6th GRADE US HISTORY TO 1865

COURSE SYLLABUS 2010-2011

MS. ESPOSITO

I. Course Theme:
Being an Historian – students will be taught the five “tools” of the historian and apply
those tools throughout the year
I. Course Outline
• Geography of the United • American Revolution
States • Geographic Regions of North
• Native Americans of North America
America • The New Republic
• European Exploration of the • Westward Expansion
Americas • The Civil War
• Colonial America
II. Class Materials:
Students are expected to come to class prepared every day. Materials needed in class
daily are:
• Interactive Notebook • colored pencils
• Agenda Book • glue sticks and/or tape
• pens/pencils
III. Interactive Notebook
What is the purpose of this notebook?
The purpose of the interactive notebook is to enable you to be a creative, independent
thinker and writer. Interactive notebooks will be used for class notes as well as for other
activities where you will be asked to express your own ideas and process the
information presented in class. The notebook will serve as a learning portfolio for sixth
grade social studies. In addition, it will make an excellent study tool throughout the
year and for use to review for the SOL test at the end of the year.
How should my notebook be organized?
Your notebook will be organized into a Left Side and a Right Side. The beginning of your
notebook will contain of a Table of Contents, which should be updated on a daily basis.
Left Side Right Side
Students Process New Ideas Students Record New/Testable
Creativity Encouraged! Information
✰ Hook and Sinker ✰ Line and Today’s Catch
✰ Reorganize new info in creative ✰ class notes
formats ✰ reading notes
✰ Express opinions and feelings ✰ handouts with new info
✰ Explore new ideas ✰ most in-class assignments
✰ Homework
IV. Color: You should strive to add color as often as possible. Some assignments
will require the use of color. Highlighting is an important skill we will work on
throughout the year. Students should get in the habit of reviewing their notes
and highlighting the most important information.
How will my notebook be graded?
Notebooks will be graded periodically content and organization, at least once a unit. All
class notes and notebook assignments should be included, even for the days you were
absent. Each entry should be titled and dated. Your artistic touch should be visible
throughout the notebook.
 6th GRADE US HISTORY TO 1865
COURSE SYLLABUS 2010-2011
MS. ESPOSITO
V. Grading Information:

A. Grades will be computed on the B. Grades are based on the

following scale: following percentages:
A 90 – 100% • 50% - Final Assessments (Tests and
B 80 – 89% Projects)
C 70 – 79% • 25% - Quizzes
D 60 – 69% • 15% - Class work (including Interactive
F 59% and below Notebook)
• 10% - Homework
Test/Projects:
A test will be given for each unit and will be announced prior to its scheduled date.
Students will be given a study guide for each test. Projects will be assigned as needed.
Guidelines and rubrics will be handed out at the time the project is assigned. Students
will be expected to work on projects in class, with very little time needed outside of the
classroom (as long as class time is used wisely).
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given regularly throughout the quarter. Material covered will include
class notes, homework, movies, and assigned reading. Weekly vocabulary quizzes will
be given every Friday, based on weekly vocabulary homework.
Class work:
Interactive Notebook: This is a very important and required tool for organizing
schoolwork this year. All work, except DBQs, will be kept in the notebook; assignments
& notes will either be written in the notebook or attached to it.
Document Based Questions (DBQs): There will be a DBQ assigned for every unit.
Students will be given a variety of sources, including primary and secondary sources,
text and visual sources. Students will answer the unit question using the provided
documents for evidence. Students will be given the necessary supports, such as graphic
organizers and outlines to help them craft a well-written essay. At the beginning of the
year, these will be included in the class work grade, as the year progresses and
students’ writing improves, DBQs will be counted as a quiz grade.

Homework:
All students will have weekly vocabulary homework. On Monday, students will be given
four vocabulary words, which will be due on Friday. Quizzes will be given every Friday
and will include the four new words and one review word. Vocabulary lists and quizzes
will be differentiated to help all students achieve success and to better understand US
history.
**If you are concerned about your grade, please come and talk to me to discuss what can
be done to improve it. Please DON’T wait until the end of the quarter to think about your
grade**
VI. Make-Up Work Policy:
All students are responsible for their own work. This includes make-up work. It is your
responsibility to make sure all make-up work is completed and turned in. You will have
1 day per day of absence to make up for missed work due to sickness, unless special
circumstances apply. If you miss a test or quiz, you will be responsible for making it up
the day you return to class. In the case of extended absence, you and I will work out
 a reasonable make-up policy. See me during homeroom to collect the work missed
during your absence.
VII. Classroom Behavior Expectations:
Respect yourself and others.
Take responsibility for your actions.

• First time: Verbal warning

• Second time: Two minute time out
• Third time: Five minute time out, fill out behavior log
• Fourth time: Ten minute time out, parent contact
• Fifth time: Removal to office
• Severe Disruptions: You will be sent immediately to the principal’s office
VIII. Contact Me:
I am always available for extra help. Make an appointment to meet with me after
school. Please come and see me if you have questions or concerns about the content.
You may contact me by e-mail: esposic1@ccs.k12.va.us or by phone at Walker 434-245-
2412.
 6th GRADE US HISTORY TO 1865
COURSE SYLLABUS 2010-2011
MS. ESPOSITO

THIS PAGE IS TO BE SIGNED AND FILLED OUT AND KEPT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK ALL YEAR.

1. I have read and understand the US History to 1865 Syllabus.

Student Signature Date

2. I have read the US History to 1865 Syllabus and will support my student in the study
of the class.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

3. Please write the names of two responsible classmates who can give you class
assignments when you miss class.

Classmate #1 Phone Number and/or email address/AIM SN

Classmate #2 Phone Number and/or email address/AIM SN