Students study grammar usage and mechanics
in depth. These skills are reinforced through composition work, created through an
exposure to different forms of writing. Special emphasis is placed on paragraph
structure and development.
Short stories, poems, novels, and folk
tales are read and examined for plot, character, setting, and theme.
Language arts is capped off with an
intensive study of vocabulary.
Accelerated
Reader
Students develop a greater understanding
of mathematical skills related to communication and problem solving. A variety of
methods are used to gain skills including manipulatives and cooperative learning.
Sixth graders begin to form the foundation
that will be built upon in later grades in algebra and geometry.
A general science curriculum
continues. Lab experiments, group work, and other projects enhance the lessons
taught. Lessons seek to foster respect for ourselves, through the health curriculum,
and a respect for our environment, through science.
Students explore world history beginning
with ancient civilizations and working toward modern times. During the study,
students are introduced to a variety of world cultures. Geography helps to anchor
the learning as they discuss the different areas of the world.
Students concentrate on an intensive study
of the Old Testament. Group projects, written work, and family projects enhance the
Bible study. Students are required to keep a journal as a part of the Religion
class. Students attend Mass twice a week.
Emphasis is placed on learning proper
keyboarding skills and its practice through a tutorial program. With exposure to a
variety of software, students often explore word processing and multimedia. A unit
on copyright and software piracy is included among the topics.
In sixth grade, all students participate
in an outdoor education camping experience for three days/two nights. This trip
combines intrapersonal skills, Christian values, and outdoor education. We emphasize
cooperative skills, personal responsibility, class bonding, and self-confidence.
Art is taught using Discipline Based Art
Education (DBAE) which includes art history, art production, development of the ability to
describe and express your own feelings about a piece of art, development of the ability to
criticize a piece of art constructively. Each grade level "scaffolds" or
builds on the grade level before it. Vocabulary and techniques used increase in
difficulty with the cognitive abilities of that grade level.
In grade six, students have a solid
foundation of art theories and techniques which include: gradation, concentration,
composition, ellipses, and 2-point perspective. New projects are introduced
building on the learning foundation. Career possibilities are introduced.
Students work further to understand the
Dewey Decimal system, card catalog filing rules, and use of special reference
materials. The Reader's Guide is introduced for research into magazines. Also,
an incentive program for regular reading continues.
The whole picture of music theory, style,
instruments, composers, and musicians begins to take shape. Students examine a broad
range of musical styles. Theory continues with study of meter, note value, musical
terms, and tone color. In addition, career opportunities are introduced.
Activities are planned to help students
develop skills for daily living and for the future. Lessons motivate each individual
to take responsibility in protecting, maintaining, and improving his or her own
health. This responsibility also extends to their being able to help to provide for
the well-being of the community to which they belong.
