BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE

**This syllabus is subject to change**

Course Name:

Reading Literature

Grade:

6

1.)

Course Description:

Reading literature in Grade 6 will help students develop reading, writing, and listening skills with

thematic units in order to better develop a deeper understanding of human nature, oneself, and others.

Vocabulary will be studied in context of the reading.  Students will be required to develop written oral

communication skills through essay writing and class presentation.

2.)

Learning Standards:

1.1

Learning to Read Independently

1.2

Reading Critically in all Content Areas

1.3

Reading, Analyzing, & Interpreting Literature

3.)

Student Objectives:

1.1.5     Learning to Read Independently

v

[Before Reading] [e] Establish the purpose for reading a type of text (literature, information)

before reading.

v

Select texts for a particular purpose using the format of the text as a guide.

v

[During Reading] [u] Use knowledge of phonics, syllabications, prefixes, suffixes, the

dictionary or context clues to decode and understand new words during reading.  Use

these words accurately in writing and speaking.

v

Identify the basic ideas and facts in text using strategies [such as] (e.g., prior knowledge,

illustrations and headings) and information from other sources to make predictions about

text.

v

Acquire reading vocabulary by correctly identifying and using words [related as] (e.g.,

synonyms, homophones and homographs, and words with roots, suffixes, and/or

prefixes).  Use a dictionary or related reference.

v

Identify, understand the meaning of, and correctly key vocabulary from various subject

areas.

v

[After Reading] [d] Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both

fiction and nonfiction text.

v

Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading.

1.1.8     Learning to Read Independently

v

[Before Reading] [l] Locate appropriate texts (literature, information, documents) for an

assigned purpose before reading.

v

Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to comprehend

information.

v

[During Reading] [u] Use knowledge of root words as well as context clues and glossaries

to understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading.  Use these

words accurately in speaking and writing.

v

Identify basic facts and ideas in text using specific strategies [such as] (e.g., recall genre

characteristics, set a purpose for reading, generate essential questions as aids to

comprehension and clarify understanding through rereading and discussion).

v

Expand a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using idioms and words with

literal and figurative meanings.  Use a dictionary or related reference.

v

Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the various subject areas.

v

[After Reading] [d] Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both

fiction and nonfiction text, including public documents.

v

Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading.

1.2.5     Reading Critically in All Content Areas

v

Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all

academic areas.

v

Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced.

v

Produce work in at least one literary genre that follow the conventions of the genre.

1.2.8     Reading Critically in All Content Areas

v

Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all

academic areas.

v

Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced.

v

Produce work in at least one literary genre that follow the conventions of the genre.

1.3.5     Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature

v

Read and understand works of literature.

v

Compare the use of literary elements within and among texts[,] including characters,

setting, plot, theme[,] and point of view.

v

Describe how the author use literary devices to convey meaning.

v

Identify and respond to the effects of sound and structure in poetry (e.g., alliteration,

rhyme, verse form).

v

Analyze drama as information source, entertainment, persuasion, or transmitter of

culture.

v

Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction[,] including poetry and drama.

1.3.8     Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Literature

v

Read and understand works of literature.

v

Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization, setting, plot,

theme, point of view, tone[,] and style.

v

Analyze the effect of various literary devices.

v

Identify poetic forms (e.g., ballad, sonnet, couplet).

v

Analyze drama to determine the reasons for a character's actions[,] taking into account

the situation and basic motivation of the character.

v

Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction[,] including poetry and drama.

4.)

Course Text:

v  Literature and Intergraded Studies, 1997 Grade 6, Units 1-6

v  Scott Foreman's Home Page http:/www.scottforesman.com

5.)

Major Units or Themes:  (Include the following)

Unit I      Change

a.  Growing pains

b.  Making adjustments

Unit II     Challenges

a.  The race is on

b.  Incredible journeys

Unit III     Relationships

a.  Keeping traditions

b.  What really matters

Unit IV     Environment

a.  Appreciating your world

b.  Protecting your world

Unit V     Justice

a.  Facing prejudice

b.  What's fair, What's not

Unit VI     Conflicts and Resolutions

a.  Facing problems head on

b.  Finding solutions

6.)

Teaching Methods:

The instructor will employ a variety of teaching methods that will include:

v     Lecture/Discussion

v     Cooperative Learning

v     Demonstration

v     Experimental/Inquiry Learning

v     Simulation

v     Guided Practice

v     Role Play

7.)

Assessment:

v     Tests/Quizzes

v     Homework

v     Essays

v     Oral Presentation

v     Participation in Large and Small Group Discussion

v     Reading Responses

v     Student Projects

v     Creative Writing

v     Journals/Notebooks