Tyrone Area Middle Tyrone Area Middle SchoolSchool

Sixth GradeSixth Grade

English & Language English & Language ArtsArts

Classroom Classroom ExpectationsExpectations

Being ORGANIZED is the key to Being ORGANIZED is the key to

being Successful!being Successful!

Student will be prepared for Student will be prepared for class with: class with:

student agendastudent agendaa pencila pencilnotebook, subject foldersnotebook, subject folderstextbook, packets, worksheetstextbook, packets, worksheets

Assignments-The student will copy daily

assignments from the board.

Daily link between parents and teachers- The teacher will make notes in the agenda if homework is incomplete or not done. Parents can also write notes to the teacher in the agenda.

Required signatures- Ideally, parents will check

the agenda daily, but a signature is only required at the end of the week.

School policy- Dress code, attendance, discipline, calendars and much more is detailed in the front of the agenda.

The AgendaThe Agenda

CommunicationCommunication The best communication method is by e-mail. The best communication method is by e-mail.

All teacher email addresses are available on All teacher email addresses are available on the TASD home page. the TASD home page. srstonersrstoner@tyrone.k12.pa.us

The Student agenda is a useful communication The Student agenda is a useful communication tool. Written notes can be placed in the tool. Written notes can be placed in the agenda or on paper.agenda or on paper.

Phone messages are also an option. Call the Phone messages are also an option. Call the school at school at 684-4240684-4240 and use the classroom room and use the classroom room number as the extension where you can leave number as the extension where you can leave a message. For emergencies, select operator.a message. For emergencies, select operator.

Please enroll in Sapphire to have Please enroll in Sapphire to have constant access to your child’s constant access to your child’s

assignments and grades. assignments and grades. Please check the Tyrone District Please check the Tyrone District home page and select home page and select Sapphire Sapphire

Access Access to complete the to complete the application.application.

Guided Reading/ELO has three Guided Reading/ELO has three componentscomponents

Guided ReadingGuided Reading•Reading instruction offered on a Reading instruction offered on a student’s instructional level.student’s instructional level.•Novel based instruction with the use of Novel based instruction with the use of articles, poetry, music, and any other articles, poetry, music, and any other written text that supports the focused written text that supports the focused skill.skill.•Students may be moved to different Students may be moved to different groups during the year in order to best groups during the year in order to best address his/her ability level.address his/her ability level.

Word StudyWord Study

Word Study is part of Guided Word Study is part of Guided Reading.Reading.

The emphasis in Word Study is The emphasis in Word Study is learning to identify and spell learning to identify and spell words that have a common rule words that have a common rule or pattern. The focus is on taking or pattern. The focus is on taking the pattern or rule and applying it the pattern or rule and applying it to new words found in written to new words found in written text.text.

ELOELOExtended Learning Extended Learning

OpportunitiesOpportunitiesELO focuses on addressing those specific ELO focuses on addressing those specific

skills each student needs to acquire or skills each student needs to acquire or improve in order to make the maximum improve in order to make the maximum advances in reading.advances in reading.

The skills addressed are the Eligible The skills addressed are the Eligible Content that appears on the PSSA test as Content that appears on the PSSA test as well as in District assessments.well as in District assessments.

ELO skills are taught in conjunction with ELO skills are taught in conjunction with the novel and through independent the novel and through independent activities.activities.

WritingWritingThe writing curriculum is a The writing curriculum is a combination of formal combination of formal writing instruction writing instruction (Collins), grammar, and (Collins), grammar, and language skills. language skills.

What Does the Collins What Does the Collins Writing Program Do?Writing Program Do?

It gives:It gives: Frequent, informal writing opportunities to Frequent, informal writing opportunities to

think, explore, and observe.think, explore, and observe. Frequent writing in all content areas.Frequent writing in all content areas. Opportunities to write in a variety of Opportunities to write in a variety of

formats.formats. A focus and consistent feedback.A focus and consistent feedback. Contextual teaching of writing skillsContextual teaching of writing skills..

FCAs help students: Students better understand both expectations and evaluation.

FCAs: Focus instruction and teacher feedback. Examples of FCAs: *Strong Conclusion *Vivid Verbs

*Correct Spelling- especially of common words (your, you’re)*Complete Sentences

FCAs- Focus Correction Areas

The Five Types of WritingType One: Capture IdeasWriting that occurs frequently. Short, ungraded responses. Points awarded based on student meeting the criteria. Example: On the topic we discussed yesterday, fill 4 lines or more about the ideas you understood best. Worth 5 pts. One draft.

Type Two: Respond Correctly Writing that makes a point- has correct answers or content. Often used as a quiz. Ex: Give a 5 to 10 line summary of last night’s reading. Include 2 or 3 main ideas. 10 pts. One draft.

The Five Types of Writing: cont.Type Three: Edit for FCAsSubstantive content with 3 FCA’s. Writers create a draft, read it out loud, review, revise, and edit. 50 – 100 pts. One draft.

Type Four: Peer Edit for FCAsWriting that follows all Type Three Writing requirements and has been read aloud and critiqued by another. 50- 100 pts. Two drafts.

Type Five: PublishWriting that is publishable, that can go outside the classroom. Major assignment. 100 or 100+ pts. Multiple drafts.