Sixth Grade Curriculum
REQUIRED COURSES
LANGUAGE ARTS
The language arts program is divided into two separate areas;
English and Literature. The student is graded separately for each area.
The language arts program, with its focus on collaborative learning, helps
students develop as readers, writers, and thinkers.
English
- Students are using the Write Source 2000 Language Series,
which is a complete writing-based language learning program. The series
addresses every aspect of language learning with a variety of writing units,
language workshops, prewriting strategies, thinking workshops, and more.
Computers in the classroom enhance the process, and publishing is encouraged
in and out of class.
Literature
-Students are using Introduction to Literature. This
anthology features the finest literature available for young readers, including
works by Newbery award winners. Short stories, poems, essays, folktales,
and a novel expose students to all genres. A response approach is used
in reading literature as students explore different genres and literary
techniques. Skills are taught in context not isolation. The emphasis is
on becoming an active, critical reader as well as a reader for life. Students
are also using the Vocabulary Workshop, which meets national and
local testing standards in vocabulary using testing practices found on
the new Scholastic Achievement Test-1. Sixth graders also have a weekly
Spelling list. Several literary projects involving outside reading research
and presentations are required.
MATHEMATICS 6
Sixth grade mathematics places emphasis on maintaining a
solid foundation in basic facts and skills as well as developing and extending
problem solving abilities and number sense. Students learn the appropriate
and correct use of technology in mathematics. Lessons emphasize the computational
skills of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals as needed to ensure student
success. Lessons relating to estimating, interpreting and organizing data,
predicting, and using mathematics in proficiency and application of mathematical
skills. Other units studied are geometry, measurement, consumer math, ration
and proportion, percent, and an introduction to integers.
HISTORY (1877 to Present)
In accordance with the Virginia Standards of Learning, our
U.S. History will be a continuation of American history through the Civil
War, before beginning an in-depth study of the history of the United States
from the end of the Reconstruction period to the present day, thus completing
a two-year study of American history as required by the Virginia Standards
of Learning. We begin with a review of early American history for those
students who have entered our school without the previous American history
requirements, however this will only be an overview. Students will have
instruction devoted to reviewing and strengthening map and globe skills,
skills in interpreting and using information, and historical thinking skills.
Students will cover the rise of big business, the changing West, muckraking,
Progressive Movement, child labor, Spanish-American War, The World Wars,
League of Nations, the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, different forms
of government throughout the World, Cold War, Civil Rights, Korean Conflict,
Vietnam War, Cuba, and many more events which have changed the way we live
and work. Students will be able to recognize and interpret patriotic slogans
in the United States history since 1877 including "...December 7, 1941
a date which will live in infamy", " I have a Dream...", and " Mr. Gorbachev,
tear down this wall ! " Students will experience the eloquence of Martin
Luther King, Jr., the strength of Jackie Robinson, the commitment of Caesar
Chavez, and the tragedy of the Japanese American relocation centers.
EARTH SCIENCE
Earth Science deals with the study of our earth and our environment.
The course covers the following topics; astronomy, composition of the earth,
changes in the earth's crust (Earthquakes and Volcanoes), earth's history,
the atmosphere, and the earth's water. This course has a science lab which
is part of the students' grade.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students have PE time everyday. General fitness activities
are stressed and include Volleyball, Basketball, Horseshoes, and Croquet.
We also have an outdoor education class, which will be held at various
local County and State Parks.
ART
Art is held every Thrusday. We explore the use of different
mediums, such as oils, acrylics, and watercolors. We are also making different
crafts and learning about different artists. Opportunities are provided
to encourage independent thinking, decision making and self-expression.
Some of our art projects continue throughout the week, due to the medium
we are using at the time. Art projects are incorporated into other subjects.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheets and Desktop Publishing
The students learn Word Processing, the development and use
of Databases and Spreadsheets along with basic keyboarding skills. Databases
and Spreadsheets are a fundamental part of our computer use instruction.
The student learn how to create and use Spreadsheets and Databases in real
world applications, such as glossaries, inventories, and mathematical equation
graphing. The students use Word Processing and Desktop Publishing to produce
Reports, Pamphlets, Brochures, Newspapers, etc.
Electives
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Introduction to Computer Programming in C is offered as electives.
The classes will cover the use of compilers, editors, and libraries. We
cover such subjects as program development, input and output, program control,
data storage and graphics. We stress reusable code.
WEB page creation using HTML and Netscape Communicator
is offered as an elective for sixth grade. We also use several programs
to develop graphics including animation.
Colonial Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of Sex,
Race, Color, Religion, Disabilities or National Origin in Employment or
in its Educational Programs and Activities.
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