6th Grade - Kitah Vav - כיתה ו

General Studies

English Language Arts
The sixth grade English language arts curriculum expands the development of literacy. Students use a variety of learning strategies that can be applied to gaining knowledge in all subject areas. Where appropriate, the language arts are linked to the content of the sixth grade Global Studies social studies curriculum. In reading, students use context as a basis for predicting meaning of unfamiliar words. In writing, students use elements of the writer’s craft such as simple imagery, exaggeration, and understatement. They write detailed narrative descriptions, historical fiction, tales with a moral, persuasive essays, newspaper articles, and research reports. Sixth graders develop their ability to listen, speak, and view by giving a how-to speech, dramatizing scenes from a play, and taking part in a debate. Through the use of classic and contemporary literature and other texts such as legends, tales, historical fiction, adventure fiction, narrative poetry, autobiographies, persuasive essays, biographies, and how-to articles that use problem and solution, sixth graders explore a variety of topics in the units of study. Literature read as a class includes Tuck Everlasting, The Diary of Anne Frank and The Giver. Monthly book reports are required.

Math 6
This program builds new mathematical knowledge through problem solving, collecting and organizing data, connecting mathematical ideas, and using basic algebra. It includes work with fractions, ratio and proportions, some study of geometry, and exploring probability.

Social Studies
Students are welcomed to sixth grade social studies with an introduction to world geography. They create their own maps of the world. Location and geographic terms are taught. Then, they begin a study of the history and geography of the Eastern Hemisphere. Beginning with prehistoric times and traveling through the ancient civilizations, students get a general understanding of history and political, social, and economic events. The course of study includes but is not limited to Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southern and Eastern Asia. Students are expected to use writing and technology, such as Power Point, to convey information.

Science
The life science course begins with an introduction to middle school science, the scientific method, experimentation, and accepted science practices. This course includes the study of the systems of the body, plant and animal life, and microscopic life. Topics studied in this life science course dovetail with the sixth grade health curriculum.

Study Skills
This skills class is taught in the classroom and the computer lab. The goal is to teach sixth graders organizational skills and responsibility essential for their success in middle and high school. Students are also taught computer keyboarding and become accustomed to Microsoft Word and basic skills needed to type a paper or report.

Health
Units of health education designed to supplement the instruction in Life Science include mental and emotional health, personal and consumer health, family health, and sexuality. Drug and alcohol education, abuse prevention, nutrition, and first aid are also included.

Writers' Workshop
This is an opportunity for students to explore essential and creative writing. Students learn to write dialogue, organize essays, create their own stories and poetry and illustrate their work. The writing process and a team approach to writing are also emphasized.

Judaic Studies

Hebrew - עברית
The NETA Hebrew curriculum is linguistically sequential; texts and tasks increase in length and complexity as the student’s Hebrew improves. The curriculum consists of four levels. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to students, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy. Each unit of study incorporates art, music, prose, poetry, news articles and Jewish texts, in layers of language ranging from biblical Hebrew to current scientific Hebrew terminology and common colloquialisms.

Chumash (Bible) - חומש
In sixth grade Chumash, we explore the travels of the Israelites in the desert as described in the book of BeMidbar. Students strive to gain an understanding of the struggles faced by the Israelites and the challenging of beliefs despite constant reassurance from God. Students gain insights into the material through discussion, various projects, and text study accompanied by rabbinic commentaries. Additionally, students learn about the settlement of the land in the Book of Joshua, including key personalities and different leadership styles in the Book of Judges.

Mishna - משנה
In Kitah Vav, we begin to study Mishna (Torah She B'Al Peh).  Our curriculum focuses mainly on holiday laws and customs throughout the yearly cycle.  In addition, specific units of material based on property and property damages are included.  Students are challenged by the texts we study and are encouraged to join in the rabbinic arguments as we arrange mock debates during the year. 

Jewish History
In Jewish history, the students learn about the preeminent men and women of the time period from Avraham through the birth of Christianity. Jewish life and achievements are studied in depth and in context with the concurrent world history. Most importantly, trends in Jewish history are examined, discussed, and debated as primary sources are introduced. Jewish history comes alive for the students by creating a Jewish museum, reflecting their studies. Knowing who we are is inextricably linked to knowing who we were.

Prayer- תפילה
The focus of the prayer curriculum is to strengthen prayer skills, as well as the understanding of the t’filot. T’filah experiences include communal prayer blended with more intensive learning of the prayers directed by the teacher. Students develop the skills to lead prayer and read Torah.

Chesed Project
Sixth graders have a weekly opportunity to give back to the community by visiting the residents of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home. During their visits, the students converse with the residents, play games, assist with fine motor activities, and offer a warm smile and helping hand to the senior residents of our community.

Additional Curricular Activities

Library Information Center
Our Library Information Center is truly a learning center for the entire school community. Staffed by a New York State certified library media specialist, it is home to both flexible and scheduled library and computer classes, as well as casual use. The spacious facility includes a collection of Judaic and general studies books, both to support the school curriculum and students’ individual reading interests. The Library Information Center houses a computer lab to accommodate whole-class, small group and individual use.

The Library Information Center prepares students to be lifelong learners. It affords the students opportunities to find information from many sources; provides the students with electronic access to information; acts as a link to other libraries; assists in the research process locating current research information; collaborates with teachers to plan, teach, and evaluate instruction; and develops systems to help provide access to internet resources.

Physical Education
Bet Shraga is fortunate to have a large, well equipped gymnasium, as well as an extensive outdoor play yard including three separate playing fields. During their two weekly classes of PE, students have opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate exercises, team sports, gymnastics, and physically challenging games that develop a sense of teamwork.

Art
Art classes emphasize good drawing technique, learning about the elements of art and using the principles of art, practicing shading and using values to emphasize realism, and gaining a sense of art history and aesthetics. Middle school students learn about art in ancient cultures such as cave painting, aboriginal bark painting, x-ray painting, Egyptian tomb painting, Greek vase painting, Roman mosaics, medieval gargoyles, Gothic rose windows and Renaissance linear perspective. Judaic art lessons consist of wood burned challah trays and silk painted challah covers. The works and movements of Pop artist, Andy Warhol, and Op artist, Bridget Rilley, are studied by creating linoleum prints and drawings. Middle school students add to the beauty of the school’s hallways with group mural projects.