6 th Grade Language Arts/ Social Studies & Study Skills

Ms. Sarah Fitzpatrick

Teacher Bio: This is my second year at Denny Middle School, eighth year teaching in Seattle. I worked for two years as an instructional assistant before earning my teaching certificate. I am very excited about working with the students, staff and community at Denny. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading, writing, drawing, quilting, making books and weaving baskets. I am a lifelong learner and take many classes—some to address professional goals, some just for fun. This year, one of my professional goals is to spend more time writing in and out of class.

State Standards for Language Arts
Reading 1 The student understands different skills and strategies to read.
Reading 2 The student understands the meaning of what is read.
Reading 3 The student reads different materials for a variety of purposes.
Reading 4 The student sets goals and evaluates progress to improve reading.

Writing 1 The student writes clearly and effectively.
Writing 2 The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and
purposes.
Writing 3 The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process.
Writing 4 The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of written work.

Language Arts Course Description


Students will explore reading and writing through the study of genres including poetry, memoir, short stories, novels, essays, research papers and letters. We will read and discuss several novels together as a class. Students will also read, discuss and present books of their choosing through literature circles, reports and projects. Students will maintain a language arts notebook in which to record notes, reflections, quotes and memories related to daily lessons as well as a folder for ongoing Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop projects. Students will work individually, in pairs and in small groups.

State Standards for Social Studies
History 1 The student examines and understands major ideas, eras, themes,
developments, turning points, chronology, and cause-and-effect relationships in the United States, world, and Washington State history.
History 2 The student understands the origin and impact of ideas and technological developments in history.
Geography 1 The student uses maps, charts, and other geographic tools to understand the spatial arrangement of people, places, resources, and environments on Earth’s surface.
Geography 2 The student understands the complex physical and human characteristics of places and regions.
Geography 3 The student observes and analyzes the interaction between people, the environment, and culture.

Civics 2 The student analyzes the purposes and organization of governments and laws.
Civics 4 The student understands the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the principles of democratic civic involvement.
Economics 2 The student understands the essential characteristics of past and present economic systems.
Economics 3 The student understands the role of government and institutions in past and present economic systems.

Social Studies Course Description


Students will learn about the world through the Five Themes of Geography: location, place, relationships, movement and region through a variety of hands-on activities and projects. Through the study of culture, societies, and human accomplishments, students will gain an understanding of their place, both globally and locally, in a diverse world. In the first semester, we will study ancient civilizations including Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome up through the Middle Ages. In the second half of the year, we will embark on a tour of the modern Eastern Hemisphere, including Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. Throughout the course, student will develop their skills in mapping, making timelines, conducting research, outlining, note-taking, essay writing and presentation.

Study Skills Course Description


Students will learn about the process of learning. Additionally, they will learn to incorporate strategies to help them plan, access, record, organize, encode and use information. They will have an opportunity to receive assistance in the planning and completion of assignments for academic classes. The units of study are:
Organizational skills and time management
“Active” study strategies
Self-evaluation and goal setting
Cornell notes
Reading for success (interacting with text)
Writing for success (learning logs, writing process)
Oral presentations
Students must come to class with materials for study. Students who have completed all assignments are expected to have a book to read and practice reading strategies. All grade levels have a four book minimum reading requirement every quarter. Reading is an important and appropriate use of time. Students will work in groups, with a partner or individually. Students will also meet with the teacher to set goals and review progress in their classes.