English Language Arts and Social Studies

5th and 6th Grade

Hi 5th and 6th Grade Families,

My name is Sarah Allen, and I am your student’s English-Language Arts and Social Studies teacher! This is my fourth year as a classroom teacher at Grand Isle School and eleventh year overall. Previous to being a classroom teacher, I was a paraeducator, substitute teacher and after-school director/teacher. 

I was born and raised in Southington, CT (about 20 minutes from Hartford) and spent my summers at my family’s summer place on the east shore of Isle La Motte. I worked at Ruthcliffe Lodge and Hero’s Welcome for many summers before working in a summer program here at Grand Isle. My favorite hobbies are collecting Yankee candles, decorating for holidays, reading (especially Harry Potter!), listening to all types of music, watching the Yankees, snorkeling and dancing. I currently live in North Hero with my husband and 9 year old son. 

I attended Castleton State and majored in history and secondary education. Upon graduating, I got my degree/license in ELA and middle grades education. I have worked with many age groups, and grades 5-9 is definitely my favorite! I love how students are coming into their own and challenging the world at this age. I also remember how hard upper-elementary/middle school can be and find that empathy goes a long way. The best part of my day is when I tell a cringy joke and the students actually laugh (it does happen occasionally!). I love building strong relationships with these students and want them to always know they can come to me.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please email or call my classroom! 

Sincerely, 

Sarah Allen 

sallen@gisu.org

802-372-6913 ext. 5117

5th Grade Social Studies Targets

  • Compare and contrast different values in a society using historic context and evidence.

  • Demonstrate how an historic artifact reflects the perspective of its maker.

  • Use historic artifacts and resources to draw conclusions about ancient civilizations.

Compelling Questions:  

  • What makes a civilization unique from other areas?

  • Why do civilizations rise and fall? 

  • Why do we study ancient history? 

Supporting questions: 

  • What was life like in ancient Egypt?

  • What were some of the important kingdoms and Pharaohs of ancient Egypt?

  • Why is ancient Egypt important in world history?  


6th Grade Social Studies Targets

  • Classify events during the colonial era as ones of change or continuity in history.

  • Demonstrate how economic decisions influenced colonization and its impact on people.

  • Evaluate a historic document for its origin, purpose and impact

  • Evaluate the influence of colonization on conflict and cooperation in the world.

Compelling Questions:  

  • Did colonies make the world better? 

  • How were colonies during the Age of Exploration the same and different from colonies in recent times? 

  • What major disputes/wars shaped the start of our country? 

Supporting questions:  

  • What were the positive and negative impacts of colonization? 

  •  What was life like in the colonies for the settlers, enslaved persons and Native Americans?   

  •  What started and what was the outcome of the French and Indian War?

ELA

In both 5th and 6th grade, our district uses a literacy program called Wit and Wisdom. This program ties together Social Studies, complex texts, secondary texts, art, videos, and audio to teach students such skills as reading, writing, vocabulary, speaking, listening, and presenting. 5th grade will be starting off with Westward Expansion using the text, Thunder Rolling in the Mountains, to learn all the above skills and ending by writing an informational text. In 6th grade, they will begin with the Great Depression using the text, Bud, Not Buddy and then Out of the Dust to also work towards writing a longer informational text. While I do not assign homework, I do encourage students to read at home when they can. I will send home a reading log for students to fill out if they wish. Prizes can be earned for returning these filled in!

"There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."

Mister Rogers