St. Philip the Apostle School - Curriculum Guide

Grade Six

RELIGION
Sixth graders will learn through Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith.  Catholic values are discussed and integrated not only in Religion, but in all learning. The focus is on:

   ·  God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
   ·  planning, assisting in liturgy and other forms of  worship
   ·  the sacraments
   ·  service
   ·  church history and Old Testament
   ·  morality and decision making
   ·  church responsibility and participation

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The Language Arts Program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and  the study of literature.  The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. The skills acquired and understood are applied and reinforced in all content areas. The  textbook used for reading is Prentice Hall, as well as selected novels.

READING/LITERATURE
A diverse selection of literature will be used to enhance student development of higher levels of comprehension and inferential thinking. Skills will develop and improve as students are presented with the following focus:

   · evaluating fact, opinion and bias
   · identifying myths and fables
   · analyzing style and purpose
   · understanding elements of plot
   · understanding the author's purpose in various literary forms
   · identifying characteristics of fantasy and legends
   · applying word analysis and vocabulary skills

WRITING
Sixth  grade students use writing to convey
 meaning applying classroom instruction in grammar, spelling, mechanics and process.

Students will:
   · write multiple sequential paragraphs
   · construct an outline
   · use the writing process including pre-writing, writing, revising, peer editing, and final draft
   · write in multiple forms
       narrative, expository, persuasive & description essays
       poetry 

LISTENING/SPEAKING
Sixth grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions. 

They will:
   · present material orally
   · make presentations to individuals and small groups
   · participate in small & large  group discussion and presentations
   · express ideas clearly when speaking
   · read fluently with expression
 
TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
Sixth grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources. 

Students will:
    · gather materials from several sources on a given topic
    · define a research topic through key word searches
    · evaluate sources of information for accuracy
    · apply proper keyboarding skills
    · combine word processing, spreadsheet  to create a  product
    · use a database
    · create a multimedia presentation

 

MATHEMATICS
Sixth  grade students acquire a knowledge of  mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the text, Math in Action, as well as extended activities, and hands on experiences.

Students will:
  · know and apply fraction and decimal operations, and apply problem solving skills
  · use formulas, expressions, and equations
  · identify and use patterns and number theory
  · chart, compare, graph and analyze data
  · solve equations that contain a variable
  · find area, perimeter and volume
  · identify ratio and proportion
  · measure in customary and metric systems
  · identify parallel and perpendicular lines, line segments, points, rays, angles and planes

SCIENCE
Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to  understand science in the physical and natural world. Students identify problems, formulate and test hypotheses and evaluate experimental results.

Students will:
  · use inquiry skills
  · use lab skills
  · recognize a design problems
  · describe relationship between living & non-living things in an environment
  · identify and explain effects of changes in states of matters
  · explain the relationship of the sun to other elements  of the galaxy
  · describe factors that affect force and motion
  · describe advancements in resource conservation &  management and scientific technology
  · evaluate and apply ecological concepts to environmental problems

SOCIAL STUDIES
Sixth grade students prepare for their role as informed citizens in a democratic society.

The focus will be:
 · geography/map skills
 · Ancient civilizations
 · Middle Ages
 · economic development
 · global issues
 · World War I and II
 
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In sixth, students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle.

Students will:
  · maintain muscle strength, cardio-respiratory endurance and flexibility  |
  · use rules, offensive and defensive strategies, and cooperative sports and games
  · demonstrate sportsmanship and participation in sports and games
  · demonstrate skills and movements necessary to perform individual and team activities

ART
In sixth grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

Students will:
  · use elements and principles of art to express ideas
  · interpret artistic products and experiences using appropriate vocabulary
  · explore new experiences artistically

MUSIC
In sixth grade, students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Students will:

    · sing in groups
    · recognize characteristics of a variety of  musical compositions
    · explore the origin and history of music

 

 

REPORTING

A report of student progress will be distributed approximately half way through each quarter.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in early November, but can be requested at any time.

Students will receive a report card at each of the four marking periods.

HOMEWORK
Sixth grade students will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as for the completion of special projects.

 

PARENTS CAN HELP BY
  · Modeling active participation in weekly liturgy, daily prayer and service
  · Being supportive of teachers and policies
  · Showing an interest in homework, while encouraging student independence.
  ·  Limiting extracurricular activities which interfere with schoolwork
  · Staying in touch with the school