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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.
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