Sixth Grade Curriculum Overview

At the beginning of each school year, students are assessed utilizing the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to determine the course curriculum for each individual child for the upcoming year. Testing is done again in the middle and end of the year to determine if we are meeting the needs of each student.

Using students’ MAP benchmark assessments and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) results from the end (spring) of the previous year, we focus on creating differentiated curricula and custom learning programs for each child.

To this end, our curriculum pulls resources from a variety of sources depending on the student’s needs. Below is an overview of materials and resources we use during the year:

Religion

Textbook: Blest Are We RCL Benziger Publishers

  • Primary focus: Old Testament, Salvation History
  • Scripture Study
  • Church structure, the universal church
  • Stewardship
  • Gospel Value – Focus on Scripture
  • Social Justice
  • Church History
  • Old Testament and New Testament Scripture
  • Coordinated service hours

Language Arts

Textbook: Benchmark Advance

  • Literature
  • Grammar
  • Spelling
  • Writing integrated across subject areas: Narrative, Informative, & Persuasive
  • Literature-based curriculum
  • Accelerated Reader supplementary reading program
  • Novel studies focusing on literary analysis and literary elements
  • Sadlier vocabulary program
  • Parts of speech, Sentence diagramming and Issues in writing
  • Writing styles used in high school (Organization)
  • The writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing)
  • Writing applications (analytical, persuasive, expository and narrative)

Mathematics

Textbook: Connected Mathematics Project Grade 6

Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) is a problem-based curriculum. Students' active participation is central to learning, and lessons consist of launch, explore, and summarize phases. Students will typically solve one problem per day.

CMP is aligned with IXL. IXL will be used for homework practice of skills learned.

  • Variables and Patterns: Introducing Algebraic Reasoning
  • Factoring is Structure: Generalizing and Representing Factors and Multiples with Algebraic Expressions
  • Comparing Quantities: Ratios, Rates, and Equivalence
  • Bits of Rational: Extending Understanding of Fraction Operations and Solving Equations
  • Covering and Surrounding: Two- and Three-Dimensional Measurement
  • Points of Rational: A Focus on Decimals and Algebraic Reasoning
  • Data About Us: Statistics and Data Analysis

Social Studies

Textbook: Savvas, My World

  • Focus on world history
  • Beginnings of Civilization
  • Ancient China, Egypt, and India
  • Ancient Greece and Rome
  • Middle Ages
  • Renaissance and Reformation

Science

Textbook: Glencoe Earth Science

  • Develop models about atomic composition and describe particle motion
  • Interpret data on properties of chemical reactions
  • Apply Newton’s Third Law to design solutions to problems
  • Explore relationships between kinetic and potential energies
  • Develop models to describe the cycling of Earth’s material

STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math)

  • Scheduled classes 2 times a week
  • Create videos, web pages, 3D models, and computer programs
  • Develop internet research skills
  • Utilize WeVideo, TinkerCAD, and other software
  • Research applications in all subjects
  • Receive instruction in spreadsheet, presentation, database, and word processing tools
  • Use of Google applications and resources
  • Read more information about our STREAM program

Technology

Our classrooms are equipped with 1:1 student Chromebooks and a OneScreen touchscreen. We use the following technology-based programs in various subjects:

  • IXL (reading and math)
  • Accelerated Reader
  • Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, etc.

Discipline with Purpose Skills

  • Listening
  • Following Instructions
  • Asking Questions
  • Sharing
  • Social Skills
  • Cooperation
  • Understanding rules
  • Completing a task
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Resolving problems
  • Initiating solutions
  • Facts vs. feelings
  • Service to others

Student Learning Expectations (LASER Skills)

  • Life Long Learner
  • Active Catholic
  • Self-Aware Individual
  • Effective Communicator
  • Responsible Citizen

Enrichment

Students attend at least one of the various enrichment classes each day:

  • STREAM
  • Physical Education
  • Spanish
  • Art

Diocesan Standards