Sixth Grade Curriculum

Updated August 2011

Religion

We utilize the Concordia Publishing House Series Voyages:  Exploring God’s Word.  Students have weekly memory work assignments in which they learn various parts of the Catechism along with a variety of Bible passages.  This curriculum has been designed so that through the Word and Spirit of God, students of all abilities

• May know God, especially His seeking and forgiving love in Christ;
• May respond in faith and grow into Christian maturity;
• See themselves as the reconciled, redeemed children of God and individual members of Christ’s body, the church;
• Live happily in peace with God, themselves and their fellow human beings;
• Express their joy in worship of God and in loving service to others;
• Value all of God’s creative work in His world and the church;
• Witness openly to Christ as the Savior of all people; and
• Live in Christian hope with the blessed assurance of eternal life in Heaven through Christ Jesus.

Confirmation preparation begins in 6th grade and is taught by Pastor Decker and Pastor Hofferber.  This course also uses CPH materials and prepares students for a Confirmation of their faith in 8th grade.

Mathematics

We use Holt McDougal Mathematics: Course 1.  The course is set up to provide resources that students need to be successful with strategies designed to meet every student’s needs, prepare students for testing, and motivate students by using technology in each lesson.  The chapters include the following:  whole numbers and patterns, an introduction to algebra, decimals, number theory and fractions, fraction operations, collecting and displaying data, proportional relationships, geometric relationships, measurement and geometry, measurement: area and volume, integers, probability, and functions, equations, and inequities.

English

We use Glencoe Writer’s Choice: Grammar and Composition.  Sixth graders apply writing and grammar skills including parts of speech, sentence types, capitalization, punctuation, speaking, and listening.  Students recognize and use simple, complex, and compound sentences.  They recognize and use standard editing symbols.  We use a pattern of alternating grammar units with writing units to build on skills as students learn them.

Spelling and Vocabulary

We use the Glencoe Language Arts Spelling Power Workbook and Vocabulary Power Workbook.  They take weekly spelling tests.  They identify and understand the literal and figurative meaning of words, do proofreading practice activities, and solve analogies.

Literature

We use Glencoe Literature Course 1.  Sixth graders demonstrate competence in the general skill and strategies of the reading process by applying these skills and strategies to the reading of stories, excerpts of autobiographies and poems.  Students read, analyze, evaluate and respond to literature examples in one of six themes: What makes a hero?, Why read?, What makes you who you are?, What’s fair and what’s not?, What brings out the best in you?, and What are worthwhile goals?

Spanish

Sixth graders will learn basic Spanish grammar in preparation for a more intensive program used in 7th and 8th grade. 

Science

We use Pearson’s Earth Science textbook.  We explore planet Earth by studying how to map Earth’s surface, and minerals and rocks found on/under Earth’s surface.  We look inside Earth to learn about earthquakes and volcanoes.  We study Earth’s changing surface through weathering, erosion, and deposition.  We also study astronomy, learning about the Earth, Moon, and Sun, the Solar System and beyond.   Students also participate in the school Science Fair where they put into practice the steps of the scientific method.

Social Studies 

Sixth grade uses the Holt series World History.  They study how people of the world vary from one region to another.  From the discovery of ancient objects we learn how cultures have changed over time.  Students also learn about themselves and others from the past.  The five themes of geography (location, place, human/environment interaction, region, and movement) are incorporated into each of the chapters and units in order to provide a well-balanced social studies curriculum.

Art

Sixth graders have art instruction once a week.  The focus of the art program is to teach students about the elements of art (line, shape, form, color, texture, composition, and perspective) and to foster creativity.  Students learn an appreciation of art through this experience regardless of their artistic ability.

Music

Sixth graders have the opportunity to join choir.  Choir involves singing in parts and listening.  They learn a wide variety of songs, hymns, and join in Zion Lutheran Church Sunday worship services.  Those students who do not participate in the choir program have music class instead.  They use Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Share the Music textbooks and learn a variety of music ideas.   Students also have the opportunity to participate in an after school program of Choir Chimes. Sixth graders also have the opportunity to participate in band.  They receive once a week instruction on their instruments plus meet weekly for a sixth, seventh and eighth grade band.

Physical Education

Sixth graders have Physical Education twice a week. Students participate in health-related activities and fitness testing.  They continue to refine basic skills, participate in individual and team sports and describe strategies and rule concepts.  Christian sportsmanship is always emphasized.  Sixth graders are eligible to participate in after school athletics in cross country, volleyball (girls), basketball (boys and girls), cheerleading, and track. 

Computer

Sixth graders have computer class twice a week.  They learn advanced computer terminology, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Publisher.   They also practice their keyboarding skills using “Mavis Beacon Typing” with a goal of 20 words per minute.  They also practice searching the Internet and learn how to integrate the Internet with other software for projects.

Cultural Experience

Sixth graders go on a variety of field trips including Outdoor Education at Camp Wartburg.  They also attend special performances at Metro-East Lutheran High School.  We take various field trips throughout the year, including a field trip to Springfield, IL, to visit various Lincoln sites.