2018-2019 6th Grade Reading Syllabus

Course Information
Course Title: 6th Grade Reading

Course Dates: August 27, 2018 through May 31, 2019

● 1st 9 Weeks: August 27, 2018 through October 26, 2018 1st Report Card: November 2, 2018
● 2nd 9 Weeks: October 29, 2018 through December 20, 2018 2nd Report Card: January 11, 2019
● 3rd 9 Weeks: January 7, 2019 through March 8, 2019 3rd Report Card: March 22, 2019
● 4th 9 Weeks: March 18, 2019 through May 31, 2019 Final Report Card: May 31, 2019

Instructor:

Mrs. Harnish
kathryn.harnish@houstonisd.org
Room: A-123

Course Description/Overview: This course will focus on enhancing reading skills through analysis
of various genres. Students will explore challenges from multiple perspectives—personally, locally,
and globally. Students will also focus on analysis of figurative language and character traits, while
reading and evaluating elements of both fiction and nonfiction texts. Lastly, students’ speaking,
listening, and performance skills are enhanced with opportunities for both formal and informal
presentations and collaboration.

Course Outline and Goals:

Unit 1: Foundations of Reading

Focus areas: How to be successful in reading class, choosing the right book for you, making
connections with texts, make predictions while reading, analyzing characterization, and
recognizing plot points.

Unit 2: Adversity: Reading Nonfiction

Focus areas: Main idea and supporting details, summary, nonfiction text features, and
patterns of organizing nonfiction writing.

Unit 3: Community: Reading Fiction

Focus areas: Identifying conflict, point of view, characterization, theme, summary, and
figurative language.

Unit 4: Heroism: Poetry and Mythology

Focus areas: Analyzing style in poems, writing poetry, learning about the heroic character
trope, familiarizing readers with Greek Mythology

Unit 5: Transformation: Persuasive Texts

Focus areas: Analyzing advertisements, understanding ethos/pathos/logos, learning about
logical fallacies.

Sharpstown International School 6-12 | 8330 Triola Lane | Houston, Texas 77036
Mr. Bryan Bordelon, Principal
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Instructional Methods: This course will be taught using a variety of instructional methods
including, but not limited to guided independent reading, whole-class reading, technology, lecture,
class discussion, small group work, and project creation.

Textbooks/Resources: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, I am Malala: The Young Readers Edition by
Malala Yousafzai, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Supplies:
● 1 Composition Notebooks (NOT a spiral notebook)
● 1 Pocket folder
● 1 box of pens (black or blue)
● 1 box of pencils (may want extra erasers)
● Highlighters [any color(s)]
● Post-It Notes
● Notebook paper
● Flash drive
● Earbuds
● Please bring at least one of the following:
o Kleenex
o Hand sanitizer
o Disinfectant wipes

Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
75-79 C
70-74 D
69-0 F

Failing Grades:
Any student who receives below a 70% on an assignment will have the chance to make up the grade.
It is up to the student to see the teacher and ask for a make up assignment within one week of
receiving the failing grade. The make up assignment may not be the same as the original and will
need to be completed either during Tuesday Tutorials after school or during a time decided on
between the teacher and the student.

Grading Policy:
10% - Homework/Participation
50% -Formative Assessments/quizzes
40% Major Projects/Summative Assessments

Late Work/Missed Assignments due to absences:

Late work due to being absent is due 6 days after due date. It is the student’s responsibility to gather
the assignments/notes/etc. when they are absent.

Assignments will be accepted late with -5% penalty per class day late (for example, if you have
reading on A Days, you will receive -5% per A Day late). Assignments will not be accepted if they are
more than 3 weeks late.

Sharpstown International School 6-12 | 8330 Triola Lane | Houston, Texas 77036
Mr. Bryan Bordelon, Principal
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Homework: All students are expected to complete at least 30 minutes of independent reading, at
home, every evening for homework. Along with this reading, they will complete the “Independent
Reading” questions in their Literacy Notebook. Additional homework will be given based on the
lesson of the day.

Rules and Consequences:

Students are expected to be respectful of their peers, the staff and school property. Students are
expected to be in school dress code daily (International polo style red shirts with school logo and
khaki bottoms). Students are expected to be in class on time and prepared with all materials
necessary for class, which will include composition notebooks, pens/pencils, class novel and/or
independent reading novel, homework, and any other materials requested by the teacher. Students
are expected to follow the procedures and expectations posted in the classroom.

Failure to comply with these or any other school rules will result in the following consequences:
1. Redirect/Verbal Warning
2. Refocus
3. Change Seats
4. Parent Phone Call
5. Parent/Teacher Conference
6. Office Referral*

*After the students receives an office referral, every related offence thereafter will be an office
referral

Sharpstown International School 6-12 | 8330 Triola Lane | Houston, Texas 77036
Mr. Bryan Bordelon, Principal
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