Sixth Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
Sixth Graders continue to develop their appreciation of quality literature from a rich and varied reading program. Reading selections include The Giver, Out of the Dust, Little Worlds, anthology of short stories, Holes, and Small Steps. Reading concepts such as comprehension, inference, character development, setting, theme, point of view, irony, conflict, symbol and plot analysis are explored. Students continue to use the Accelerated Reader program as a way to join computer technology with reading enrichment. Ample opportunities for creative writing projects are provided. English grammar is reinforced through sentence diagramming and complements skills learned in Latin.
MATHEMATICS
The Sixth Grade mathematics curriculum is a balance between conceptual knowledge, procedural knowledge and problem solving. In-depth study of fractions, measurements, integers, ratios, proportions, and percents are included. Algebraic concepts such as linear equations are explored. Advanced topics and individual acceleration provide the appropriate level of challenge and mastery for each student.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies curriculum explores ancient civilizations. A study of archeology, featuring a field trip to an archaeology museum, provides a foundation for learning about early civilizations. The fundamental aspects of world geography, specifically the countries within each continent, are incorporated throughout each investigation. Worldwide current events provide a catalyst for discussion and a comparison of cultural components.
SCIENCE
Animal adaptations, simple machines, motion and force, chemistry, the universe and geology are among the topics investigated. Students use microscopes, dissect a frog, either in the lab or on a computer, and conduct a variety of lab activities, including finding the ph of substances, and experimenting with a colloid. They study space, the moon, stars, and NASA work while training for a simulated flight to the moon at the Buehler Challenger Science Center.
Every Sixth Grade student participates in the Middle School Science Fair, during which he or she chooses a topic, researches information and creates a project during class. (Parents are not permitted to help students at home.)
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY
All Fifth and Sixth Graders participate in an overnight interdisciplinary trip to Stokes State Forest. An environmental education program, including problem solving and cooperative learning, is provided by the staff of the School of Conservation from Montclair State College and by the Fifth and Sixth Grade teachers.
FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE ENRICHMENT SUBJECTS
LATIN
Latin is introduced in Fifth Grade and continued in Sixth for all students. Goals include preparation for the formal study of a modern foreign language in Seventh Grade; improvement in understanding of English grammar, enhancement of students’ English vocabulary through the study of Latin roots; and the development of specific study skills which can carry over to the entire curriculum.
ART
Art classes meet two times a week, for one semester. Exploration of the elements of design (line, color, texture, shape, shading) and principles of design (rhythm, balance, repetition, contrast) are woven into the creative framework of the art curriculum. A wide range of media is explored with the student including clay, tempera, photography, wood construction, papier-mâché, collage, etc. Students maintain an art journal throughout the course.
WOODWORKING
Woodworking courses meet twice a week for one semester in a safe, well-appointed woodworking shop. Students are introduced to a variety of hand tools, and they learn about measurement, design and joinery. Projects include constructions such as birdhouses, sailboats and bookends.
MUSIC
Music classes meet twice a week. In both the Fifth and Sixth Grade, musical theory, history, and performance are emphasized equally. Students improve the skills of note reading, counting, listening and conducting and continue to study the concepts of rhythm, tonality, harmony and musical terms. The lives and works of selected composers are studied with emphasis on their influence in western music history. The techniques of choral singing are further developed and refined at this level.
COMPUTERS
Computer classes meet twice a week and additional time is available for special projects. Classes meet in the state-of-the-art, Internet-connected computer lab. Varied computer skills are taught throughout the year, including keyboarding, word-processing, spreadsheets and presentations. Internet research skills are introduced through projects done for other academic classes.
HEALTH
Weekly health classes for Fifth and Sixth Graders are taught by a school health professional. Health education focuses on human relationships and substance abuse resistance. The human relationships section addresses the physical and emotional changes that take place during puberty. Substance abuse resistance education provides students with the information and decision-making skills to discern safe behaviors from those which are self-destructive.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education classes meet four days a week. Individual skills and social development are highlighted through motor activities. Teamwork, sportsmanship and fitness through team sports are stressed. Physical fitness is developed and evaluated through a physical fitness unit. Interscholastic sports include soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.
FIFTH/SIXTH GRADE UNIT
Near the end of the second semester, students participate in an interdisciplinary unit of study focusing on a specific topic. This time affords the opportunity for research and group work across disciplines.
