6th Grade Curriculum
Reading
Comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking of the following: Animal Farm, Dog of Flanders, Tom Sawyer, Alice in Wonderland, Robinson Crusoe, and The Odyssey.
Language Arts
Sentence analysis includes diagramming, grammar, vowel controls, parts of speech, pronunciation, verb tense, vocabulary, and punctuation. Spelling involves the words from Rice University’s 450 Most Often Misspelled List. In addition, the Carden™ spelling workbook covers antonyms, homonyms, synonyms, and verb tense. Students practice penmanship with paragraphs on ancient history, from Egypt to the Magna Carta. One poem per month is studied and memorized.
Composition
Journal entries for creative expression
Six book reports of books at least 175 pages in length
Six short story reports
Nine current event summaries
Carden™ composition forms
Poetry
ABC writing prompts
Mathematics
Fractions, Measurement, Percentages, Decimals, Graphing, Rate, Ratio, Proportion, Pre-Algebra, Geometry, Solving for Unknowns, Story Problems and Patterns.
Science
Earth Science: The study of the earth and environments
History
Cultural history of man: Pre-history to the age of exploration.
Geography
South America -- first semester
Asia -- second semester
Review of continents and United States
Map skills
Music
Theory and singing are twice weekly, with emphasis on performance skills and poise. Appreciation of the classic composers and American music is stressed. An intense study of the orchestra culminates with a field trip to the symphony. Students perform in two productions each year.
Art and Art Appreciation
Classical artists are studied. Students work with texture, color, and design with projects of various mediums.
French
Formalized course in French grammar, vocabulary, and culture through listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Latin
Introductory course in Latin grammar and vocabulary emphasizing roots of English words.
Physical Education
Middle School students wear PE uniforms. Class involves structured games, a rigorous exercise program, and mile run. The students strive for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Sportsmanship is stressed. The class is held four days a week.
Computer
Middle School students learn computertechnology including keyboarding, power point, web design, and spread sheets.
