Welcome to Back to School Night! Grade 6 Language Arts Mrs. Kelly Csizmadia Please sign in on the easel at the front of the room.

About the Teacher… Graduate of Fairfield University with B.A. in English (Dual concentration in writing and literature) Masters Degree in Special Education from Fairfield University Certified in both Secondary English and Comprehensive Special Education Thirteenth year teaching at Hillcrest Hillcrest Teacher of the Year

Grade 6 Language Arts – Curriculum Overview Our curriculum is based on the Connecticut State Frameworks, which includes reading, speaking, listening, and writing components. Our focus in grade six is grammar and writing.

Writing Genres Expository & Compare/Contrast Essays Personal Narrative Short Researched Report Poetry Letter to the Editor (Introduction to Persuasive Writing) Journal Writing ______________________________________ Activities will align with the 6 Traits of Writing: Ideas, Organization, Fluency, Voice, Word Choice, and Conventions

Grammar Topics include parts of speech, sentences, clauses, etc. Worksheets are used to reinforce concepts ; grammar rules are at the top of most worksheets. Corrected worksheets should be studied to prepare for quizzes and tests. Check my website for practice links: http//trumbullps.org/hms. - under information and staff directory.

How Instruction is Informed What do we want students to learn? How do we know if they have learned it? What do we do if they have not learned it ?

Differentiation = Opportunities for Remediation & Enrichment REMEDIATION On-going assessment of strengths and weaknesses to form flexible groups Targeted instruction with assistance from Chairperson of Language Arts/Reading, team- teacher, intern, and paraprofessionals Skill Days to continue to address essential language arts skills ENRICHMENT Flexible grouping to challenge those students who have mastered the basic content. Writing opportunities including occasional writing contests. After-school activities such as: literary magazine, (Expressions) school newspaper, Young Authors, etc.

Grading and Homework Grades are a combination of: Quizzes Tests Assignments (including polished writing pieces) Class participation/responsibility/effort Homework is posted on my homework board and my website. No homework = stamp in the agenda pad Parents will be contacted if it becomes a recurring problem

How Parents/Guardians can Help: Provide a quiet, structured time for homework and review of daily notes. Encourage your child to use the agenda pad each night as a to-do list, checking off assignments and planning long-term projects. Check your child’s agenda pad each night for any notes or stamps regarding missing or incomplete work. Familiarize yourself with my website by going to (located under information/staff directory) Daily homework, upcoming assessments, and important announcements will be posted. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s well- being or academic progress. Please include a telephone number in your where I may reach you between 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.. We are in this together!

What I can do to help : Language Arts class issues: Extra help is on THURSDAY afternoons and by appointment. Late buses run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Encourage self-advocacy and responsibility Peer Tutors : Wednesdays afterschool for help with any subject area, or organization of materials. Issues outside of Language Arts class: At Hillcrest, we stand for making everyone physically, mentally, and emotionally safe. If your child has been a target of anything mean, let us know.

Parents, You’ve Made it to Middle School…. Now, let’s work together to make this school year a great one! Thank you for coming