6th Grade ELA Curriculum
The sixth grade will be using the Pearson Literature and Pearson Realize as its source materials. We are working closely with the Science and Social Studies teachers in order to improve Reading skills across the curriculum. Our units will include various types of literature consisting of Short Stories, Informational Text and Poetry. Each unit has an essential question that will be relevant throughout each text and will help keep students focused on using Higher Order Thinking Skills. Our day, while flexible includes components of Comprehensive Balanced Literacy. Students will practice critical thinking and writing by responding to various texts. We will also focus on the writing process with one type of essay in each unit of study. The writing focus will cover response, narrative, argumentative, compare/contrast and research writing.
Because independent reading is such an important part of reading growth and success, I am asking that you make sure that your child is reading 60 minutes per night. Also, please ask questions to your child that require thinking about the text such as “Why do you think….” Or “What do you think….” Encourage your child to support their answers with proof or support from the text.
| Unit | Lit. Type/ Essential Question | Major Skills |
| Intro | Review and Reinforcement | -Understanding General Academic Vocabulary
-Writing an Objective Summary -Comprehending Complex Texts -Asking Questions -Conducting Research |
| Unit 1 | Short Stories/ Is Conflict Always Bad? | -Making Predictions
– Plot – Draw Conclusions -Theme -Foreshadowing and Flashback -Setting – Author’s Purpose – Tone -Narrative Essays |
| Unit 2 | Informational Text/ What is Important to Know? | -Nonfiction
– Fact and Opinion – Tone – Main Idea – Author’s Influences – Using Text Aids and Features – Author’s Viewpoint – Narrative Time Shift -Compare and Contrast Essays |
| Unit 3 | Poetry/ Do We Need Words to Communicate Well? | -Poetry
– Figurative Language – Imagery – Simile – Symbols – Central Idea – Author’s Purpose -Argumentative Essays |
| Unit 4 | Drama/ How Do We Decide Who We Are? | -Key Ideas and Details
-Forms of Drama -Analyzing Dramatic Events -Drawing Conclusions -Point of View -Theme -Humor -Informative Essays
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| Unit 5 | Folk Literature/How much do our communities Shape us? | -Key ideas and details
-Fables and Folk Tales -Comparing Element of Fantasy -Myths -Cause and Effect -Explanatory Essays -Latin Roots |