All sixth grade students are assigned to one of four
instructional teams
for the school year.
Each team has teachers to teach Math, Language Arts, World History, and Science with one
teacher serving as Team Facilitator.
 Team 6-1 Venture: Joan Kling, Facilitator
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In sixth grade language arts is a full year course.
In English, skills center around writing, speaking, grammar. The Write Traits and Power Writing programs are
taught to strengthen students' writing skills. Emphasis is on structured assignments such
as essays, persuasive writing, and mini-research papers, but many opportunities are also given for creative expression.
Students are expected to plan and present speeches each quarter to
improve their speaking skills. Grammar and
spelling instruction are stressed with the expectation that students will begin to apply these skills to
the editing and revision of their writing.
Throughout the year students save their writing in a portfolio. At the end of the year
they review their work and select two representative pieces to be passed on to the next year's
teacher. In additon, each student completes a checklist evaluating his/her progress as a writer.
There are two basic components of reading instruction. First, students are taught using a literature-based approach. Using teacher-selected novels and the literature textbook, students are exposed to a variety of genres. They are taught to identify and analyze the elements of plot, character, setting, theme, mood, and figurative language. Alternative forms of assessment, such as book projects and performances, are used. Second, students are expected to set independent reading goals each quarter and read books of choice to reach their reading goals. They are often expected to reflect in writing on the books they have read.
The sixth grade curriculum includes number sense concepts and appropriate computation, measurement, pattern analysis and algebraic representation, measurement, geometry and statistics. Mental math techniques and estimation skill are emphasized. Students are expected to use familiar fractions and percentages proficiently. Problem solving skills are included in every area.
Sixth graders experience a laboratory approach to the study of Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. In the unit on Life Science, the students learn about genetics and heredity. In Earth Science, students develop an understanding of the rock cycle and how to classify sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. In Physical Science, students begin to explore basic chemistry concepts such as: states of matter, solutions, elements, compounds, chemical and physical changes, and acids and bases. In the solar system unit students explore Newton's laws of motion and the relationships among the Sun, Earth and Moon. Students also study what needs to be done on a global scale to protect the planet. Results of investigations are incorporated in written lab reports. The textbook is the Glencoe McGraw Hill edition of Science interactions Course 2.
In Ancient World History, students do an in-depth exploration of ancient world cultures. Students focus on early humans, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages. They spend several weeks studying each unit. Sixth grade teachers use a variety of instructional methods including hands-on projects, small group work and research assignments. These teachers use an interdisciplinary approach to teaching history. Art, literature, science, and other subjects are often incorporated into history lessons. The students will use a variety of resources to learn about ancient cultures and will produce several different types of projects.
See the Virtual Ancient Museum we are developing through a Museum in the Classroom Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. We began our museum in the spring of 1997 and continue its development each year.
