6th Grade
Sixth grade at St. Joseph School is the major transition year between the self-contained classroom of elementary school and the rotating classes of middle school. Sixth graders get the best of both worlds!
They rotate on a block schedule based on homeroom. Students learn from the teaching styles of three teachers and enjoy meeting peers from other classrooms in the rotation periods and bond with their classmates during their homeroom time. We present a challenging, relevant and student-friendly academic program in an environment of acceptance, support and humor. Sixth grade is an amazing year of physical, emotional, social and spiritual growth as boys and girls begin to mature into young men and women. We are honored to be a part of their journey.
6th grade curriculum
Religion
The focus of sixth grade religion class is the study of the Old Testament. (Hebrew Scriptures) The students will become familiar with the most important characters and stories in the Bible. We will also study the Catholic liturgical year as well as the parts of the Catholic mass. A highlight for the sixth grade students is when we present the stations of the cross to the entire school. Students will work in small groups to present the passion of Jesus.
Language Arts
Language Arts assignments and instruction in the 6th grade often stem from content covered in other subjects. We believe the task of improving skills in writing, speaking, listening and grammar becomes manageable for students when skills are taught throughout the school day. Sixth graders will write in a variety forms, and develop their skills as they better understand what it takes to be effective communicators. To communicate effectively, however, students need a strong knowledge base. As we progress through a unit of study, we expose them to a variety of written text, media and speakers. As the year progresses students learn to adapt their writing to audience, task, purpose and discipline. Some forms of communication will be evident in classroom projects, daily writing assignments, group work activities, independent writing, etc. Other assignments may focus on specific skills to be taught in class lessons (ie grammar, mechanics, format). It is beneficial for students, thus we encourage them, to engage in discussions about other author’s work as well as their own. Being able to discuss one’s style and purpose while accepting and giving feedback in a safe environment, allows all of us to fine tune our craft as writers, as well as, build a trusting community.
Literature
Sixth grade literature uses theme novels, short stories and the McDougall Littell reading series to saturate students in topics of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. Literature assignments and instruction often build on content matter covered in science, social studies and religion. Calling to attention the important task of building student vocabulary, a range of reading and a variety of text complexity is provided. Students use these texts to develop skills to interpret, analyze, and assess the written word.
Mathematics
Through instruction, exploration and practice, sixth grade students build their appreciation of and interest in math. Students build confidence as they learn to persevere through challenging problems. These are the major units of study in sixth grade:
- Positive and Negative Numbers
- Statistics
- Pre-Algebra
- Ratios and Proportions
- Geometry
- Problem Solving (Bar Model Drawing)
- Percentages
- Factors, Multiples, Roots, Prime Factorization, Exponents, etc.
Social Studies
The goal of sixth grade social studies is to introduce students to several countries of the Eastern Hemisphere. Each unit engages students in a study of the geography, history, language and religion(s) of these nations. It is hoped this foundational knowledge will lead to greater understanding, appreciation and acceptance of the diversity of the human family.
Science
The goal of sixth grade science is to increase students’ familiarity and competency with the scientific method; present exciting, challenging and relevant chemistry physics content; empower the youths’ nutritional decision making and nurture an appreciation and respect for the marvels of the natural world and gift of the human body.
