CURRICULUM OVERVIEW FOR GRADE SIX
2007-2008

The purpose of this brochure is to provide a general overview of the curriculum offered to sixth grade students. More detailed information may be obtained from teachers and administrators.

Grade Six Teachers:

 

  • Sam Lander (Math)
  • Jennifer Bohnsack (Science)
  • Barb Monark (Religion & Social Studies )
  • Paula Powers (Language Arts)
  • Rachel Bresky - Music
  • Dana Laessig - PE
  • Lloyd Briggs - Spanish
  • Cornelia Parker - Art
  • Doug Shults - Technology

 


LANGUAGE ARTS
Writing: vary writing styles according to purpose; develop complete essay responses; incorporate proper punctuation and correct verb-subject agreement; introduce a variety of organizational structures using narrative, expository, persuasive, poetic and expressive writing; master the writing process; introduce the basic elements of the research paper.

Spelling/Vocabulary: complete 36 spelling units, complete 15 vocabulary units; understand multiple word meanings in context; identify synonyms and antonyms of vocabulary words; construct complete sentences using new vocabulary and new spelling words, incorporate new vocabulary into writing assignments.

Literature: introduce both fiction and non-fiction selections; understand the elements of the short story and the novel; extract important details and make inferences from selected readings; identify causes and effect relationships.

English/Grammar: introduce the various types of sentences, parts of speech, understand proper capitalization and punctuation; incorporate proper verb/subject agreement; master the ability to write an essay response.

Oral Communication: master the principles of effective speaking; give a personal introduction; deliver an oral book report; write and present a persuasive or demonstrative speech; understand and incorporate active listening skills.

SCIENCE
Introduction to Science
Measurement
Prehistoric Age
Diversity

Astronomy: solar system; celestial bodies myths

Adaptations
Technology

SOCIAL STUDIES
Geography Skills
Map Skills
Prehistoric Age

Cradles of Civilization:
Mesopotamia; Egypt; China; India

Classical Age: Greece
Rise & Fall of Rome

RELIGION
Book of Genesis
Old Testament
Hebrew History
Ten Commandments/Morality
Church Precepts
Liturgy/Mass
Liturgical Year
Sacraments

Memorization of Prayer
Our Father
Hail Mary
Doxology (“Glory be...)
Morning Offering
Grace before/after meals
Act of Contrition
Apostles’ Creed
Memorare
Hail, Holy Queen
Act of Faith
Act of Hope
Act of Love
Mysteries of the Rosary &
how to pray it

Be familiar with
The Angelus
Acts of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary

MATH
Number Concepts: graphing; measurement; naming whole numbers and decimals.

Multiplying Whole Numbers & Decimals: exponents & powers; multiples of 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000 decimals; estimating.

Dividing Whole Numbers: mental math division; estimating quotients; one or two digit divisors.

Dividing Decimals: dividing decimals by a whole number; zeros in the quotient, mental math dividing by 10, 100, 1,000; fractions as decimals; repeating decimals; dividing by a decimal.

Geometry: polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals and circles, transformations; three-dimensional figures.

Number Theory: prime and composite numbers; greatest common factor; equal fractions, least common multiple; comparing & ordering fractions.

Adding/Subtracting Fractions: mixed numbers and improper fractions; adding fractions; working backward; adding and subtracting mixed numbers.

Multiplying & Dividing Fractions: multiplying fractions; multiplying mixed numbers; choosing an operation; dividing fractions; dividing mixed numbers.

Measurement: customary units of length, area & volume; customary units of capacity and weight; metric units of length, area & volume; metric units of capacity and weight; time.

Understanding Ratios, Proportions & Percents: ratios, equal ratios; proportions; solving proportions; equations.

SPANISH
Introduce students to the pronunciation and intonation patterns, and the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of Spanish, developing listening, speaking, and reading skills as preparation for high school Spanish.

ART
The student will know and understand the elements of design (line, space color/value, texture, shape/form); recognize the principles of design (composition, rhythm/movement, harmony, balance, contrast, variety, proportion, dominance/emphasis, unity); recognize art terminology.

MUSIC
Daily instructions will provide a strong music curriculum. including: weekly mass; field trips; assemblies; special masses; entertainment.

TECHNOLOGY
Keyboarding; technological awareness; word processing; database spreadsheets; multimedia; graphics; web design.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Complete a daily exercise regiment designed to prevent injury; increase dexterity; promote greater strength, and enhance senses of well being and confidence; learn rules of contests and reasons behind same; practice competitiveness with regard to Christian sportsmanship; learn basic fundamentals of unit or sport prior to actively participation; understand the necessity of firm but fair discipline in all activities; learn the value of treating teammates and opponents with dignity and respect; ultimately believe and be proud of the fact that the P.E. program is one of the finest in the state.


STUDY SKILLS
Time, Materials & Place Management: Planning Use of time: sleep; eat, work (school) study; exercise; relaxation; pleasure reading; study essentials; where to study, goal setting.

Your Learning Style: visual; auditory; manual; identifying strengths and weaknesses; developing learning habits.

Using Books Effectively: parts of a book; strategies for reading, main ideas and details, fact and opinion.

SQ3R: study; question; read; recite; review.

Listening/Speaking: directions and explanations; discussion; questions; building vocabulary.

Organizing Information: outlining; note-taking; paraphrasing; summarizing; developing your own shorthand; plagiarism.

Test Taking: How to Prepare - objective tests, essay tests; Questions - multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, essay, analogy; Standardized Tests - vocabulary questions, comprehensive questions, Test Anxiety.

Library/Reference: Card Catalogue - cataloging systems; locating books; Reference Materials - dictionary; encyclopedia, almanacs, periodicals/pamphlets. media, internet.

Conflict Resolution: problem solving; identifying influences.


Middle Schoolers (6-8) enjoy the benefits of a homebase period each day - having a nutritious morning snack, working on homework, getting help with studies, preparing for class masses, completing buddy projects - with a caring teacher who is both motivator and advocate.

In addition to a rigorous, challenging academic program, extracurricular activities are offered. Student Council, Beta, Speech Team, Spelling Bee, Math Olympiad, Writing Enrichment (WE), and a Sports program which includes volleyball, basketball, softball, and baseball provide opportunities for physical and social growth.

Students grow spiritually as they plan Lenten and Advent activities, experience weekly mass, practice daily prayer and ongoing Eucharistic Adoration, participate in May Crowning and an annual grade-level retreat. Stewardship taught through an interdisciplinary approach and lived through service to others, is emphasized.

Ultimately, our goal is to live out the school’s Mission Statement.” ...to bring the whole person to Jesus Christ, and through education prepare our students to serve the Church and community now and in the future.”