Humanities 6

Ms. Kathy Saxon

This is my tenth year teaching at Denny, and my eleventh year over all. I really enjoy Middle School and each year has been more successful than the last. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington, and a Master’s in Teaching from Whitworth College. One of my favorite things to do is read, and a couple of my favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and Sense and Sensibility; but I’m always up for a great historical novel or mystery as well.

Standards Taught in Class
Reading - 1: The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read. 2: The student understands the meaning of what is read. 3: The student reads different materials for a variety of purposes. 4: The student sets goals and evaluates progress to improve reading.
Writing – 1: The student writes clearly and effectively. 2: The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes. 3: The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process; the student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of written work.
Communication – 1: The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding. 2: The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively. 3: The student uses communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others.
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. 2: The student observes and analyzes the interaction between people, the environment, and culture.
History – 1: The student examines and understands major ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points, chronology, and cause-effect relationships in United States, world, and Washington State history. 2: The student understands the origin and impact of ideas and technological developments on history.

Course Description
· As a result of taking this class, students will be able to:
o Write a five paragraph essay using the six traits of writing.
o Independently use strategies when reading (such as previewing, substituting a word, and making connections).
o Present a research report orally to peers.
o Choose and read books that are interesting to them and at their reading level.
o Participate actively in group work such as “reciprocal teaching”, a method similar to Socratic discussion.
o Understand the difference between democracy and other forms of government.
o Make connections between the events of the past and life in our present day.
o Develop appreciation for those of other backgrounds and cultures.
o Feel compassionate toward those around the world who are less fortunate; desire equity and justice for all.

· Assessments: a variety of assessments will be used throughout the year. We will pre- and post-test general reading levels using the Gates-MacGinitie in September and June. Other formal assessments will be the 6th grade WASL and unit/vocabulary/spelling tests. Informally, assessment will happen daily as I do constant checks to see that students understand the materials/strategies and are ready to move on.

· Multicultural Materials: The multicultural materials used in class are not only ethnically diverse, but allow us to utilize a variety of learning styles as well. We read, write, discuss, use art and drama, and work individually and in groups. Our literature anthology includes work from many different authors from many backgrounds; our social studies text is supplemented with current magazine, newspaper, and web articles. We are always looking for new, inclusive materials that will reach our students.