6th Grade

Religion:

Our focus this year is on the Old Testament. We will be talking specifically about stories from the first books of the Bible. Scripture is integrated into almost every lesson, and we will continue to develop the students' relationship with God. While studying the Old Testament, students will increase their knowledge of salvation history so they can love and be thankful to God. We will visit the Adoration Chapel weekly to focus on prayer and being with God. Through our study of the Bible we specifically study the stories of Creation, Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others. Of course, we will also integrate seasonal lessons around Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Holy Days.   

Math Course 1:

There are two main ideas addressed throughout the year in math course 1; fractions and decimals and an introduction to algebra. Students will be adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals and fractions; as well as converting between fractions, decimals, and percents. In algebra instruction we will be modeling equations and solving them, working with integers, and learning the properties (commutative, distributive, etc.). Students will also be introduced to ratios and proportions, as well as probability. We will also get a taste of geometry; studying angles, polygons, area, and volume.

Social Studies:

This year will be exploring the cultures and geography around the world. We began the year with an overview of geography terms, and then moved into our study of Asia and the Pacific. Through the rest of the year, we will be studying Africa, Europe and Russia, and The Ancient World. In each of the areas, we look at the physical geography, cultures, and history. Each continent is broken down further into specific regions, which we study separately, but the region as a whole is looked at also. Students will also be working on map skills throughout the year.

Each student will also complete a current event project at some point during the year. They are to find a news article that interests them, write a summary, create a PowerPoint or poster, and give a presentation. Students have already been given their assigned presentation date and a more detailed description and rubric for the project.

Science:

Text: Holt Science and Technology

Website: www.my.hrw.com

New Science Series

-Unit Modules

-Three Themes of Physical, Life, and Earth Science

-Differentiated Instruction

-Labs and Activities for Teaching Objectives

-Online Text and Assignments

-Fifteen Modules

-Students Experience Three to Five Modules per Year

Reading:

The students participate in Reader's Workshop regularly. They choose books to read and practice the comprehension strategies we discuss as a whole group. The students are accountable for their work through the reading folders and through conferencing.

The students receive whole group instruction and participate in guided reading. The selections we read are leveled and the students are grouped to work most effectively with the leveled readers.

Comprehension is assessed through written work and through projects.

Writing/Spelling:

The students participate in Writer's Workshop regularly. The students will complete writing pieces in the following categories: poetry, memoirs, expository writing, and short stories.

Grammar skills are taught and assessed through the Houghton Mifflin program and within writing pieces.

Spelling tests are given every 7-10 days.