Grade 6

Grade 6 language arts and social studies are taught through the themes of oppression and resistance, power and identity. An essential element of this curriculum is to empower all students, no matter their ancestry, to feel seen and validated. Ultimately, sixth graders will walk away with a deeper understanding of the underpinnings of the society they navigate, and the confidence to take strides toward positive change. 

Developmental Skills

• Students develop critical reading, summarizing, and synthesizing skills through text-based writing assignments, class discussion, and creative projects.
• Sixth graders independently use the writing process to brainstorm, draft, revise, and edit effectively
• 6th graders engage in the research process by gathering sources, both primary and secondary; note taking and organizing information; and synthesizing information into paragraphs

Examples of books that have been read in grade 6 include:

• Born a Crime (Young Readers Edition) by Trevor Noah
• Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida
• Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

The sixth grade math program creates a solid foundation in computational fluency, problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding. Students focus on developing their ability to understand and apply numeration, quantitative, logic and geometric concepts, with emphasis on problem solving and real-life applications. Students work individually, in partnerships, and as a full class group on various challenges and projects.

 Skills include:

• Problem Solving Strategies
• Number System 
• Expressions & Equations
• Ratios & Proportions 
• Geometry
• Statistics & Probability

The program has two parallel aims: 1) for students to develop an understanding of material studied through investigation, experimentation, readings, and discussions (with emphasis on the scientific process); 2) to expose students to a variety of topics that engage their interest and curiosity so that they will be scientists both inside and outside the classroom.

Developmental Skills:

• Topics include: environmental justice, earth science, ecosystems, and celestial navigation.
• 5E Method is emphasized: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation
• Skills include scientific observation, data collection and analysis, understanding causal relationships v complex causality, and communicating findings
• Examples of projects include: Modified Engineering Challenges, Design Projects, Explorations and Labs

Middle school students at CRS take either French or Spanish.  Grade 6 is the first year of a three-year world language program. Our goal is to have students feel comfortable and successful while learning a new language. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of French/Spanish grammar, vocabulary and many aspects of Francophone/Hispanic culture. The emphasis in 6th grade is on how to best learn a language.

Skills at this level include:

• Learning and using vocabulary in the target language
• Learning and using structures of grammar in the target language

In the sixth grade, we focus on taking greater personal responsibility for learning and applying new skills, preparing for the transition to middle school. There is a greater focus on digital citizenship and focus on long term projects that require integrating multiple skills and group collaboration.

Examples of skills and activities include:

• Coding and electrical wiring for an interactive media project 
• Using digital tools for classwork and homework workflows
• Video and audio editing clips for world language weather reports
• Digital photography editing and manipulation techniques

The sixth grade art program is a sequential curriculum integrating studio work with major classroom themes.

Developmental Skills:

• Through projects like mono prints, drawing animals in a setting, and capturing observed features, students learn about shapes, marks, and lines
• Students learn about color theory by matching observed colors, sequencing colors, and capturing color values in observed subject matter
• Students explore texture, pattern, and 3-D form with carving, printing making, and building projects

In sixth grade, students expand skills of creative musical participation through singing, playing instruments, and composition. Students explore sound and composition through the use of both original and “junk” instruments. They learn about musical theater, developing their presence and confidence onstage. They continue to practice basic notation and reading skills, and learn about the elements of music.  They also use technology to create musical compositions.

Students will:

• Sing independently with accurate pitch and in unison, duet and three part harmony
• Play and compose melodies on various instruments
• Create original compositions with percussion and other instruments

The Physical Education program is developmental and skill-based. The program includes cooperative games, standard games, such as capture the flag and ultimate Frisbee, and team sports including field hockey, soccer and basketball. Students practice motor and sports skills throughout these activities. Students develop sports skills through movement exploration, specific skill work and playing games.

Developmental Skills:

• Sports Skills:  Throw, Dribble, Kick, Bat, Catch, Shoot (basketball), Volley
• Fitness Exercises, Relays, Cooperative Games, Group Challenges, Obstacle Courses,  Lifetime Fitness Activities

Sixth grade students are familiar with the library, its facilities, and how to make use of them. They continue to use the library as a resource for reading for pleasure and information, and to a greater extent, for developing skills in inquiry and research.

Students will:

• Identify and read various genres of literature
• Identify, evaluate, and select appropriate sources of information, both digital and print
• Organize and synthesize research information for presentation
• Develop media literacy for informed decision making