CORE COURSES
MATHEMATICS
This course improves the basic math skills of our students. Some areas covered are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and decimals, graphing statistics, measurement, geometry, percent, area and volume. Students are required to show their work on their paper. Calculator use is limited to specific assignments and a portion of the Terra Nova test.
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An accelerated group works in the 7th grade math text. The pace is faster and good work habits and excellent effort are a necessity. Placement will be finalized by the 6th Grade staff after school begins.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The sixth grade social studies curriculum will allow students to survey the major political, economic, social and cultural developments that characterized the period of Cradles of Civilizations through the Renaissance period.
Students will learn ways to cooperate and to resolve conflict in their own life. They will learn that past events have helped shape their lives and that present events can help them make decisions about the future. Students will understand that citizens can act by themselves to make a difference in the world. They will be taught how people's actions affect other people, their surroundings, and/or their environment. World cultures and corresponding literature are taught. These areas will help students look at their past and present. It will also enable them to better.
SCIENCE
The sixth grade science program consists of a combination of a hands-on approach and a basal text. Sixth grade students engage in hands-on activities using National Science Resource Center kits supplied by the local Einstein program in Brown County. Sixth graders study effects of water, light, fertilizer, space and pollination using Wisconsin Fast Plants.
The focus of study in the sixth grade science program is in six areas: weather, cells, earth, space, laws of motion and the scientific method along with the tools used in science. Students engage in activities where they build observation and critical thinking skills, build science language development, and apply new technology to the study of science. Students' mastery of conceptual understandings and skills are assessed through journal writing, skill sheets, unit tests and teacher observation.
LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The sixth grade reading curriculum is delivered through a Balanced Literacy concept , including silent and oral reading selections, trade books, and recreational reading. Skills development includes vocabulary, comprehension decoding and life study skills.
Vocabulary development includes analogies, synonyms, antonyms, multiple meanings, classification, context clues and connotations. Comprehension skills focus on author's purposes, cause/effect, comparisons, drawing conclusions, fact/opinion, figurative language, main idea, sequence, and supporting details. Literal, inferential and experimental thinking skills are emphasized.
Decoding skills, include practice with prefixes, suffixes and base words, and combining forms. Life and study skills are increased through the use of a variety of reference materials, focusing on finding key ideas, using picture captions, and diagrams. Research and organizing information utilize the skills taught in reading.
LANGUAGE ARTS/WRITING
The sixth grade writing curriculum focuses on reviewing and teaching basic mechanics, and then using those skills in actual writings. Basic mechanics units include the sentence, nouns, verbs, modifiers, capitalization and punctuation, pronouns, and prepositional phrases.
Writing units include a personal narrative, paragraphs of comparison and contrast, a story, descriptions, and persuasive letters. All writings incorporate the 5 step writing process and are assessed using 6 Trait plus 1 writing rubrics.
Specific skills identified in the Grade 6 communications curriculum are stressed, as well as tested item concepts for the WKCE 8th grade test.
6th GRADE ENCORE COURSES
BAND
5th & 6th grade band is open to all students. Students wishing to join can only do so with the approval of the director through an audition. Students must take lessons with the director before being allowed to join - this normally takes place during summer school or during the school year. Attendance at concerts is mandatory. A calendar of yearly events will be given the first week of school. All supplies such as reeds, oil, cleaning kits, lesson books etc., must be purchased by the individual musician.
5th & 6th grade meets on alternate days and every other Friday throughout the school year.
CHORUS
Chorus at the 5th & 6th grade level teaches basic vocal technique. Students also learn to follow lines of notes and sing partner songs and sounds. The music used in class includes a variety of songs from different periods and cultures as well as seasonal music.
All students are required to attend two evening concerts - one in December and one in May. Concert dress is plain white shirt or blouse and plain black slacks or skirt.
5th & 6th grade meets on alternate days and every other Friday.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education contributes to the total development of a student in the areas of cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and neuromuscular skills. Each student will work to gain knowledge, understanding, and the importance of life-long fitness through exposure to activities such as soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, softball, and speedball.
The physical education program works to achieve positive sportsmanship, team-work, and cooperation among all students as part of social/emotional development. Each student is encouraged and given the opportunity to achieve his/her own potential.
Physical Education 6th meets every other day and alternating Fridays for the duration of the school year. Students are responsible for bringing proper attire for class activities.
Physical Education 5th meets every other day and alternating Fridays for the duration of the school year. Students are responsible for bringing proper attire for class activities.
6TH GRADE EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
6th Grade Exploratories-are tentatively scheduled as the following courses: Computers, General Music, Art, Careers/FACE, French, Spanish, and Technology.
ART EXPLORE
Students take this class as part of a six section year-long exploration block. Student work covers areas including drawing with an emphasis on shading (both color and black/white), printing, clay construction and painting or glazing, color mixing (theory and practice) including skin tones, and independent work on a computer graphics program.
FACE EXPLORE
Students will participate in learning opportunities that will help them understand how self responsibility prepares one for the world of work. The course stresses the need for a strong, well-versed educational background as well as the importance of preparing for a career that matches personal talents/skills and provides the financial resources for the desired lifestyle. Students will explore career opportunities and identify essential skills and attitudes needed to be successful in the world of work. Participants will be provided with a variety of activities to help them assess personal talents and skills for career goal setting. A strong emphasis will be placed on the expectations of the work world.
COMPUTER APPLICATION EXPLORE
Computer Applications reviews and reinforces keyboarding skills through the use of a skill building software program. The students also learn basic word processing functions in the Microsoft Word program. They will be able to format reports and personal letters upon completion of the course.
GENERAL MUSIC EXPLORE
This exploration includes: 1) the history of music from antiquity to the present, 2) electronic music, 3) music careers, 4) basic note reading in treble clef, 5) piano playing/keyboard instruction, and 6) composition.
FRENCH EXPLORE
The focus of this introduction French class is oral conversation, an introduction to the culture and geography of the Francophone world, and songs and games that encourage language acquisition and an appreciation of French culture and language. Students will also learn the alphabet, numbers zero through sixty, days of the week, weather expressions, certain classroom objects and general classroom commands, such as sit, stand, take out paper, etc.
SPANISH EXPLORE
The focus of this introduction to the Spanish language and Hispanic culture, the course lays the foundation for further study in seventh and eighth grade Spanish. With a strictly oral emphasis, students will learn limited phrases to conduct conversations about the following topics: greetings and leave takings, asking and answering about health, who someone is, where the student is from, and how old is the student. Students will also learn the alphabet, numbers zero through sixty, days of the week, weather expressions, certain classroom objects and general classroom commands, such as sit, stand, take out paper, etc. In addition to the language, students will be introduced to Spain, the Spanish speaking countries around the world, and the history of the Spanish language.
TECHNOLOGY EXPLORE
In Technology, students are introduced to concepts in measurements and planning. After study in these areas, students will begin working with hand tools to complete a product based on their design. Students will also explore the role of technology in careers and consider their occupational future in the 21st century.
