The 2020-2021 will offer new and unique challenges as well as opportunities in education. However, we are all learning and navigating this new landscape together. I will work as hard as possible to ensure that every one of my students gets the education and experiences that they require this year. Even though it may look a bit different, education and learning will be happening.  

For the past five years, I have worked within the school system. I am excited to begin my fourth year as a 6th grade ELA teacher, and my third year at Meridian Middle School.  I can't think of a better place for me as a teacher.  This is my favorite age group to teach and I am looking forward to making learning fun in the coming year; however that may look.  

In 2006, I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree; and, in 2013, I graduated from Gonzaga University with a Master of Arts in Leadership. 

Currently, I live in Meridian with my husband and two daughters. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, bowling, photography and enjoying all that Idaho has to offer! 

6th ELA Syllabus

Course Descriptions

Lit and Strategies: This course focuses on reading strategies and comprehension skills. Students will read from various genres.

Writing and Composition: This course focuses on the writing process, modes of writing, writing traits, and language usage.

Grading Categories and Weight

Classwork: 40%

Assessments: 50%

EOC (End of Course Exam): 10%

Power Standards (what students will learn)

Quarter 1

Lit and Strategies:

RL.RI.6.1 I can cite textual evidence to support the analysis of a text.

RI.6.2 I can:
• determine a central idea from a text.
• identify details that support central idea.
• summarize the text objectively.

Writing Composition:

W.6.2 I can:
• write informative/explanatory texts.
• organize ideas using text structures.
• organize ideas using different text features.
• develop the topic using facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
• use transitional words, phrases, and clauses to show relationships among ideas.
• use topic specific vocabulary to inform and explain the topic.
• maintain a formal writing style.
• develop an appropriate and formal conclusion.

W.6.8 I can:
• Gather information from multiple sources and assess the credibility of each source.
• Use my gathered information to answer a question.
• Quote and paraphrase information without plagiarizing.

L.6.1-L.6.2 I Can:
• Spell, capitalize, punctuate, and use proper word forms.
• Use pronouns in their proper cases.
• Use pronouns to add emphasis and maintain subject-verb agreement.
• Use pronouns that match in number and person.
• Use specific pronouns to eliminate vague language.
• Edit my own work, and the work of others for errors.

L.6.4.a I can use context clues and parts of speech to determine the meaning of a word or phrase. 

L.6.4.b I can use word parts to determine the meaning of a word. 
 

Quarter 2

Lit and Strategies:

RL.RI.6.1 I can:
• Cite textual evidence to support the analysis of a text. 
• Identify and interpret connotative meaning in a text to determine what is being communicated

RI.6.8 I can:
• evaluate the claims in an argument.  
• evaluate the evidence and reasoning used to support a claim.
• identify valid evidence and reasoning.  

Writing Composition:

W.6.1 I can:  
• state a claim and cite evidence to support my argument.  
• use credible sources to determine relevant evidence and develop reasons to elaborate ideas.  
• use transitional words, phrases, and clauses to connect my claims and reasoning.  
• use precise language and specific vocabulary to support my argument.  
• establish and maintain a formal style.
• develop an appropriate and formal conclusion.  

W.6.8: I can:  
• Gather information from multiple sources and assess the credibility of each source.  
• Use my gathered information to answer a question.  
• Quote and paraphrase information without plagiarizing 

 L.6.5.c I can tell the difference between the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions). 

Quarter 3

Lit and Strategies:

RL.6.1 I can:  
• determine the difference between explicit language and inferential language.  
• cite textual evidence to support inferences. 

 RL.6.2 I can:  
• determine the theme or central idea of a text.  
• cite the details that demonstrate the theme or central idea.  

RL.6.3 I can:  
• identify the elements of plot in a story.  
• track the changes of a character throughout the story.  
• identify the main events in a story that advance the plot.  

RL.6.4 I can:  
• identify figurative language in a literary text.  
• interpret figurative language in a literary text to determine what an author is communicating. 

RL.6.6 I can:
• Explain how an author develops a point of view of a narrator or speaker in a text. 
• Show that the point of view supports the author’s purpose 

Writing Composition:

W.6.3 I can write a narrative that:
• Engages the reader by carefully structuring a plot. 
• Moves the plot forward by establishing exposition, conflict/inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. 
• Uses narrative techniques such as effective dialogue, descriptive and sensory language, and appropriate sequencing of events. 
• Uses transitional words, phrases, and clauses to move between time frames and settings. 
• Develops an appropriate conclusion that resolves the story.  

L.6.5 I can:  
• interpret figurative language in context.  
• better understand the meaning of words by examining their relationship to one another.  

Quarter 4

Lit and Strategies:

RL.RI.6.10 I can read and understand grade-level text independently. 

Review of all Reading standards for the ISAT tests and EOC (end of course exam).

Writing Composition:

W.6.10 I can organize my writing to fit many diverse tasks, audiences, and, purposes.  

Review of all Writing and Language standards for the ISAT tests and EOC (end of course exam).