The 6th grade curriculum is designed to encourage our students to take charge of their learning as they enter St. Anne’s middle school. We create a student-centered learning environment that meets the needs of each student while challenging them to grow into their very best selves. We teach our students to become confident, capable, independent learners by incorporating social-emotional and executive functioning skills into our curriculum.
6th Grade Math
In sixth grade, we follow a common core plus curriculum. The topics we cover are the following: fractions and decimals, ratios, rates, and proportions, rational numbers, expressions, equations and inequalities, geometry, statistics, and formulas and graphs. We add on additional topics to help challenge students and ensure differentiation. We use an Activboard, manipulatives, and online tools to offer students different ways to demonstrate knowledge of material.
6th Grade Science
6th grade science is a hands-on, STEM-based curriculum, focusing on earth sciences (weather and landforms), astronomy (the moon and our solar system), and biology (animals and basic dissection). Our students create elaborate composition notebooks with detailed graphic organizers, illustrations/diagrams, and reflective, scientific writing.
6th Grade Reading
6th grade students take their reading expertise to the next level by completing the “40-Book Challenge” and by closely studying a variety of different types of texts. 6th grade readers build their literary skills by gathering key details, studying the author’s craft, noticing literary devices, and reading across texts and genres to study an issue from multiple perspectives. Genre studies in 6th grade include realistic fiction, traditional literature (fairy tales, folktales, myths, and legends), nonfiction, fantasy, and science fiction.
6th Grade Language Arts
6th grade is a writing-intensive year. Our students develop their writing skills in a variety of ways: we study mentor texts, experiment with a variety of planning, drafting, and revising strategies, conduct peer conferences, and regularly self-assess and reflect on our growth. Our writing units focus on narrative, informational/explanatory, and argument writing. We polish our grammar skills through guided practice and incorporating grammar lessons into our writing.
6th Grade Religion
Sixth grade religion classes focus on the Old Testament, prayer, and servant leadership. In addition to learning about our faith history, students host a school Mass and perform a living Stations of the Cross prayer service for the school community during Holy Week.
6th Grade Social Studies
In Sixth grade we learn about Ancient Civilizations. We go back in time and begin our study with the Stone Ages. We progress through to Ancient Roman times. We have a great time reading, writing, and learning various note taking skills. By studying maps we are able to examine how different civilizations survive and thrive. It’s always very exciting to discover the common “every day” objects we depend on, that originated from Ancient worlds!!!We also discover the role of chance in history. Our students give daily presentations, work in small groups, and continue to grow in communication skills.
