6th Grade

General Studies

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

English Language Arts 6
The sixth grade English language arts curriculum expands the development of literacy through each of the language arts. 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, they self-correct using knowledge of language structure. In writing, students continue to refine their use of the writing process, writing for meaning and persuasion in social studies. They use elements of the writer’s craft (e.g., 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 (e.g., legends, tales, historical fiction, adventure fiction, narrative poetry, autobiographies, persuasive essays, biographies, and how-to articles that use problem and solution) from our common culture and other cultures around the world, sixth graders explore a variety of topics in the units of study. Literature read as a class will include, but not be limited to, Tuck Everlasting, The Diary of Anne Frank and The Giver. Monthly book reports will be required.

Health 6
Units of health education designed to supplement the instruction in Life Science will include Mental and Emotional Health, Personal and Consumer Health, Family Health and Sexuality, Drug and Alcohol Education and Abuse Prevention, Nutrition, and First Aid.

Science 6
This course will begin with an introduction to middle school science, the scientific method, experimentation and accepted science practices. The course will be Life Science and include the study of the systems of the body, plant and animal life, and microscopic life. Topics studied in this Life Science course will dovetail with the sixth grade health curriculum.

Social Studies 6
Students will be welcomed to sixth grade social studies with an introduction to world geography. They will create their own maps of the world. Location and geographic terms will be taught. Then, they will begin a study of the history and geography of the Eastern Hemisphere. Beginning with prehistoric times and traveling through the ancient civilizations, students will get a general understanding of history and political, social and economic events. The course of study will include but not be limited to Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southern and Eastern Asia. Students will be expected to use writing and technology, such as PowerPoint to convey information.
Writers’ Workshop: This is an opportunity for students to explore essential and creative writing. Students learn to write dialog, organize essays, create their own stories and poetry and illustrate their work. The writing process and a team approach to writing are also emphasized.

Math 6
Students who have demonstrated an ability to work hard and grasp math concepts at a higher level will be placed in Math 6A, accelerated math. This program will build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving, collecting and organizing data, connecting mathematical ideas and using basic algebra. It included work with fractions, ratio and proportions, some study of geometry and exploring probability.

Judaic Studies

Bible 6
In Bible 6 we thematically explore the book of BeMidbar, Numbers. We strive to understand the struggles of the Israelites during their travels through the desert to the land of Canaan. In addition we study the books of Joshua and Shoftim, Judges.

Rabbinics 6
The Rabbinics 6 curriculum focuses on Jewish holidays throughout the year as well as an introduction to Mishna.