SIXTH GRADE

Language Arts

Objective:

In Grade 6, students master previously learned skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and written compositions.  Sixth grade students read regularly in independent and instructional level materials for a variety of purposes.  Reading strategies are employed to aid in comprehension.  Students locate and recall information through a text’s structure, by determining a text’s main ideas and how those ideas are supported with details, through summarization, by means of distinguishing fact from opinion, and as a result of the use of study strategies.  Students analyze characteristics of differing genres and recognize literary devices.  Vocabulary is developed through reading and systematic word study.

 

Sixth grade students are able to select and use different form of writing for a variety of audiences, and for specific purposes.  The student applies his/her knowledge of the conventions of written language, and standard grammar and usage to communicate clearly and effectively through writing.  The students use the writing process, and edit and evaluate their writing based on this knowledge.  Selected self-initiated and assigned writing assignments are refined to “publish” for general and specific audiences.

 

English:

Students in the Sixth grade understand what a complete sentence is and identify subject and predicate, independent and dependent clauses, and correct sentence fragments and run-on sentences.  Students correctly use punctuation introduced in earlier grades and uses more complex punctuation such as hyphens, semicolons, and possessives.  Students use verb tenses such as present, past, and future appropriately and consistently.  Students identify the different sentence types and vary sentence structure.  Formal and informal assessments are ongoing and consist of quizzes, unit tests, black-line masters, writing samples, and daily activities.

_ Sentence structure

_ Types of sentences

_ Run-on sentences and sentence fragments

_ Diagramming sentences

_ Parts of speech/usage

_ Capitalization

_ Punctuation

 

Vocabulary:

Instructional Content:

Students in the sixth grade distinguish denotative and connotative meanings of words and identify word origins as an aid to understand historical influences on word meanings.  Students are able to understand idioms, multi-meaning words, and analogies in text.  They are expected to develop vocabulary by listening to selections read aloud and to use multiple reference aids to clarify word meanings and usage.

_ Wordly Wise, Level 6

_ Compounds

_ Synonyms and antonyms

_ Affixes

_ Multiple meaning words

_ Root Words

_ Connotation and denotation

_ Etymologies

_ Idioms

_ Analogies

 

 

Writing:

Students in sixth grade write for specific purposes, such as to inform, persuade or entertain.  A greater emphasis is placed on expository writing than in earlier grades.  Students are expected to revise and edit drafts for a variety of purposes, and to produce error-free written compositions.  Students write in complete sentences, and vary sentence structure in their writing.  Formal and informal assessments are ongoing and based on instructor observation and student writing using holistic and analytical scoring methods.

_ Paragraph writing

_ Narrative writing

_ Informative writing

_ Persuasive writing

_ Descriptive writing

_ Compare/contrast

_ Poetry

_ Summaries

 

Reading:

Students in sixth grade apply a variety of learned word recognition strategies, or word-attack skills such as phonemics awareness, language structure, and context to recognize words.  Students are expected to read for different purposes, such as to read for information, or to read for pleasure, and to adjust their reading rate based on those purposes.  They are asked to interpret a text’s ideas through varied activities, which include, but are not limited to, journal writing and whole class or group discussion.  The instructional text is HBJ Treasury of Literature.  Formal and informal assessment is ongoing and includes oral reading, discussion and dialogue, oral and written responses to literature, presentations and book reports, reader response journals.  Literature unit tests, comprehension skills sheets, and close procedures.

_ Fiction

_ Nonfiction

_ Poetry

_ Fantasy

_ Drama

_ Biographies

 

Research:

Students are introduced to the process of research writing.  Students are expected to form questions and to gather relevant information through library and field research.  Students take notes, organize ideas, write from an outline, and cite sources.

_ Choosing a topic

_ Notes/paraphrasing

_ Outline

_ Using multiple sources

_ Library skills

LIBRARY/MEDIA SKILLS

Overview

Library/media skills are taught to all students from Pre-K through eighth grade with the goal they will become life-long readers with the ability to enter any library equipped with the knowledge to locate and use all available resources.

 

The care and location of materials, browsing and checkout procedures and notable authors and illustrators are introduced in the primary grades.

 

Library use skills are reinforced in the upper grades with particular emphasis on the arrangement of fiction and non-fiction materials.  With the completion of automation, students will be taught to use the computerized card catalog, electronic resources and traditional print materials to enhance classroom instruction and reading enjoyment.

Philosophy

Students are encouraged to read recreational books including fiction and non-fiction.  Picture books are read to all students and teachers to encourage interest in favorite authors and illustrators.

 

Objectives:

_ Library Orientation - students will learn library procedures

_ Browsing and book checkout

_ Location of materials and other resources

_ Proper care for all materials and return policy

_ Be courteous and exhibit good conduct

_ Utilization of resources - students will learn to identify materials

_ Alphabetical order-fiction materials are arranged by the first three letters of the author’s last

                name

_ Locate periodicals in ABC order by title

_ Dewey Decimal System - Non-fiction materials are arranged in ten main subject groupings                    000-900

_ Determine how books are classified and where they will be shelved

_ On-line card catalog - Look up books on specific subjects, titles or authors

 

Research and Study Skills

_ Identify parts of a book

_ Use reference tools such as an encyclopedia, atlas, dictionary, almanac, etc.

_ Use the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature for magazine articles on specific subjects

_ Use newspaper for current events

_ Special activities

 

Our library has weekly activities to include all students.  The librarian reads to all classes and uses book talks to interest students in checking out books for class assignments such as book reports, summaries or research projects.  Materials are made available in the library to support classroom curriculum and teaches may request library use at any time.

 

Books on the Bluebonnet and Texas Lone Star reading lists are available and our library also subscribes to the Junior Library Guild as a source for good reading material.

 

Book fairs are scheduled during the school year and are an excellent source for books and fun.

 

Authors are invited to our school to share their time and talent and are welcomed by all students and faculty with great enthusiasm         

 

 

World Civilization

In Grade 6 students explore the world - the histories, cultures, forms of government, personalities and economies.  History is studied from the Old Stone Age to the present.

 

 

Topics of Study:

_ Regions of the world

_ The Five Themes of Geography (location, place, relationships within places, movement, regions)

_ Early cultures

_ Ancient Egypt

_ Ancient Mesopotamia

_ Ancient India

_ Ancient China

_ Ancient Greece

_ Ancient Rome

_ Ancient Arabia

_ Cultures of Medieval Europe

_ The Renaissance and the Reformation

_ The Age of Exploration

_ Revolutions that changed the world - the French, American and Industrial Revolutions

_ The Great War (World War I)

_ The Russian Revolution

_ World War II

_ Communism

_ New nations in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and India

_ A changing world - international trade and the effects of technology

 

General Social Studies Skills:

Geography Skills:

_ Working with latitude and longitude

_ Using maps at different scales

_ Comparing different kinds of maps

_ Reading elevation maps and profiles and creating profile maps

_ Reading historical maps

_ Reading demographic maps

_ Using map projections

_ Using cartograms

_ Reading time zone maps

_Globe work: hemispheres and various geology features that affect Geography

 

Thinking Skills:

_ Decision-making

_ Identifying cause and effect

_ Making conclusions

_ Determining appoint of view

_ Making generalizations

_ Analyzing the credibility of a source

_ Evaluating information for accuracy

           

            History Fair:

Two-month project in conjunction with the student’s English class based on a chapter in book.  This gives students the opportunity to think outside of the box and create physical presentations.

 

Math

Objective:

The primary focal points at Grade 6 are understanding number and algebraic concepts, geometric properties and concepts: demonstrating an understanding of mathematical relations and function; using customary and metric measurements; applying the operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and integers, and using statistical measure to organize, analyze and describe data.

 

Text: Mathematics: Applications and Connections, Course I from Glencoe McGraw-Hill.

 

Integration of mathematical topics helps students to see mathematics as a whole.  Algebra lessons prepare students for first year algebra.  Other integrated topics are: geometry, measurement, statistics, probability and proportional reasoning,

 

 

 

Applications show students how mathematics relates to the real world around them.  Lessons open with an application or connection relevant to teenagers.  School to Career demonstrates careers in which mathematics is used.   Math in the Media helps students interpret mathematics in print.

 

Problem Solving activities and applications are integrated into every chapter.

 

Labs and Investigations provide students with an opportunity to explore, create mathematical models, and work cooperatively with a partner or group.

 

Test Preparation and Assessment provides practice for local, states and national tests.

 

Instructional Content:

Problem Solving, Numbers and Algebra:

¨ Order of Operations

¨ Variables and expressions

¨ Powers and Exponents

¨ Solving Equations

 

Statistics: Graphing Data:

¨ Frequency Tables

¨ Bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs

¨ Range, scales and intervals

¨ Reading graphs; predicting from graphs

¨ Stem-and-Leaf plots

¨ Mean, median, mode

¨ Misleading statistics

 

Adding, Subtracting, multiplying, Dividing Decimals:

¨ Decimals through ten-thousandths

¨ Comparing, ordering, and rounding decimals

¨ Estimating sums and differences

¨ Using the operations with decimals

¨ Length, mass, capacity in the metric system

¨ Conversion in the metric system

¨ Using the distributive property

¨ Perimeter and area

 

Using Number Patterns, Fractions and Rations:

¨ Divisibility patterns

¨ Prime factorization

¨ Greatest common factor

¨ Mixed numbers and improper fractions

¨ Length in the customary system

¨ Least common multiple

¨ Comparing and ordering fractions

¨ Converting decimals to fractions: fractions to decimals

 

Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, Dividing Fractions:

¨ Estimating sums, differences and products

¨ Rounding fractions and mixed numbers

¨ Adding, subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators

¨ The operations with mixed numbers

¨ Multiplying, dividing fractions and mixed numbers

¨ Changing customary units

¨ Sequences and patterns

 

Exploring Ratio, Proportion, and Percent:

¨ Ratios, rates, proportions

¨ Solving proportions

¨ Scale drawings

¨ Fractions, decimals, percents

¨ Estimating with percents

¨ Percent of a number

 

Geometry: Investigating patterns:

¨ Angles and angle measures

¨ Constructing segments, angles, and bisectors

¨ Triangles and Quadrilaterals

¨ Lines and symmetry

¨ Similar and congruent figures

 

Geometry: Understanding Area and Volume:

¨ Area of parallelograms, triangles, circles

¨ Area of irregular shapes

¨ Making circle graphs

¨ Working with spatial figures

¨ Volume and surface area of rectangular prisms

 

Algebra: Investigating Integers and Exploring Equations:

¨ Comparing and ordering integers

¨ Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing with integers

¨ The Coordinate System

¨ Translations, reflections and graphing

¨ Solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division equations

¨ One-step and two-step equations

¨ Functions and graphing functions

Using Probability:

¨ Fair and unfair games

¨ Theoretical probability

¨ Using samples and finding outcomes

Science

Sixth grade science is a concentrated earth science course. The topics studied relate to those studied in previous grades, but present new facts, concepts and science process skills appropriate for 6^th graders.  The course covers all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

 

Goal:

Sixth grade science concentrates on the following topics:

 

Ø      The scientific method

Ø      The metric system

Ø      Rocks and Minerals

Ø      Landforms

Ø      Weathering and Soils

Ø      Erosion and Deposition

Ø      Fossils

Ø      Natural resources and Conservation

Ø      Plate tectonics

Ø      Earthquakes

Ø      Volcanoes

Ø      Earth’s Oceans

Ø      Groundwater

Ø      Glaciers

Ø      Earth’s History

Ø      Geologic Time

Ø      Atmospheric Moisture

Ø      Air Pressure and Winds

Ø      Weather

Ø      Stars and the Universe

Ø      Earth and its Moon

Ø      The Solar System

Ø      Space exploration

 

Integration of topics is stressed in this curriculum.  Use of previously presented ideas is required to provide links between concepts. 

 

Scientific methods are emphasized in every aspect of the course.  Scientific reasoning is taught as an unbiased way of obtaining knowledge of the living and non-living world.  The student’s science projects, classroom labs, current events, field trips, as well as daily observations and show and tell items provide opportunities to think scientifically.

 

Science process skills are a part of most lab or field/lab exercises.  These include observations, inferring forming a hypothesis, prediction of results, designing an experiment, modeling, analyzing data, and forming a conclusion based upon results.  Data collection methods, estimation, metric measurement and communication/computer presentation and analysis of date (graphing) will also be introduced or reinforced.  About 40% of class time will be activity-oriented lessons that involve practicing process skills.

 

Ethics in science is explored in class discussions of a variety of topics such as conservation of natural resources and extraterrestrial life/intelligence.

 

Study skills are reinforced in note taking, organization, literature research, and test taking.

 

Religious Studies

Objective:

The sixth-grade program encompasses salvation history as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures and culminating in the coming of Jesus.  As the students study God’s revelation of himself to the Israelites who were bound to him in covenant love, they are reminded that our Father calls each person into a love relationship with him and with the Church community through his son, Jesus.  They come to realize that a caring love for all other people is intrinsic to this relationship with God.  Encouraged to read the Bible, they become sensitive to God’s message to them and to the world today.  Textbook used in 6^th grade: Christ Our Life, God Calls A People, Loyola Press.

 

Students are assessed in Religious Studies according to the following grading system: Class participation 45%, Bible Reflection 10%, Class Reflection 15% and Quizzes 30%.  Students are required to attend a weekly morning liturgy.  As a community we worship at Morning Prayer, Prayer Service or Mass.  There are opportunities for students to take active parts in preparation and presiding at the liturgies.  Retreats are part of the religious Studies Program.  Students in grade 6 are required to give a total of 15 community service hours for the year.

 

Mystery of God

† Discusses the theology of the Trinity and leads us to identify more closely with the Father         who created us, the Son who redeems us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us

† Presents various loving qualities of God, as evidenced in the words of the Bible depends the      awareness that God has chosen to reveal himself to us, that we might come to know Him in     a personal and loving relationship.

† Introduces the Bible as a collection of various kinds of inspired writings for learning how          they can deepen their relationship with God

† Discusses God’s plans of salvation, taking shape and forming a family of faith through              Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (God reveals Himself as One True God)

Creation

† Describes God’s plan made manifest in creation, and his infinite love for humankind

† Deepens awareness that we are made into His image and likeness and that we are God’s            work of art, called into life as unique human beings

† Causes us to reflect on God’s continual act of creation, which includes not only creating new     beings but also keeping all things in existence

† Develops global awareness or respect for other peoples and methods of helping to meet their     needs

 

Grace

† Defines Grace as a deepening of our relationship with God freely given to persons as a gift

† Stresses grace as God’s presence through the periods of Salvation History, both the Old and      the New Testaments

† Recognizes encounters with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, especially Reconciliation, and the use of sacramental as opportunities for deepening grace

 

Morality

† Reflects on how evil and suffering came into the world through Adam and Eve’s rejection         of God, which we call Original Sin

† Reveals the Father’s plans for His people from the promise of the redeemer through the              bestowal of the covenant and the Tem Commandments, and the role of the prophets as “the     conscience of Israel”

† Challenges us to share the life of Jesus by living the Beatitudes, observing the Precepts of          the Church, and living out the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy

† Presents choice as part of the formation of a Christian conscience, including the choice of         accepting the call to holiness whatever the state in life; single married, diocesan priest, or r        religious leader

 

Prayers and Formulations

† Act of Faith

† Act of Hope

† Act of Love

† Theological Virtues

Students should also know all prayers and formulations mastered in previous grades

 

Jesus

† Stresses the mission of Jesus in all its aspects-from His birth when God became one of us in      Jesus, (Incarnation) to the wedding in Cana, (miracles) to His suffering and death to the     Resurrection.

† Presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies

† Reminds us that we are called to a deepening relationship with God, and that a commitment      to Christ manifests itself in all we do in every personal decision

† Reveals Jesus’ identity as it invites each baptized person to a relationship of friendship

 

Sacraments

† Presents Sacraments as opportunities to meet Christ personally: explains Sacraments as            signs and grace giving encounters with Jesus

† Reviews the parts of the Mass as Eucharistic Celebration and a renewal of the covenant of         God with all people at the Last Supper.  Jesus gave new meaning to the sacred meal     connected with the Passover

† Provides emphasis on Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation, whereby God gives His           reconciling love and forgiveness to those who repent

† Emphasizes the responsibilities humans have for their choices and the results of those     choices

† Reviews form for the reception of the sacrament

† Describes the anointing of the sick as a celebration of the Church’s belief in Jesus’ power to     heal

† Deepens the understanding of the priesthood, of what Holy Orders is, and that the call to           Orders is a mission of special ministry and service

† Presents the sacrament of Matrimony as the basis for Christian family life, as well as a               reminder of Jesus’ love and sharing with the Church

† Enables a deeper awareness of our life in Christ, begun in the Baptism, strengthened in              Confirmation and nourished in the Eucharist, the Center of Christian life

† Reviews the parts of the Mass as Eucharistic Celebration

 

Morality

† Stresses the help of the Holy Spirit in aiding us to make right choices and sins as a refusal to      live in a loving relationship with God

† Calls us to life Christian morality as a response to God’s love, and to His laws trough prayer     and Eucharistic worship

† Challenges us to be prophets today in taking a stand against injustice in a peaceful and non-      violent way

† Fulfills justice by the practice of charity, sharing with others in the self-giving manner of     Christ

 

Church

† Identifies the Peoples of God as the Pilgrim Church today, praying and serving one another       as one.  It recognizes the marks of the Church, which both describe her and identify her      mission, and also present other signs of faith

† Leads us to better appreciate Christ’s Presence in the Church through the Holy Spirit.

 

Spanish:

            Students will develop Cultural awareness of traditional Mexican/Latin events and holidays.

            The class will:

·         Work on development of regular Spanish verbs in the present tense. Ser Y Estar.

·         Development of Er, Ar, and Ir verbs

·         Cover chapter 1-10 of Spanish book “Buen Viaje”

·         Development of Spanish sentences using verbs

·         Development of Spanish prepositions.  Neutral, Feminine and Masculine

·         Development of direct and indirect verbs

Physical Education:

Overview:

In this physical education class students will gain knowledge in several different sports.  We will also be learning rules, skills and technique of these games.  The overall objective of the physical education courses at both the primary and middle school level is to teach activities, which will form the basis for a lifetime of physical fitness.

 

Instructional Content:

~ Be able to apply physical education to life

~ Be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills, which better enable participation in group and  team sports

~ Assess physical fitness levels and participate in activities that improve fitness, wellness, and  cardiovascular capacity

~ Be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills, which will better enable participation in  individual and dual sports and recreational activities.

 

            Health:

The students recognize ways to enhance and maintain health throughout their life span.  The student recognizes the basic structure and functions of the human body.  The student understands and engages in behaviors that reduce health risks.  The student explains healthy ways to communicate, and demonstrates critical thinking and problem solving for promoting healthy decisions.

Instructional content:

_ Six major nutrients contained in food

_ Identify information on menus and food labels

_ Exercise

_ Physical, mental and social fitness

_ Structure and function of the human body

_ Identify the use of prescription and non-prescription medications

_ Describe short and long term harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol

_ Peer pressure influences, social and emotional health

_ Qualities of a good friend

_Lifeskills training program

·         An exciting new breakthrough which not only prevents tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, but teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to:

o        Increase your self-esteem

o        Increase your ability to make decisions and solve problems

o        Communicate effectively

o        Avoid misunderstandings

o        Manage anxiety

o        Make new friends

o        Stand up for your rights

o        Say “no” to unfair requests

o        Resist advertising pressures

o        Resist pressure to use drugs

 

_Worth the Wait program

·         School administrators have chosen UTHSCSA’s abstinence curriculum Worth the Wait program, which is a 10-day unit, based on the medical and legal facts regarding teen sexual activity, which teaches abstinence as the healthiest choice for teens.  This curriculum is provided through grant funds; we are required to pre- and post-test students to measure the program’s effectiveness.

 

 

ELECTIVES:

 

Art

Objective:

Students will develop an informed appreciation of art and life-long interest in learning more about art.  Students will learn through perceptual awareness, creative expression, cultural and historical lessons, and make informed judgments about art and art history.

 

The Artistic Process

Students will understand the elements and principles of design as a guide for seeing and creating art including:

_ Line, contour and gesture drawing

_ Portraits, characteristics or portraits, study Renaissance artist, proportions, direct  observations

_ Art media and techniques, how media influence an artist’s expressive qualities

_ Shapes, interaction between positive and negative shapes