This 30-week full-curriculum class will cover grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Middle School Language Arts has three separate years: Year A, Year B, and Year C. The curriculum and books used differ each year.

Grammar will be covered using Easy Grammar 6th grade. A test will be given in class at the end of each unit. (Year A is Easy Grammar Plus, Year C is sentence diagramming)

Vocabulary words and assignments will be taken from the book being read. Students will be given new vocabulary words every two weeks, and activities will help them master the words for a quiz. Activities will include matching games, Kahoot, Quizlet, Bingo, Crossword puzzles, and writing sentences. I will provide the worksheets for this; no book will need to be purchased. Tests will be given every two weeks in class.

Topics covered in writing during Year B will be Descriptive, Argumentative, and Narrative. (Year A is Persuasive, Personal Narrative, and Analytical. Year C is Personal Journaling, Expository, and Narrative writing.)

Reading will include 4 (or more, if we have time) of the following books (2 per semester): (A variety of factors, including student input, will determine which books are included.)

• The Call of the Wild by Jack London

• Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry

• The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

• The Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O’Dell

• Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo

• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

• Holes by Louis Sachar

• Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

Reading assignments will be given weekly and then discussed in class. Books can be checked out at the library, listened to, or purchased. I encourage the use of a physical copy of the book for homework and discussion. An in-class book test will be given at the end of each book.

Required materials: (you have the choice of purchasing the books on your own, or I can order them for you – prices are listed under supply fees)

• Easy Grammar 6th Grade Student Workbook

• Easy Grammar 6th Grade Student Test Booklet

• Books from the list above – I will give you 2 weeks’ notice, so you may check out or purchase the next book. (These are not included in either supply fee)

• Access to Schoology – this is where assignments and grades will be posted

Class homework requirements: The average student can expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour each day on homework (~4 days a week).  Students will have all the necessary resources to complete homework mostly on their own after class. Homework will include grammar, vocabulary, and writing assignments, as well as reading assignments. This is a full curriculum

Thursday

Time: 10:45-12:15
Grades: 6-8
Cost: $400
Supply Fee: $50 (if you purchase textbooks on your own), $80 (if I purchase the grammar textbooks for you, includes grammar books, shipping, and tax)
Tutor: Jill Knight