6th Grade Curriculum | stbartholomewschool

SIXTH GRADE CURRICULUM

Curriculum Information

Reading and Writing:

This curriculum is an essential core class structured to engage, nurture, challenge and further academic growth for students. Reading classes are project-based with an emphasis on perspective, service and character. Reading ties in with each core curriculum class. Our cross-curricular approach strengthens not only reading and writing skills, but also understanding of other core curriculum classes.

Texts used include:

-The Giver, Lowry

-The Cay, Taylor

-"Love that Dog, Hate that Cat", Creech

-Audiobooks

-Graphic Novels (cross curricular method)

-Poetry (cross curricular method)

-Author studies (cross curricular method)

Strategies and methods include:

-Introduction to young adult novels, literary elements and poetry

-Literature circles focused on fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and literary elements.

-Discussions and debates

-Research and writing

-Text analysis

-Field Trips that revolve around current reading selections

-MAP testing

English:

Students write clear, coherent and focused essays through ten step Process Writing. This method of writing development is extremely successful in encouraging young writers by building confidence through completion of specific stages.

Grammar is supported and mastered through daily language review with a concentration on simple versus complex sentences, pronouns, prepositional phrases, and punctuation. Vocabulary is a tool for expression and reading comprehension.

Texts used include:

-Worldy Wise

-Exercises in English

English studies focus on the following areas:

-Personal Narrative

-Persuasive Research Papers

-Utopia Project (Cross curricular with Reading class when reading The Giver)

On a typical day, students strengthen computation and estimation skills, and expand logical reasoning, analytical, and problem solving abilities by exploring patterns and mathematical rules. These practices cultivate a strong understanding of concepts and processes, which is critical to one's academic success. Instruction frequently includes work at the board, the use of hands-on materials, and working with partners or in differentiated small groups to develop math confidence. We work on applying math knowledge and skills to real-life situations in order to stimulate a lasting interest in math. Our standards-based math curriculum develops an understanding of algebraic concepts and skills involving integers, ratios and proportions, percents, numerical and algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, geometry, and data analysis and probability.

Students continue to develop their understanding of the Catholic faith. Curriculum in Sixth Grade is primarily focused on students having a deeper understanding of their faith through the study of the Old Testament (Salvation History). Sixth Grade students embark on this faith formation journey by receiving a Bible during a special ceremony.

In addition to these academic areas, students engage in a unit of study and reflection known as "Family Life". During this study, students learn about how they are created in God's image and how the family is both the domestic church and a reflection of God's love. Finally, students learn about their role in the family and their life vocations.

Texts used include:

-The Bible

-Christ our Life 6

Teaching methods include:

-Independent Study

-Cooperative Learning Groups

-Whole Group Instruction

-Play based instruction

-Project based learning (often cross curricular)

-Seder Meal participation for the upper school to remind students of our Jewish heritage while calling to mind the Paschal sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

Sixth Grade students also begin to model leadership and social responsibility as they serve as Mass buddies for our Kindergarten students.

Science in Sixth Grade is focused on Earth Science. The course is designed around various areas, including the study of The systems of Earth; layers of Earth, Plate Tectonics; The Rock Cycle; Changes on Earth's Surface; The Atmosphere; Natural Resources, Astronomy, Weather, and Climate.

The main focus of our science curriculum is to study and understand the history of science, to gain and increase general knowledge, and to learn how science is a valuable tool in understanding our world. Science is a field of study that helps us interconnect systems of knowledge and is greatly helpful in promoting problem-solving in the curriculum. In science, we focus on how and why things work.

Students engage in multiple types of learning, including:

Group projects

Interactive notebooks

Demonstrations

Hands-On Activities

Online simulations and review games

Researching and writing about various topics

5th and 6th graders learn about world history. We begin the study of ancient civilizations in 5th grade, as students learn about the beginnings of Ancient Mesopotamia. They analyze the cultures of Ancient China, Ancient India, and Ancient Egypt. 6th grade continues their study of world history by delving into the study of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Students will practice note-taking, engage in classroom discussion, and form connections between the past and present.

Classwork consists of essential skills building, including:

-Note-taking

-Research

-Project-based learning

-Discussion

-Study skills

-Writing

-Collaboration

Teaching methods and strategies include:

-Chromebook interactive work

-Projects

-Field Trips

-Text vs. novel reading

-Analyzing artwork

-Utilizing and understanding geography and maps

Texts and resources used include:

-Pearson: MyWorld World History (published 2019)

-Time for Kids

-Kahoot & Gimkit Interactive Games

The middle school Spanish program at St Bartholomew is intended to build student's confidence in communicating in Spanish. The curriculum presents grammar concepts verbally, visually, through interactive exercises, and through reading in order to improve comprehension, retention, and confidence. We engage students in an environment where they feel safe to participate actively. Participation in class, which is conducted in Spanish, reinforces concepts, enhances vocabulary, improves pronunciation, and builds confidence. There is discussion of the different customs of Spanish-speaking countries, with a focus on specific places, local foods, holidays, and other traditions. Students are assigned projects throughout the year which reinforce reading and writing skills. Listening skills are taught through activities that include games, songs, and dramatization. During these four years students attend two hours of class weekly.

Teaching materials include textbooks, videos, CDs, presentations, and the Internet. Their textbook includes a workbook which the student uses for practice at home, and an interactive website with various activities.

Areas of study in Sixth Grade include:

-Using speaking and listening strategies to facilitate communication

-Compose simple cohesive written information using appropriate formats

-Make presentations to peers in Spanish

Students will continue to learn and build skills in the following areas:

-Microsoft Word

-History of Computers

-Power Point

-Internet Safety

-Excel

-Computer Languages

-Multimedia

-Graphics

-Publisher

-Robotics

-Windows 11

-Typing Drills

Students continue to work with their secure school email accounts so that they can work on Google Docs and Google Slides at home and in the classroom with Chromebooks. Students in Sixth Grade come to the computer lab once a week.

STEM class is currently offered once a week for students in grade 5-8, in addition to an after school club offered for all ages. Each week, STEM class works to address science, technology, engineering, and math skills in a highly engaging environment.

Students develop communication and collaborative skills by working in groups to solve real-world problems and develop robotics skills.

Throughout their projects, students will use the engineering design process to