Honors ELA6 Learning Coach Guide

Welcome Letter

Dear Learning Coach, 

Thank you for partnering with CCA and investing in your learner’s education. This Learning Coach Guide is intended to help you support your learner in their Honors English Language Arts 6 (Honors ELA 6) course. 

Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please take time to read and review this information so you understand how to help your learner interact with all the course’s elements. 

The Learning Coach Guide also includes information about each of the units in this course. On each page of unit information, you will discover the following.  

• The Unit Overview will tell you what the focus, content, and skills of the unit will be.  
• The Unit Assessment section is a place for you and your learner to preview the graded work in the course. At the start of each unit, work with your learner to look at the unit in edio and find out which types of graded work are in this unit. Write them in the box and use it as a checklist. You can check off each one as your learner completes it. 
• The Unit Materials section tells you the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in this unit. You will also find the materials list repeated within each lesson so that your learner has exactly what they need at the right time. 
• The Unit Discussion Questions are optional questions that you may want to ask your learner during the unit to increase home and school connections about what your learner is studying.   
• In the Unit Notables section, you may find optional activities, literature connections, career connections, technology tips, ideas to help your learner if they get stuck, or safety tips.

CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year! 

Supporting Your Learner

Your role as a Learning Coach is very important. Here are a few ways you can help your learner do their very best in the course.

• Help your learner know what time guided or live class instruction is scheduled for, and prompt them to attend sessions or watch recordings.
• Remember, it is okay for your learner to get stuck. Learning new material takes time. Encourage them to take breaks, keep trying, and even ask the teacher for help.
• Help your learner navigate technology. That may mean helping them type information or upload work into edio.
• Always encourage your learner to do their very best.
• Review the course syllabus for your learner’s course.
• Maintain communication with your learner’s teacher.

Part B
Course Information

Course Goals

In Honors ELA 6, your learner will use the foundations they learned in ELA 5 or Honors ELA 5, to grow their reading and writing skills. By the end of the year, your learner will be able to:

• read critically, using various reading skills to understand, analyze, and evaluate literary and nonfiction works;
• draw inferences, using evidence from the text;
• determine theme and main ideas, and recognize effective elements of arguments;
• describe the use and purposes of specific literary elements;
• identify the relationship of structure to meaning;
• use writing skills to communicate ideas and information purposefully and clearly through multiple forms of expression;
• determine the appropriate mode and structure for writing, according to purpose;
• demonstrate a sound understanding of mechanics, grammar, syntax, and style;
• use a variety of vocabulary skills needed to increase vocabulary and reading ability;
• apply language skills in word analysis;
• recognize and interpret context clues;
• understand and use various resources;
• demonstrate listening, speaking, and media skills needed to understand, analyze, evaluate, and effectively present ideas to others;
• improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that can be broadly transferred to other disciplines; and,
• apply literary concepts across multiple disciplines, such as social studies, world languages, STEM subjects, and others.

Course Format

Lesson Components:

Each day, your learner will spend 65 minutes completing an ELA lesson in edio. Then, your learner will complete 15 minutes of On Your Own reading practice. Some days may take less time, while other days may take a little more time. The lesson does not need to be completed in one sitting. Encourage your learner to take short breaks as they need.

This section will help you understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio.

General Lesson Bundling:  

Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day.

• Getting Started Lesson: There is one Getting Started lesson in this course. It can be found on Day 1 of Unit 1. This lesson includes important information about the course and contact information for their teacher.
• Unit Overview: Each unit will include a unit overview. This describes what your learner will learn in the unit and how many assessments the unit will have.
• Prep for Success: At the beginning of each unit, your learner will find a Prep for Success. This component offers learners tips to be successful in the course, such as study tips, important software information, safety reminders, and more.
• Knowledge Check: There will be one Knowledge Check in each unit. The Knowledge Check is designed to check prior learning and understanding of key skills and concepts that will be taught in the unit. The Knowledge Check is not a graded assessment.

ELA Lesson Bundling:  

In Honors ELA 6, learners will have four lesson bundles on most days unless an assignment, quiz, or test occurs. The following list breaks down each section.

• Language Skills: At the beginning of the lesson, learners will explore language skills, often studying common word parts and applying their meanings to expand their vocabulary. 
• Reading: During the reading portion of the lesson, learners explore fiction and nonfiction texts and work on comprehension strategies.  
• Writing: Learners will transfer the structures and language they see in reading to their writing. They will complete practice short-form and long-form writing in narrative, informational, and argumentative writing modes. 
• On Your Own: Learners will complete reading practice activities. 

Lesson Structure:

Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner.

• Lesson Overview: At the beginning of every lesson, your learner will see the Lesson Overview. This section contains lesson objectives, lesson vocabulary, materials your learner will need for the lesson, and the suggested lesson length.
• Engage: The first section of the lesson is Engage. In this section, learners will be introduced to the lesson by making a connection to past and present knowledge and will get ready for the lesson’s instruction.
• Discover: New content and instruction are presented in the Discover section. Your learner will interact with the lesson content through defined vocabulary terms, videos, audio, and Pause and Think activities. Typically, your learner will be able to practice and answer questions as they work through the lesson.
• Show: Learners will demonstrate what they have learned in the lesson through a series of practice questions and activities.
• Wrap Up: This section recaps the day’s objectives and prepares learners for a future lesson or assessment.

Assessments:

The course includes assignments and projects. These graded assignments allow your learner to show what they have learned and apply their new skills. All CCA assignments and projects include these components.

• Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will see the Assessment Overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, the length of the assessment, and directions for completion.
• Plan: In the Plan section, learners will be introduced to the assignment or project. Learners may be provided with a review of content from the previous lessons, strategies for completing the activity, graphic organizers, and grading rubrics.
• Do: Learners put their plan into action and work to complete the assignment or project successfully. This section also provides the grading expectations and/or rubric the teacher will use to grade the work.
• Reflect: In Reflect, learners will think back to the work they completed. They will reflect upon the experience and analyze how well they completed the task. These moments of reflection are important and allow learners to think about their learning and their work habits.

In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes, tests, and exams.

• Quiz Review: Before a quiz, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in a quiz.
• Quiz: Learners will complete quizzes in each unit. There are two types of quizzes in the course: Word Work Quizzes and Grammar Quizzes.
• Test Review: Before a test, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in the test.
• Test: ELA Skills Tests occur in the middle or at the end of a unit. In ELA Skills Tests, learners approach a new text to apply the skills learned in the unit.

Course Features

This course includes and uses unique features such as:

Honors ELA 6 Notebook: Learners are prompted to use their notebooks almost every day. The notebook includes hard-copy versions of every short text (besides test material). Along with the texts, the notebook also has a Notes and Brainstorming section, as well as a Language Skills section. In edio, learners will see the following icons as a signal to go to the correct section of the notebook.

This icon represents the Notes & Brainstorming section. (Getty Images)

This icon represents the Language Skills section. (Getty Images)

Language Skills: In most lessons, learners will study word parts.

There are four “cycles” of word parts lessons throughout the year, and each cycle lasts about 16 days. This pattern is repeated for each type of word part (prefixes, suffixes, roots) and ends with practice activities that connect them.

Within a cycle, each word part type completes a pattern:

• Lesson 1: Learn the definitions of the word parts, match them to their definitions, and identify the meaning of word parts within larger words.
• Lesson 2: Review the word part definitions and determine the meaning of new words based on their parts. Then, sort words based on their parts, practice pronouncing them, and use new words in sentences.
• Lesson 3: Determine the meaning of multisyllabic words based on their parts. Then, write sentences using select words appropriately.
• Lesson 4: Determine the meaning of multisyllabic words based on their parts and create sentences including those new words.

Quizzes: Learners will complete quizzes in each unit. There are two types of quizzes in the course: Language Skills Quizzes and Grammar Quizzes. Quizzes are mostly auto-scored, and some contain a short text response.

Tests: In ELA Skills Tests, learners approach a new text (“cold read”) to apply the skills learned in the unit. For example, if the unit involves the skills of making inferences and analyzing characterization, the test will present learnerswith a short excerpt of an unfamiliar text and a few questions to assess those skills.

• Note: On Test Review and Skills Test days, there are only two bundles: the ELA Skills Test (Review) and On Your Own.

Sustained Writing: To build writing fluency, learnerswill respond to short prompts throughout each unit. Sustained writing prompts occur in Honors ELA 6 around every five to six lessons. Learners are instructed to set a timer, choose a prompt, and write for 10 minutes to build stamina. This activity is not assessed in terms of grammar or conventions. It is meant to encourage learnerwriting and expression.

Writing Projects: Learners will complete graded writing projects once per unit. These assignments start mid-unit, which allows learnersto complete the task in smaller chunks. Meanwhile, writing skills instruction is included to support learnerseach step of the way. At the end of each unit, learnersare given time to revise and edit before submission.

Literature Circles: Learnerswill receive several novels in their Honors ELA 6 Curriculum Kit, and they will choose one novel to read during the Literature Circle unit. Learners will be responsible for reading on their own, completing related assignments, and discussing their book with the class during Guided Lessons and/or in discussion boards.

edioReader: Learners will have access to digital versions of each text used in the Honors ELA program. This is through a platform called edioReader. Learners can even bookmark, highlight, and annotate within the digital text. For a brief video tutorial, see the Prep for Success bundle in Unit 1.

Passion Project: For this assignment, learnerswill choose tasks based on their interests. Learners will be given project suggestions, and they can communicate with their teacher to develop a task that is right for them. Some examples of project tasks include independent reading, short story writing, nonfiction research, and illustration, just to name a few. The goals of the Passion Project are to engage learners, practice ELA skills, share interests with the learning community, and reflect on the project process as a whole.

Part C
Unit Information

Does Kindness Matter?

Unit Overview

In today’s hypercritical world, it is increasingly important for your learner to learn how to treat themselves and others with kindness.

This unit explores kindness and how learners might show kindness to themselves and others. The inquiry question is: Does kindness matter?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• Why is kindness important?
• What is your definition of kindness?
• Do you like being kind? Why or why not?

Unit Notables

To help answer the inquiry question, your learner will study nonfiction texts, poems, videos, and short stories. Additionally, they will practice argumentative writing skills as they complete a project defending an opinion about the most effective way to demonstrate kindness.

Kit Materials

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In today’s hypercritical world, it is increasingly important for your learner to learn how to treat themselves and others with kindness.

This unit explores kindness and how learners might show kindness to themselves and others. The inquiry question is: Does kindness matter?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• Why is kindness important?
• What is your definition of kindness?
• Do you like being kind? Why or why not?

Unit Notables

To help answer the inquiry question, your learner will study nonfiction texts, poems, videos, and short stories. Additionally, they will practice argumentative writing skills as they complete a project defending an opinion about the most effective way to demonstrate kindness.

Kit Materials

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

What Makes Me Who I Am?

Unit Overview

As your learner grows, their sense of self evolves, sometimes on a day-to-day basis!

This unit centers around the question of “What makes me who I am?” and involves a great deal of self-reflection. Learners explore a variety of texts, along with a novel, each of which is focused on growth.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• Why is knowing who you are and are becoming important?
• How does knowing who you are help you relate better to people around you?
• What is the most interesting thing about you, according to you?

Unit Notables

Your learner will read texts like A Mango-Shaped Space and selected poetry that model journeys of self-discovery. Their primary assessment will be a personal narrative.

Kit Materials

A Mango-Shaped Space

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

As your learner grows, their sense of self evolves, sometimes on a day-to-day basis!

This unit centers around the question of “What makes me who I am?” and involves a great deal of self-reflection. Learners explore a variety of texts, along with a novel, each of which is focused on growth.

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• Why is knowing who you are and are becoming important?
• How does knowing who you are help you relate better to people around you?
• What is the most interesting thing about you, according to you?

Unit Notables

Your learner will read texts like A Mango-Shaped Space and selected poetry that model journeys of self-discovery. Their primary assessment will be a personal narrative.

Kit Materials

A Mango-Shaped Space

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

Literature Circles

In What Ways Does Technology Affect My Life?

How Can People and Animals Relate to Each Other?

Unit Overview

In this unit, your learner will understand how humans share the world with the countless creatures that roam it. They will think about how people and animals relate with each other and complete a research project on that topic. This unit addresses the question: How can people and animals relate to each other?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• What was the most surprising piece of information you learned about animal communication?
• Have you learned anything interesting from your research?
• How are you feeling about the research?

Unit Notables

Your learner will have the opportunity to read about why and how animals communicate with each other and humans. They will also study and analyze poetry related to animals. They will create a research project based on one of several options about relationships among animals and human beings.

Kit Materials

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

In this unit, your learner will understand how humans share the world with the countless creatures that roam it. They will think about how people and animals relate with each other and complete a research project on that topic. This unit addresses the question: How can people and animals relate to each other?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• What was the most surprising piece of information you learned about animal communication?
• Have you learned anything interesting from your research?
• How are you feeling about the research?

Unit Notables

Your learner will have the opportunity to read about why and how animals communicate with each other and humans. They will also study and analyze poetry related to animals. They will create a research project based on one of several options about relationships among animals and human beings.

Kit Materials

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

How Can Your Passions Influence Your Learning?

Unit Overview

Your learner is exceptional in many different ways! This unit will give them the opportunity to shine by completing an end-of-year project incorporating one of their interests from this class.

They will plan, prepare, and reflect on the process of completing a short Passion Project, and answer: How can your passions influence your learning?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• What are some things you are passionate about?
• What would you like others to know about the subject of your project?
• Can you explain to me how this course changed your ideas about English Language Arts?

Unit Notables

Your learner will have the opportunity to develop a project on a topic that interests them. These interests can be from the arts, literature, math and physics, or even fun hobbies. They will have the opportunity to explore what they are passionate about by completing a project and telling others about it.

Kit Materials

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none

Unit Overview

Your learner is exceptional in many different ways! This unit will give them the opportunity to shine by completing an end-of-year project incorporating one of their interests from this class.

They will plan, prepare, and reflect on the process of completing a short Passion Project, and answer: How can your passions influence your learning?

Unit Assessments

Quiz _________________________

Test _________________________

Assignment ________________

Project _____________________

Exam _______________________

Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply.

Unit Discussion Questions

• What are some things you are passionate about?
• What would you like others to know about the subject of your project?
• Can you explain to me how this course changed your ideas about English Language Arts?

Unit Notables

Your learner will have the opportunity to develop a project on a topic that interests them. These interests can be from the arts, literature, math and physics, or even fun hobbies. They will have the opportunity to explore what they are passionate about by completing a project and telling others about it.

Kit Materials

Honors ELA Notebook

Household Materials

none