Language Arts---Ms. L. LaBarbera---6-1 Team
2009-2010 School year

Welcome to Language Arts !
Here you are in Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. Are you ready for a writing adventure? Welcome aboard! We will explore the traits of writing: Ideas, Voice, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, and Presentation. Students will learn the rubric for excellence. In addition we will cover the Illinois Learning Standards for Sixth Grade Language Arts. This includes grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Through an integrated approach, we will learn the elements of good writing and correct grammar, utilizing a rich and varied vocabulary . Your writing skills will build upon what you have accomplished thus far.
The elements of the Writing Process will be covered: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing . The teacher will model writing techniques, instruct students on correct form, and bring the lessons to increasingly complex projects. Narrative, persuasive, and expository writing will be emphasized. Narrative and persuasive are tested on the ISATs. Creative story writing, poetry, and other forms of writing will be covered.
Materials for this class: Bring at least 2 black/blue pens, spiral notebook, folder, or slot for Language Arts in your accordion folder. Bring your assignment notebook to every class.
Homework will be assigned. Look at this blogspot for regular updates.
How can a parent help his/her student with writing? Encourage the student to proofread his/her work. Check for correct grammar, spelling, vocabulary, tone, punctuation, capitalization, and whether the project follows the direction of the assignment. If a section of the writing contains errors, direct the student to the section and say, " Look at paragraph 3. Check the punctuation again", but do not correct it for him/her. More information to follow.