MATH

Algebra continues from fifth to sixth grade. Students are grouped according to ability and there are usually two or three groups within the class. The Key to Algebra series by Key Curriculum Press provides a set of ten workbooks that build on each other and provide concentrated practice repetition for different concept areas. Workbook study is combined with group activities and problems from other sources, which explore practical applications of algebra.

Sixth graders continue to work in math groups at their own levels. All math groups cover the basic concept areas that are recommended by the California State frameworks for different grade levels. The upper math group uses Sadlier Oxford Progress in Math and the Connected Mathematics curriculum for most of its work. The Connected Mathematics series presents number concepts in a rich verbal context designed to develop meaning through computations. This curriculum provides many opportunities for students to see how numbers can be used to solve every day problems. The program emphasizes student interaction and discussion and is designed for group and individual learning.

SCIENCE

Science units at this level are water, properties of matter, wave energy, simple machines, thermal energy, evolution/genetics, plants, and properties of air. Students learn to use models, keep records, and devise investigations. Curiosity, respect for evidence, perseverance, and flexibility are encouraged. Students are taught to articulate concepts and reasoning behind explanations and to challenge non-scientific ideas. All students participate in the school’s annual Science Fair.

All students receive an additional science period in our Life Lab each week. Life Lab is a garden classroom and living laboratory that teaches environmental sciences and stewardship. More information can be found on the Life Lab curriculum description.

READING & LANGUAGE ARTS

Our general movement through literature begins with a simple, concrete understanding of literature and progresses toward a more complex, subtle, and critical comprehension. In terms of a classroom strategy, the students begin with personal responses to texts; they develop their responses into more formal analysis, and learn to synthesize the critical perspectives of others with their own understanding. Students practice discussion and literary interpretations through weekly literature circle discussions. A variety of novels are selected for the class, each chosen to tie in with some aspect of the history/humanities curriculum.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY

In fifth and sixth grades, the two-year history program covers Europe in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and United States history. It is our belief that history cannot be meaningful without a geographical background. Physical, political, climatic, and cultural geography studies are an integral part of learning about our heritage and our involvement in the world.

WRITING

It all begins inside the heads of our children. There are ideas, language and many other possibilities. Writing is a pulling together of all of the emotions and ideas inside each student. Fluency is our first consideration; how to start writing and then to continue writing. As students progress, they work to find their own voices. Once this voice is found, students learn to control it and let it grow toward maturity. Students progress toward fine-tuning, maintaining proper habits in grammar and punctuation. Students develop an understanding of the writing process. Throughout the year, students delve into many writing genres — from drama to narrative, exposition to argumentation, and poetry to prose.

Writer’s Workshop provides a space for students to share their writing and evaluate the writing of others. Students write in their journals to capture ideas and inspirations for later stories.

STUDY SKILLS

Preparation for Junior High is an important focus in 6th grade. Throughout the year, personal responsibility, organization, time management, study and research skills are emphasized. A weekly period is dedicated to the development of these skills. Students are expected to practice these skills and demonstrate an increasing ability to use them.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Students continue their study of Spanish. Basic conversational skills are practiced and tested through hands-on activity, role playing, and field trips. The class is given a choice whether they want to continue to study Latin or to begin studying French. Students learn to engage in simple conversations in French, using a basic vocabulary. This adventure into a new language may inspire them continue studying French in high school.

All students have weekly classes in art, drama, music and physical education.

Sixth Grade Weekly Class Schedule