Welcome to 6th Grade English. This year we are using StudySync curriculum. The students will utilize both online and hard copy texts for class. The year will be divided into four major units. For each unit, the students are expected to read a variety of texts and write for several different purposes that also includes a major essay.
UNIT 1: Turning Points
How much of what happens in our lives do we actually control? This is a question that has concerned philosophers and writers for thousands of years. We expect events to progress in a certain way, then suddenly unexpected circumstances cause us to hesitate and reconsider the choices that confront us. Sometimes we don’t have a choice at all.
In this Grade 6 unit, your students will explore life-changing events from a variety of perspectives, as they read fiction, memoirs, nonfiction narratives, articles, autobiographies, and poetry. Throughout this unit, students will explore how fictional characters and real people adapt and succeed when life suddenly changes direction.
While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, the major essay will be a Narrative Essay.
UNIT 2: Facing Challenges
Have you ever felt that you or someone else was treated unfairly? Perhaps you were accused of something you didn’t do. Or maybe you witnessed a classmate being teased by another student in the hallway in between classes. When you experienced an injustice, did you feel the need to stand up for yourself or for another person? What motivated you to take a stance? Did your actions result in a positive outcome? Throughout history and literature, there have been real people and characters who have decided to take a stand against injustice and stand up for themselves, for another person, or for their community in an attempt to make a positive change.
In this Grade 6 unit, your students will explore through a variety of texts what motivates people to stand up for others and themselves, how they take a stand, and the outcomes of their actions. Throughout this unit, students will explore the different reasons and ways in which people take a stance and, despite challenges, work hard to make a change for the better.
While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, the major essay will be an Informative Essay.
UNIT 3: Ancient Realms
What can be taken away from a look at history? People can learn how ancient societies lived and worked and can take inspiration from ancient civilizations as well as those from the more recent past. While there are certain events in history that we might not want to repeat, history does hold much that can and should be celebrated.
In this Grade 6 unit, your students will explore how history informs and inspires us from a variety of perspectives, through fiction, myths, nonfiction narratives, and poetry. Throughout this unit, students will explore the different ways that history can inspire and inform people.
While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, the major essay will be an Argumentative Essay.
UNIT 4: Our Heroes
What are the qualities of a hero? Bravery? Fearlessness? Super human powers? Can heroes only be people in positions of power or the characters we see in comics, in movies, and on TV? Or can heroes also be ordinary citizens who do extraordinary things? People have different opinions about what qualities define a hero and who their heroes are.
In this Grade 6 unit, your students will explore a variety of texts that celebrate real-life heroes. Throughout this unit, students will read the stories of other heroes, like Doctor Benjamin Rush and Baron von Steuben, whose whose bravery, fearlessness, and strong-will inspired others.
While there will be many mini writing assignments throughout this unit, we will review all the three previous major essays.
Additional Information
At the beginning of each day, there will be “Bell Beginners” that the students will complete in their compositions books.
Manage Grade Book Monday ; Terminology Tuesday; Wordy Wednesday ; Thursday Language Training; Fluency Friday
Additional Resources