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6th Grade Curriculum Overview

 
Language Arts
Language arts class is designed to increase student communication skills through reading, writing, speaking, and the study of the English language. Our primary focus in language arts class will be mastery of different writing styles, demonstration of the rules of grammar, and the ability to express yourself orally.
Students will read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. Student will learn strategies to analyze complex text how to use evidence to prove understanding. Writing assignments will include journal writing, essays, and creative pieces. Student will take part in book clubs and learn how communicate understanding of text with peers.
 
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum is organized into five strands: (1) number and operations; (2) measurement; (3) geometry; (4) data analysis and probability; and, (5) algebra. Problem-solving strategies are embedded into each of the 5 strands.
In grade 6, students are placed into Math 6 or Pre-algebra. The Math 6 class builds upon and extends the four operations in math with whole numbers, decimal numbers, fractions, and mixed numbers. These essentials are necessary to be successful in pre-algebra.
The Pre-Algebra class is designed to provide students with a balanced approach to mathematics; including: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, and adaptive reasoning skills. The ability to think from the concrete to the abstract is stressed. The basics from the previous years are now put into application with higher-level order thinking.
 
Social Studies
Sixth Graders are introduced to the ancient world. They begin with early human civilization then take a trip through many ancient countries: Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome. Students examine areas of the world having the longest record of human habitation and the richest diversity of human experience. These are regions within which the vast majority of the world's people live and regions that possess some of the world's most valuable resources. Students will explore patterns of change in continuity by focusing on the expansion of and the decline of civilizations, patterns of geography, and development of political, economic, and societal systems.
 
Science
This curriculum is based around the 6th Grade North Carolina Essential Standards for Earth Science which includes Earth's features, resources, weathering/erosion, and rocks and minerals. Students will dive into learning about the different types of rocks, plate tectonics, weathering, erosion, weather, and the solar system. This course combines a mixture of new content based lessons and application through science lab activities.
 
Religion
The main focus for sixth grade is to learn about the Old Testament prophets and how they carried out God's mission. They will understand how to apply the cardinal and theological virtues. We focus on the sacraments and the importance of being part of the church community as well as being part of the Community of Saints. Students will take an active part in Mass, reading scriptures and learn how to apply Jesus' teachings to their daily lives.
 
Spanish
This course will introduce students to the basics of the language and culture. The learning objectives include familiarizing students with basic vocabulary plus oral and written use of this bank of words. Students will study the culture to better understand the Spanish speaking people and their customs. Topics include: alphabet, greetings/farewells, cognates, introductions, adjectives, subject pronouns, numbers, colors, calendar, animals, parts of the body, geography of the Spanish-speaking world and other basic vocabulary words. Resources include: Spanish language textbook, Realidades Level 1, worksheets/handouts, unit study guides, teacher prepared materials and audio-visual aids.
 
Art
In 6th grade, students explore the elements and principles of art using a variety of materials. Students will complete still-life drawings using drawing pencils and shading techniques. They will explore the qualities of watercolor and acrylic paint through landscape paintings. During the second semester, they will learn various sculpture techniques and printmaking processes. Through these projects, students will connect visual arts with their experiences and understand that personal responses to art are based on personal, cultural, and historical contexts. They will also critically respond to art verbally and in writing. These responses will use skills of observing, describing, analyzing, and interpreting based on knowledge and personal response. Textbook: Exploring Visual Design, Davis Publications.
 
Music
In 6th grade, students will begin their journey of practical application of all knowledge learned previously in K-5th grade. Students will study the Baroque, and Classical periods of music history, and take an in depth look at the beginnings of Modern Western Music. 6th grade will also begin learning about recording technology, and how to apply musical theory, and concepts to creating music. There will be a performance with in the Christmas Musical, as well as 2 student led masses.
 
Health/PE
In Physical Education, students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically-active lifestyle. The student exhibits a physically-active lifestyle and understands the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the lifespan.
In Grades 6-8, students understand in greater detail the function of the body, learn to measure their own performance more accurately, and develop plans for improvement. Identifying the types of activities that provide them with enjoyment and challenge and that will encourage them to be physically active throughout life is reinforced during instruction in these grades.
 
Technology/STEM
In the STEM program 6th grade students take a STEM class that is focused on building problem solving skills and engineering concepts. Science and math concepts from other classes are also closely integrated into the hands on projects students do within the STEM class. Different forms of engineering are examined as students complete projects independently and in groups. Students will develop skills in problem solving, inquiry based learning, collaborating, and real world application using technology.