Colebrook Consolidated School

Mrs. Ellison's Sixth Grade

                                           Language Arts Program

 In sixth grade we are implementing both reading and writing workshop.  This approach to  language arts provides students opportunities to work as a whole group as well as provides instruction for each individual student.

Reading workshop begins each day with a read aloud.  The teacher reads many books throughout the year, covering a wide range of genres, authors, and styles.  The teacher uses this read aloud to instruct the students.  The lessons include direct instruction and modeling.  Students then do self-selected independent reading.  During their independent reading, the students practice the skills taught in the lesson.  Also, during this independent reading time the teacher conferences with the students on their particular reading material, assesses the students' needs, and provides the student with reading instruction specific to his or her needs.

Writing workshop runs in a similar manner.  Students are exposed to a variety of genres, including personal essay, feature articles with research, and science fiction.  In each area of study students are taught the elements of the genre, specific revision strategies, and traditional editing skills.  Students work on their own writing.  All topics are self-selected, although they must fit within the genre being studied.  Students are asked to try the strategies or skills taught in the lesson, and then students receive specific individualized lessons through conferences.  Students are held accountable for both the class lessons and the instruction within the conference. 

This balance of whole class instruction with individual instruction allows us to teach the skills outlined in the state frameworks as well as take each student and move him or her forward at an appropriate pace.

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