Seabury Hall Middle School
GRADE SIX
As
the entry level experience, the sixth grade curriculum is designed to move
students into the expectations, opportunities, and vision of Seabury Hall.
Emphasizing interdisciplinary activities and carefully structured
challenges which tap student interest and enthusiasm for learning, sixth grade
lays the foundation for the major disciplines to be pursued throughout a Seabury
career. An interdisciplinary
learning portfolio completes the year, including a metacognitive reflection
evaluating the sixth grade journey and establishing seventh grade goals.
Sixth Grade Core Curricular Strands:
Introduction of the five themes of geography:
location, place, region, interaction
of humans with their environment, and the movement of goods, ideas,
and people.
Introduction
of the scientific method of data collection, investigation, analysis,
and building
towards a hypothesis.
Establishment
of a baseline of math skills including fractions, decimals, integers,
percents, and geometric formulas while, at the same
time, involving students in
solving problems utilizing real life scenario.
Introduction
of the use of a scientific calculator
Establishment of a baseline of technology skills: word processing,
data analysis,
use of the internet, and technological presentations (hyperstudio,
slide shows,
html language, web page).
Introduction
to techniques of literary analysis emphasizing principles of change and
contrast, elements of character, setting & symbol, and patterns of
heroic journey.
Enhancement
of reading comprehension skills with emphasis on inferential reasoning,
metacognitive strategies of visualization and margin codes, and techniques
of thesis/support.
Experience of writing as process—generating ideas,
freedrafting, crafting,
reader-friendly
editing—in multiple domains: creative,
essay, persuasive,
Introduction
to grammar as the writer’s tool—including exposure to basic parts of
speech &
application of grammatical strategies in revision.
Enhancement
of metacognitive skills (self-evaluation, learning how to ask
questions, learning
techniques for finding meaning in written and oral
materials
presented, explaining one's own thought process)
Introduction
of study skills: listening,
notetaking, organization skills, reading
comprehension, and studying for a test
Introduction of common editing techniques for student
papers that are utilized by
all middle school teachers in grades 6-8
Development of skills for effective collaboration in
a group situation.
Sixth
Grade Core Curriculum:
English
– Sixth grade English enjoys daily double blocks allowing an integrated experience of reading/writing/thinking skills. The curriculum cornerstones on young adult literature of various genres, including such texts as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; The Ear, the Eye, & the Arm; and The Outsiders. Students are introduced to the techniques of literary analysis, approached through concepts of Change, Conflict, and Contrast, explored progressively in elements of character, plot, setting, and symbol.
Each class novel is reinforced by an independent reading unit, structured for individual application of growing literary skills. Reading comprehension is a daily focus, grounded in metacognitive strategies designed to help students become conscious of the
"idea traffic" zipping through their brains as they read, giving them tools to catch and probe those ideas to make meaning. Techniques include personal margin codes, visualization, and varied practice in discovering valid opinion (thesis) and developing effective support. Inferential reasoning (reading between the lines) and vocabulary, including etymology, are emphasized. Writing is experienced entirely as process, launched in shared class activities, drafted in the computer lab, and crafted primarily through peer editing opportunities. The joy of discovering oneself as a writer, in voice and craft, is the animating principle. Pieces include creative and persuasive compositions and poetry.
Grammar and mechanics are learned in context as tools of the writer's craft. A year-end highlight is a published self-reflection celebrating the achievements and challenges of
one's own sixth grade journey--and looking ahead to set personal goals and anticipate new horizons.
Math
– Our sixth grade program uses a seventh grade math text combining topics from
both sixth and seventh grade math courses to provide a solid preparation for
algebra in the eighth grade. Topics
include a review of the basic operations of whole numbers:
the study of decimals, number theory, fractions, integers, ratio and
proportion, percents, geometry, statistics, solving one-step equations, graphing
on a coordinate plane, measurement, and introduction of a scientific calculator.
Application problems will be discussed throughout each unit of study.
Many of the concepts will use computer enhanced lessons, computer lab
time and manipulatives for reinforcement. The process of math learning in the
sixth grade includes taking notes, checking homework, correcting mistakes,
evaluating mistakes for clarity of understanding and showing the steps to
working problems on paper.
Geography
– Geography serves as a passport to the world!
This year-long course is designed to lay a framework for the study of
history in grades 7-12. Using a
variety of resource materials, students will explore the 5 major themes of
geography: location, place, human
interaction with the environment, movement, and region. Through collaborative
and hands-on activities students will construct and interpret maps and charts,
discover fascinating cultures, conduct research projects, and explore causes,
concerns, and solutions to some of today’s global issues.
Science
– Designed
to be an entry-level opportunity to play the role of a scientist and to learn
the proper “ways of the laboratory”, the 6th grade science course
relies heavily on experiments and activities that allow the student to find
answers to a wide variety of questions and to “discover” principles at work
in the worlds around them. The
goals of these experiences are to expose students to the scientific method, to
provide practice in taking accurate measurements, to teach the basics of
graphing as a tool to visualize data, and to encourage the documentation of the
analysis of the information gathered. Throughout
the course, technology is used to support instruction, to enhance the
presentation of data, and to provide a broader basis for communication.
Sixth Grade Exploratories Program:
Our sixth grade exploratories wheel is designed to lay the groundwork for the study
of the visual and performing arts as well as the technology skills that will be
integrated into the core studies.
Music:
This course explores music as a learning, cultural, and recreational activity. The goals are to identify a variety of instruments, including those commonly used in orchestra and band, as well as instruments from non-Western cultures. Students construct simple native Hawaiian instruments and contrast and compare these to current day band instruments. Students also learn beginning vocal techniques and apply these while singing songs from many cultures. A vocabulary of musical terms is developed. Trimester course alternating with drama and art. Required for 6th graders.
Technology:
This course introduces 6th graders to a wide variety of computer
applications with an emphasis on those applications that they will be using in
their academic career at Seabury. Keyboarding
and word processing skills are introduced as well as desktop publishing formats.
Students learn how to research on the internet and how to create their
own webpages using HTML. Hyperstudio
and other multi-media programming techniques are also introduced.
Art:
Art design explores graphic design on posters, checkbook covers, and
portfolio covers to be used for all the middle school classes.
The basic design concepts of line, shape, size, simple perspective,
space, form, value, color, and more, make drawings look real.
Different methods and materials and the use of a sketchbook journal are
included.
Drama:
Students will learn basic theatre terms, pantomime, story drama,
improvisation, and how to work on a play in rehearsal. They will explore methods
of communicating both verbally and nonverbally on stage.
Much of the class time will be spent working together in groups exploring
various theatre games. These games allow students the opportunity to become more
comfortable being on stage.
Physical
Education, Health, and Athletics:
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