Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 7
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
GRADE 6 ACADEMICS
Writing
Students will do a wide variety of writing, ranging
from journals to poetry and essays crafted about
unique experiences in the classroom and beyond.
The Six Traits program will be used to help all
students continue to improve their writing. Spelling,
vocabulary and grammar will be integrated into daily
writing work.
Reading
Students will explore a variety of books as a class,
both in literature circles of four to six students and
independently. Students will have the ability to read a
large selection of Newbery Award and Honor books.
Student activities will include book projects, response
journals, reading notebooks, guided reading and
Reader’s Theater. Students will also read several short
stories and learn the elements of a short story.
Mathematics
Units of study include decimals, fractions, algebra,
geometry, graphing, ratio and proportions.
Connections between the math concepts being taught
and their real-world application will be integrated
into lessons through mini labs and interdisciplinary
projects whenever possible. Middle school teachers
use the flexible grouping model to organize learning
communities of students based on mathematical
aptitude. Criteria for establishing these groups
include: fifth grade math average, NWEA and NECAP
scores, entrance mastery assessment and teacher
observations.
Science
Students will perform hands-on labs and create
related projects in a unit-based approach focusing on
energy, weather, astronomy, and oceans. Whenever
possible, science will be integrated with other areas of
the curriculum, including natural overlap with studies
in social studies and math.
Social Studies
Students will learn about the world and its people
with a focus on Latin America, Asia and Africa. The
social studies program will also be integrated with
world art. Students will become more aware of the
people of the world with a focus on their economies,
demographics, geography and culture. Important
local, national and world current events will be
explored and discussed.
Health/Wellness
Instruction is divided between physical activity and
health-oriented classroom lessons. Physical activities
are often integrated with core curriculum in science
and social studies. Health units of study include
mental, emotional, family, and social health; growth
and nutrition; personal health and safety; drugs and
disease prevention; community and environmental
health; and current events dealing with health.
Music & Performing Arts
Students will learn to read and write music, sing a
variety of songs that support learning experiences
in their other subject areas, play percussion to the
classics and complete a focus study on listening to
music. To help develop songwriting skills, students
use laptops, specifically the Garage Band program.
Additionally, dancing, choreography and drama
improvisation are an active part of class. Students are
invited to demonstrate skills learned throughout the
year at the annual Music Concert.