6

th
Grade Language Arts
Cardinal Shehan School 2014-2015

Teacher: Mr. Kevin Coons Contact: kcoons@cardinalshehanschool.org
http://www.csshistoryclass.weebly.com 410-433-2775 ext. 237

Hebrews 6:18-19 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for
God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

We
have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Area of Study
The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn,
the more places you'll go. ~Dr. Seuss

This Language Arts class is designed to help you improve your communication skills through
reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar exercises. This year you can expect to read a variety of
fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays.

These writing pieces will model the different writing styles we will be working on ourselves.
Writing assignments will include timed responses, journal writing, essays, and creative pieces.
Students will progress through the writing process as they plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish their
own specific types of writing. These writing types include arguments, informative/explanatory
texts and narratives.

Vocabulary, spelling, and grammar assignments will also be an important part of this class
Our primary focus in language arts class will be mastery of different writing styles, demonstration
of the rules of grammar, and the ability to express yourself orally. To allow for the completion of
these skills the Language Arts class will meet for a double period, lasting 90 minutes each day.

Required Materials
Composition or Spiral Notebook for Grammar Journal. Binder/Binder Section with 4
dividers and blank notebook paper
Pens (blue or black ink only for assignments, tests and quizzes)
Flash drive (does not need to be separate from school issued one)

Class Expectations
1. All students must prepared for class with the following items after entering class daily:
A. A pen or pencil and your textbook
B. An open binder ready for note taking and class work
C. Their homework assignment from the previous day
2. All students participate openly in the discussion of the material presented to them
3. All students follow procedures and directions for various individual and group tasks
4. All students give their best effort in all of the work assigned
5. All written assignments must be completed in pen and written in cursive
6. Textbook must be covered and remain covered



Classroom Discipline Plan
The classroom is a place where information is learned and ideas are shared. The success of this
class depends largely upon whether the classroom environment is safe and caring. This simple list
of expectations will guide every student in making responsible choices
about his or her behavior. They are:
1. Follow the procedures of the class 2. Be Productive
3. Be Attentive 4. Be Respectful
5. Be Cooperative

The expectations will be discussed with the students at the beginning of
the class year and will be reinforced throughout the year. Students who are
having difficulty in these areas will be warned and repeat offenses may result in loss of recess time,
writing assignments reinforcing procedures not being followed, demerits being issued, guardian
contact/conference, and/or administrative conference.

Grading
Grades will be based on the following percentages:
Tests/Quizzes/Projects/Papers 60% Classwork 20% Homework 20%

Homework
Homework will be given, when necessary to review concepts or to prepare for the next class on
Monday-Thursday. Occasionally a weekend assignment may be required or this time will be used
to work on projects. Students are required to record their homework assignments in their
planners each day. The teacher will initial the recorded homework assignment. It is the
responsibility of the student to have the assignment recorded when the teacher is ready to
initial. Homework assignments that are not turned in will be completed during recess time.

It is imperative that students stay organized, remain on task, meet deadlines, seek extra help, and
pay attention!!! It is essential to keep up with what is happening in class, as falling behind will make
it difficult for one to catch up and succeed.

Weekly Assignments
There are several assignments that the students will be working on each week. Spelling and
Vocabulary Quizzes will be given on alternating weeks. The due dates for the quizzes will be
posted on the class calendar, homework board and class website. Each day the students will also
have a writing prompt that will be recorded and graded. There will also be a grammar journal
that the students will make entries into during the week.

Novels
Each trimester the students will read 2 novels. Each trimester the students will read a novel
chosen by the school as a class. These novels will be read in class and other times the students will
be assigned readings from the novel for homework. Students are expected to be prepared to
contribute to class discussions and be able to answer questions and complete novel quizzes and
tests. The other novel read each trimester will be chosen by the student and read independently.
For this novel the students will have their choice of project to complete. Project choices,
descriptions and deadlines will be given on a separate handout.