6TH GRADE CURRICULUM

Language Arts

Reading, thinking and writing skills are interrelated in 6th grade with the emphasis on organization. Using an anthology and a variety of fiction and non-fiction books, students examine the relationships of information and ideas to better comprehend and enjoy the reading selection. Students develop, practice, and apply an understanding of sentence and paragraph organization. This includes grammar, mechanics, short essays, and narratives. Creativity is encouraged in writing and oral expression.
 

Math

Formulas! Definitions! Symbols! Operations! It’s a lot to remember if we want to become proficient in Math. Saxon Math Course 1 provides many opportunities to learn new concepts while the daily lesson format gives each student a chance to practice what has been learned as well as a general overview of concepts taught next. Working with integers, fractions, decimals, geometry, estimation, and problem solving skills are just a few of the topics covered to help 6th graders expand their knowledge and understanding.

 

Religion

The sixth grade curriculum is designed to teach children about key concepts of faith such as law, gospel, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and grace while focusing specifically on the person, attributes, and work of God the Son. Each lesson is grounded in the Word of God, through which the Holy Spirit works to create, strengthen, and sustain saving faith. Our memory curriculum consists of the six chief parts of the Christian Doctrine, Bible verses, prayers, and hymns. Through memory, students can develop a foundation of beliefs that can be internalized and along with the Bible, be a guide for Christian living.

 

Science

The majority of the year is spent looking at the six kingdoms of living organisms and learning to identify characteristics of each. The origins of life is discussed from both the scientific theory of evolution and constantly, continually compared with the creation theory. Energy forms, potential and kinetic, and the conversions between them are explored as the students perform hands-on experiments on a variety of energy types exploring controlled and manipulated variables.

 

Social Studies

Civilizations have come and gone. But what we study about them can help us understand our changing world. We also use our Biblical knowledge to see God’s hand in development of civilizations to fulfill His purposes. We relate to all of history as we relate to His story which is our story too!!
 

Art

Students continue to study the great works of master artists and are taught that art is in everything we see. At this age, they are taught the process is just as important as the finished product. Students will be introduced to different careers in art, the role art plays in society and that God is the center of it all.

 

Technology

Computer class builds on what is learned in the previous years. Students will learn about the Google platform through: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Sheets and Google Slides. Keyboarding skills will continue to be practiced through Typing Club. Students will learn about digital citizenship and how to stay safe on the internet. Lessons in program coding will be taught through Scratch.

 
Music
The online Quaver music program introduces and expands musical concepts and provides opportunities for students to develop their own musical skills through cooperative learning, interactive videos and activities, songs, quizzes, and projects.
 

Physical Education

Students will begin learning basic anatomical terms for the muscular, skeletal, and cardio- respiratory systems. Stretching, strengthening, endurance and flexibility will be emphasized. The importance of fitness as a lifestyle is becoming evident to this group. Sixth graders still enjoy chasing and dodging games, but will also focus on fine-tuning skills for traditional, organized games. Appreciation of the rules, respect for officials (teachers, peers, and coaches) and acknowledgement of individual gifts of each student is applied daily.


Chess (elective Grades 5-8)
 
It’s not about Kings, Queens and Rooks, but rather quadrants and coordinates, thinking strategically, and foreseeing consequences. It’s about lines and angles, weighing options and making decisions. Chess is an ideal teaching and learning tool. Research shows there is a strong correlation between learning to play chess and academic achievement. Chess teaches higher level thinking skills such as visualization, analyzation and thinking critically. Chess class will be a mix of fun, competition and learning. Students develop confidence and focus and gain valuable academic skills while having fun

Current Events at PWC (elective Grades 5-8)
Students in this elective are introduced to journalism. They are the school’s news source when it comes to PWC sports, special events and K-8 classroom activities. Newscasts are created through the work of a crew of anchors, reporters and camera operators and shown to the school each month.

Drama (elective Grades 5-8)
This elective offers basic introduction to drama terms and techniques. Instructional periods include time to put into practice the skills addressed, including stage production and instruction in behind-the-scenes. Several small productions occur throughout the year.
 

Peer Ministry (Grades 6-8)

This course takes place once a week and is led by the church youth pastor. Students gain a deeper understanding of Christ and His impact on our Christian worldview. A focus is on creating and establishing strong peer relationships that will last into high school. Students discover the benefits of being part of a Christian community.

 

 

Texts:
One in Christ, Concordia Publishing House, 2012
Memory Curriculum, One in Christ, Concordia Publishing House, 2012

English Standard Version Bible– Crossway 2001

Saxon Math Harcourt Achieve, Inc. and Stephen Hake, 2007
Prentice Hall Writing Coach (grade 6) Pearson, 2012
The Odyssey (abridged)
Tom Sawyer (abridged)
Inside Out and Back Again
MacBeth
Greek and Latin Roots – The Learning Works, 2009
World History, Ancient Civilizations through the Renaissance, Holt McDougal, 2012
Interactive Science: Life Science, Pearson Education, Inc. 2011
Avancemos 1a, Holt McDougal, 2010
Art First Nations — Zuk & Bergland, 2001
Physical Education for Elementary School Children Kirchner/Glenn William C. Brown Publishers, 1989
Meet the Masters – Meet the Masters
Quaver Music – online music curriculum
Typing Club – online keyboarding
Scratch – online coding