writing. SWBAT spell grade appropriate words correctly.
Unit 3 (8 weeks) Reading What does monitoring my comprehension mean, and how does it help me better understand the text? How does asking questions before, during, and after reading help me better understand the text? SWBAT demonstrate understanding of figurative language. SWBAT compare and contrast one author s presentation of events with that of another. SWBAT determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings. SWBAT integrate information presented in different media or formats as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic. SWBAT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words. Students will also verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of the word or phrase. SWBAT analyze how a particular sentence or chapter fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot.
Unit 3 Writing How does proper organization enhance the reader s understanding and ease of reading a text? How can I use strong sentence fluency in my writing? What are dependent and independent clauses, and how are they punctuated? SWBAT write a Problem and Solution Composition including a strong lead and conclusion, proper organization, and precise language. SWBAT use a chronological text structure to write an how to essay using strong lead/conclusion, proper organization, and transition words. SWBAT write a descriptive composition using a variety of sentence lengths and types. SWBAT identify a dependent and independent clause SWBAT use commas to separate two independent clauses. SWBAT vary sentence patterns and maintain consistency in style and tone in speaking and writing. SWBAT spell grade appropriate words correctly
Unit 4 (6 weeks) Reading How do I determine if evidence a writer presents is reliable? SWBAT determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text and analyze the impact of a specific word choice on the meaning or tone. SWBAT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words. Students will also verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of the word or phrase. SWBAT, by the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poems that are at or above grade level. SWBAT describe how a particular story s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. SWBAT explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text. SWBAT analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas. SWBAT cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from text. SWBAT trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
Unit 4 Writing How can I determine the validity of a source to be used in research? How does the trait of Voice enhance my writing? SWBAT write an autobiographical narrative using a distinctive voice, strong transitions, proper organization, and an effective lead and conclusion. SWBAT write a persuasive letter/essay using clear reasons and relevant evidence. SWBAT write an informative/explanatory text to examine a topic and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (Base topic on a question to be answered) SWBAT use technology to produce and publish writing and to type three pages in a single sitting. SWBAT conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several resources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate. SWBAT gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, asses the credibility of each source, and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources. SWBAT spell grade appropriate words correctly
Unit 5 (4 weeks) Reading How can using graphic organizers help me better understand a text? SWBAT cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. SWBAT integrate information presented in different media or formats as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue. (focus on graphic aids) SWBAT, by the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at or above grade level. SWBAT determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details (literary devices); provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. SWBAT determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words. Students will also verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of the word or phrase.
Unit 5 Writing How does the trait of Ideas help enhance a compare and contrast essay? When should a dash be used in a sentence? SWBAT write a compare and contrast essay to examine and convey ideas and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. SWBAT identify when to use a dash in a sentence. SWBAT demonstrate command of pronouns (review)
Unit 6 (4 weeks) Reading How does summarizing a text help me better understand a text? SWBAT determine the theme or central idea of a text through particular details (characterization particularly). SWBAT describe how a particular story s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. SWBAT compare and contrast texts in different form or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
Unit 6 Writing What techniques are used to write a persuasive essay or letter? SWBAT write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (x2)
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