Mrs. Miller 5A

Teacher:        Mrs. Amanda Cleveland-Miller
Email:             amiller@sjvs.net
Subject(s):     Language Arts
                      ( Grammar, Reading, Vocabulary, Writing, Library, and Handwriting )  




WELCOME  !

Fifth and Sixth Grade are BUSY !  

Both Fifth Grade and Sixth Grade are sharpening their Grammar skills with Daily Language Review practices. Fifth Grade is working with Nouns and Sixth is reviewing Verbs.

Fifth Grade is currently preparing to read their first novel, Because of Winn-Dixie, and will focus on the character development of Opal in their Literature Circles.
Sixth Graders are focusing on improving reading comprehension of non-fiction and informational text.

The English Language Arts course is designed as a gateway to Seventh and Eighth Grade and ultimatey to High School, College and career readiness.  

Critical reading, writing for a variety of audiences and purposes, listening and following directions, and foundational language skills are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

During the year students read works of literature, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as practices with informational text and non-print text.  Fifth Grade novel study has included Chasing Vermeer, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Because of Winn-Dixie.  Sixth Grade novel studies have included Tuck Everlasting, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, and Number the Stars.  During novel study students participate in cooperative strategic reading in small groups.  In addition, students are expected to read independently 20 minutes five days per week.  Independent reading and incomplete class work are students' primary homework.

Students focus on proper conventions of written English, sentence complexity, and vocabulary development.  Student writings includes journals, narratives, expository paragraphs, poetry, essays, and short research pieces.  

TEXTS:
Sadlier Level BLUE Grammar WorkShop
Sadlier Grammar for Writing (for Sixth Grade)
Sadlier Level BLUE Vocabulary WorkShop
Sadlier Level A Vocabulary WorkShop
McGraw-Hill supplemental Grammar practices
Evan-Moor supplemental practice in subject areas of Reading, Writing, and Handwriting

ASSESSMENTS:
Benchmark quizzes, formal and informal classroom assessments, projects, unit tests, and MAP assessments (Fall, Winter, and Spring).

** Grade-level standards mastered in English Language Arts are differentiated for rate, depth, and breadth to meet the academic needs of each student.

I am looking forward to our journey together !