Sixth Grade Curriculum Overview
 

Language Arts
In sixth grade, students read novels, short stories, dramas, nonfiction, classical mythology, and poetry which support cultural diversity and the study of American and world history. They continue their study of Shakespeare and his works. Comprehension and thoughtful consideration of the literature’s meaning are stressed at all times. Sixth grade students write expository essays of various forms including research reports, persuasive and informational compositions, comparison and contrast essays, short stories, letters, an autobiography, and poems. Students write and speak with an attention to standard English conventions, including sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. They are also encouraged to practice public speaking and to develop confidence when presenting things to others.

Research tools, including the dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, and encyclopedia are used as aids in the writing process. Sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar are stressed in drills and writings. Spelling and vocabulary are expanded through word studies and vocabulary-building exercises.

Mathematics
Sixth graders normally begin a study of pre-algebra, probability, and statistics. They use a variety of supplemental websites, books, and resources to make use of their emerging math skills, and solving word problems and group problem solving continue to be emphasized.

Some students enter Hilldale during middle school and are not as advanced; sometimes mathematics is simply not a student's strong point; and sometimes mathematics is a passion and an area in which a student truly excels. For such students, we provide an opportunity to work individually at a lower or higher academic level.

Science
In sixth grade students continue their in depth look at topics which were first introduced in their earlier years, thus spiraling their learning toward greater depth and breadth. They study with a science specialist who also incorporates science in the news and various group internet possibilities.

This year, students study life science by taking a comprehensive look at the the great variety of life and its forms, the classification of living things, life cycles, reproduction, heredity, and evolution. They learn about cells, their structures, and processes. Then they apply this knowledge to an in depth study of the various systems of the human body. Hands-on experiments, reading literature, and videos are a regular part of the curriculum. Each year the students do an individual science project for the annual Science Fair, helping them to learn the important concepts of observation, prediction, gathering information, recording results, creating a display, and presenting the material to others. They may also participate in some sort of outdoor education and community-building program.

Social Studies
Sixth grade students begin an in depth study of American history up to the Civil War with a personalized slant aimed at critically reviewing the reasons events may have occurred and the consequences of people's actions. They also begin a detailed study of Civics, in order to better understand our country's government.

Spanish
Sixth graders build upon their knowledge of Spanish while they complete what would normally be taught in the first half of a third year high school course. Opportunities to make use of their Spanish skills are provided through internet websites and pen pals. Students have Spanish three times a week.

Art
Students in sixth grade continue to challenge themselves as artists under the tutelage of an art specialist. They also begin an art history class in which they look at the important periods and schools of world art: Classical, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Romantic, and Realism. Students have art class once a week.

Music
Sixth graders continue to increase their knowledge of music. They learn to synchronize with a group as both an instrumentalist and a singer, and they learn about vocal ranges and harmony. They continue their study of orchestral instruments and various famous composers and develop basic compositional skills through group and individual projects, learn the basics of harmony and melody, and solidify basic singing skills. They also continue their overview study of the various historical musical periods and a study of important composers associated with those periods. Students have music once a week.

Physical Education
The physical education curriculum for sixth grade increases students' basic knowledge and skills in sport activities. They gain precision with increasing control and accuracy. They develop habits of teamwork, learn how to apply the basic rules of various sports, and participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program each year. Students have physical education 2-3 times a week.

Technology and Research
Sixth grade students develop solid keyboarding skills in our computer laboratory. They also use the lab for internet research, word-processing and in depth reports in Science and Social Studies classes. In addition, students have weekly internet-based assignments to support the emphasis on current events across the curriculum. Students are exposed to the computer several times each week.

Character Education and Debate

Sixth grade students talk about many character issues presented in their books. In particular, they discuss independence and identity, meeting challenges, and what matters in life, issues presented in their literature textbook. They also study debate techniques while looking at various issues of relevance to them at this age.

Environmental Education and Community Service
Sixth  graders work together to determine a service learning project based on a community need, and then work together to complete it. This provides an opportunity to cooperate, plan, and show their caring spirits while they help someone else in the community. An example of a past project includes research into local organizations which reach out to the homeless, learning how homelessness can affect children, and volunteering to help at a homeless shelter and to interact with homeless children. This project is integrated with social studies and language arts. The sixth grade also does some sort of project which promotes environmental awareness. One project concerned cleaning up a neighborhood area which had become overgrown and littered. The school was honored for its participation.