Wyndcroft School

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What’s New in Sixth Grade?

Our sixth graders are now full members of Wyndcroft’s Upper School, having successfully completed their transition year in fifth grade. Their classes cover both a breadth and depth of topics. Sixth graders read Treasure Island, discover the origins of Islam, memorize Latin vocabulary and grammar, and master the mathematical concepts of ratio and percent. Sixth graders also enjoy an annual camping trip to the Echo Hill Outdoor School as part of their science curriculum. Sixth graders now take part in team sports, required for at least one season for all students in grades six through eight. Practices run from 2:45 to 4:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. On Thursdays, practices end by 3:20.

The following is a typical sixth grade weekly schedule at Wyndcroft:

7 periods of Language Arts (two double periods each week)
6 periods of Mathematics (one double period each week)
5 periods each of Science and Social Studies
5 periods of Athletics / Team Sports practices (during and after school)
4 periods each of French and Latin
4 periods of rotating specials (Art, Computer, Health, Music, Study Skills)
2 periods of supervised Study Hall
1 period each of Chapel, Advisory, and optional Chorus

Language Arts

This course focuses on further development and polishing of the students’ basic skills of spelling / vocabulary, grammar, writing, and literature. Prior to the beginning of the school year, students will read The Great Gilly Hopkins by Sharon Paterson. The year then begins with a class discussion and then testing of the required summer reading novel; furthermore, the students hand in four, written index card book reports from novels of their choosing. The students begin work in the first level of the Sadlier-Oxford vocabulary book. Lessons on vocabulary words, synonyms, antonyms, analogies, completing the sentence, choosing the right word, word families, and enrichment of reading skills such as restatement, context clues, contrast clues, and cause and effect clues are presented each week. Grammar is taught through the daily edits, through assigned writing, and as weaknesses are observed in the students’ work. Exercises from the text enhance the students’ skills. Parsing and diagramming of sentences are used as needed to strengthen the students’ skills with grammar. Working with daily edits and daily analogies, the students further enhance their grammar and critical thinking skills. Writing lessons are included in the vocabulary lessons as the students incorporate the new words into weekly writing assignments of sentences or paragraphs that contain the week’s new words. Writing is taught through a variety of lessons: weekly assignments in vocabulary, basic paragraph construction, circle paragraphs, readers’ responses, and essay tests. Formal writing is taught through the use of the four basic types of paragraphs, with work on beginnings and endings of paragraphs, and in cross-curricular assignments with the technology class. Free writing and learning to write for enjoyment, students work in journals. The students work in literature through a wide variety of lessons that include the summer reading of novels from an annotated list as well as the required novel; the literature text for poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays, and essays. Sixth graders will read A Christmas Carol, Treasure Island, and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Independent, outside reading is encouraged.

The following are our language arts objectives for sixth graders:

to increase understanding of and passion for the English language
to improve oral and written communication skills
to improve reading skills through the summer reading program, literature series, and novel studies
to improve vocabulary skills in order to become better readers, speakers, and communicators
to further develop basic writing skills through daily assignments, paragraph construction, readers’ responses, and essay tests
to increase grammar skills
to develop critical thinking skills in order to become better readers, speakers, and communicators
to increase ability to work with and learn from dictionaries

Textbooks: Vocabulary Workshop, Level A (Sadlier-Oxford), English, Level 7 (Houghton Mifflin), Literature, Middle Level, Level 6 (Houghton Mifflin),The Great Gilly Hopkins (Paterson), A Christmas Carol (Dickens), Treasure Island (Stevenson), Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Taylor)

Mathematics

This course is divided into eight sections. The year begins with a problem solving strategy and operations involving integers. Knowledge of integers is applied to evaluation of algebraic expressions and equations. Fractions are explored next, studying operations, equivalent factions, and the difference between terminating and repeating decimals. Exponents and scientific notation are also reviewed. Students learn how to take the square roots of certain fractions, decimals, and perfect squares. They will discover the difference between rational and irrational numbers and use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve a variety of application and distance problems. The fourth unit of study involves ratios and rates. Slopes of lines, proportion solving, scale drawings, and indirect measurements are all covered. Students will study percents in a variety of situations. Relationships among fractions, decimals, ratios, and percents are a main focus. Percent of change and simple interest are also studied. The sixth unit brings the study of basic concepts in geometry. Constructions using a straight edge and compass, properties of parallel lines, classification of polygons, and special right triangles are covered. Students will deepen their knowledge of congruent and similar figures and graph translations, reflections, and rotations. Students will further their spatial sense with the study of area and volume. The last unit of study is probability. Students will find the probability of simple events and compare fractions to determine which events are more likely to occur. Students use tree diagrams to list outcomes and learn the fundamental counting principle for complex situations.

The following are our mathematics objectives for sixth graders:

to compute fluently with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percents
to make reasonable estimates
to represent and analyze mathematical situations using algebraic symbols
to use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships
to analyze characteristics and properties of one-, two-, and three-dimensional shapes
to understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, processes of measurement, and formulas to determine measurement
to develop critical thinking skills through problem solving
to communicate mathematical thinking coherently

Textbook: Mathematics Applications and Connections Course 3 (Glencoe)

Science

This year-long course focuses on physical science. This course begins with a unit on scientific notation, conversions, volume, density, and graphing to build a basic set of knowledge which will be drawn upon throughout the course. Then it moves to matter in motion and forces in motion where the basic concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, and work are defined using formulas. Formulas and mathematics are emphasized. Matter in fluids explores the topics of floating, sinking, and flight. Flight covers such topics as the thrust, drag, lift, Bernoulli’s principle, airplanes, and helicopters. In this course energy resources and types are taught with an emphasis on recycling. This course also deals with work and simple machines which includes the identification of simple machines in gadgets such as a stapler or egg beater. Heat and heat technology complete this course. Lab work is done throughout this course to reinforce ideas and confirm or disprove commonly held assumptions. A trip to Echo Hill Outdoor School in the spring is also incorporated into the curriculum. Basic outdoor skills are taught while focusing on the various aquatic and terrestrial habitats located in the Chesapeake Bay region.

The following are our science objectives for sixth graders:

to understand how physical science affects everyday life
to complete formula-based story problems
to improve the communication skills, both oral and written, in order to explain
scientific ideas and present them to the class
to improve scientific reading skills
to use notes, lab work, and reading material to study effectively for a test
to develop observational and problem-solving skills, focusing on the scientific
method as a guide
to develop mathematical skills in science
to be aware of the environment, especially in the Chesapeake Bay region

Textbooks: Holt Science & Technology-Forces, Motion, and Heat (Holt, Reinhart, and Winston)

Social Studies

The course begins by examining the reasons for the expansion and decline of the Roman Empire as a prelude to the development of medieval European civilization. Following this, sixth graders discover the origins of Islam and its expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe. Students then explore China and the major belief systems of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. After their overview of China, students study Japanese culture and history. For the last part of the year, sixth graders return to exploring European history by examining the Renaissance and the Reformation period (time permitting).

The following are our social studies objectives for sixth graders:

to recognize the ongoing influence of ancient civilizations on the direction of
current world events
to discover the historic origins of governmental and technological innovations
to compare and contrast past civilizations with current ones
to understand how cultures evolve and change
to interpret the historical forces that cause fictional characters such as Robin Hood
and King Arthur to behave as they do
to write a simple paragraph in response to a request for historical information

Textbooks: Across the Centuries (Houghton Mifflin), Robin Hood (Philip), King Arthur (Kerven), Shipwrecked! The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy (Blumberg), Ancient China (Cotterell), Leonardo DaVinci (Stanley), Good Queen Bess (Stanley)

Foreign Languages

Sixth graders continue their foreign language studies in both French and Latin. The focus of sixth grade French is on the expansion of the skills of writing, speaking, and comprehending spoken and written French at an advancing level. Vocabulary is thematically approached and vocabulary continues to grow on prior vocabulary knowledge. Sixth graders work on mastering the three irregular verbs — aller, avoir, être—as well as mastering regular “er” and “ir” verb conjugations. Students learn imperatives, writing, speaking, how to ask questions, present tense, and immediate future tense. Units on phonetics, sounds, and dictionary skills continue. The past tense (passé composé) of transitive and intransitive verbs is presented. A refresher unit on phonetics and the French sounds are stressed. Sixth grade begins the verbe du jour in order to enhance and expand student verb usage. Writing is evaluated through text book assignments, free writing, and quizzes/tests. Students begin translating from French to English and from English to French in a non-literal manner. Supplementary authentic material is provided for student pleasure. Additional French word games, crossword puzzles, and word searches are used to reinforce vocabulary. Seasonal activities are explored when appropriate. Written and oral instructions are given in French and students are expected to respond in French.

The following are our French objectives for sixth graders:
• to enhance understanding of the French language
• to master various French verb tenses
• to improve oral fluency in French
• to enhance vocabulary and application of vocabulary
• to enhance critical thinking skills in French
• to analyze and apply grammatical rules to written communication
• to further study the culture/history/peoples of France
• to read using content and context clues
• to form/infer ideas and questions from reading passages
• to improve spelling and grammar skills by use of the daily edits
• to develop a comfortable level of proficiency in communication

Textbooks: Dis-Moi (Scott Foresman), Dis-Moi Practice Sheet Workbook (Scott Foresman), Dis-Moi Workbook (Scott Foresman), NTC’s Beginner’s French Dictionary (NTC), Amsco First Year (Blume), LaRousse Dictionnaire Français

In Latin, sixth graders continue with the Cambridge Latin course. As in fifth grade Latin, grammar is learned inductively and reinforced by reading and exercises. The main emphasis is on reading, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Students continue to compose Latin sentences as the read. In addition, sixth graders examine and translate sections of the Bayeux Tapestry, a 230 foot long primary source with Latin captions depicting the Norman invasions of England in A.D. 1066. Students also select a cultural topic to research for presentation in the annual Latin Day.

The following are our Latin objectives for sixth graders:

to develop solid Latin reading skills
to learn new Latin vocabulary and English derivatives
to learn ancient Roman culture
to develop a good understanding of Latin grammar
to understand how to study a foreign language in cultural context
to develop a fascination for language learning

Textbooks: Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 1 (Cambridge), Omnibus Workbook, Unit 1 (Cambridge). Timing and entry into Cambridge Latin Course, Unit 2 to be determined.

Special Subjects:

Art

Sixth graders examine the world of art in these areas:
Space: perspective, design recognition, negative and positive
Light: monochromatic, triad, split complements
Texture: contrast

The following are our art objectives for sixth graders:

to reinforce skills and techniques met in previous grades
to use more detail with watercolors on a variety of surfaces,quilling,charcoal, and plastics
to compose art using more complex models (ex. complex still life)
to paint using only primary colors
to engage in plastic and window painting
to learn pen and ink techniques

Computer

This course reviews previously introduced productivity tools and explores the use of multimedia research tools as well as graphing software. Graphing as well as simple mathematical concepts and calculations are introduced. A strong emphasis is placed on the ability of multimedia to open research and global experiences.

The following are our computer objectives for sixth graders:

to apply strategies for identifying and solving routine software problems that occur during everyday use.
to demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society
to exhibit age appropriate and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse
to use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (graphing calculators) to support learning and research
to apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal, productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum
to design, develop, and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts
to collaborate with peers to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom
to maneuver within a network for the storage and retrieval of data
to select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a
variety of tasks and solve problems
to demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving
to research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources
to integrate several levels of media

Health

This course continues with the Totally Awesome Health series, using the same text and workbook begun in fifth grade. The focus of sixth grade health is substance abuse and nutrition. Critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, refusal techniques, assertiveness training, stress management, and goal setting are the prevention skills included in this program. Regarding nutrition, students learn how their decisions about eating patterns and physical activity can affect the way they grow and their health for years to come.

The following are our health objectives for sixth graders:

to increase awareness of myths and misconceptions about drugs in our society and to present relevant, correct information
to increase student understanding of the full range of risks associated with the use
of alcohol, drugs and tobacco
to differentiate between the appropriate use, misuse, and abuse of drugs
to learn that food intake affects growth
to take responsibility for their physical activity level and food consumption
to set goals and make decisions in order to improve their health
to identify their own eating patterns
to choose snacks that contribute to daily nutritional objectives

Textbooks: Get Smart about Drugs (Weekly Reader), YourSelf Magazine (USDA Team Nutrition)

Music

During the first part of this course, students explore the use of classical music in animation. The second half of the course focuses on classical music and the lives of composers. During the year, all previously learned materials will be reviewed and reinforced. There is also the opportunity to participate in chorus and select chorus.

The following are our music objectives for sixth graders:

to understand how classical music has influenced animation through the study of Fantasia, Fantasia 2000, Bugs Bunny on Broadway, Tiny Toons, and a culminating project
to learn the periods of classical music, representative composers, and their music
to present an individual composer report to the class
to reinforce learned musical skills through computer work and theory worksheets
to have the opportunity to participate in chorus and select chorus

Physical Education

Students in grades six through eight take part in team sports and athletic activities. Students are required to participate in at least one team sport each year. The fall athletic options are boys’ soccer, girls’ field hockey, and fitness (indoor track, conditioning, etc.). In the winter, students may compete in basketball, or they may take part in a regular organized gym class and go to the Hill School for tennis and squash one day a week. The spring athletic options are lacrosse (both for boys and girls) and instructional swimming / water sports.

The following are our physical education objectives for sixth graders:

to develop a sense of fair play and cooperation
to identify the benefits of games and sports for themselves and others
to develop a longer stamina to increase game play time
to develop an understanding that performing skills correctly improves performance
to use time wisely to prepare mentally and physically for competition
to identify the difference between reckless or careless acts, and acts of determination and courage
to control emotions during game play and not over react
to experience personal success and growth
to accept responsibilities for one’s own actions on and off the field or court
to develop an awareness of safety during game play
to develop enough skill level so the student can understand and enjoy the game
to successfully work together with others as a team and support other team members through difficult times
to develop an understanding and respect for the officials of a game
to be better prepared to balance both schoolwork and extracurricular activities
to develop self-worth, loyalty, honesty, kindness to others, and a positive attitude that will help to carry the students through life

Study Skills

This course focuses on the following skills:, organization, retention, study, and listening.

The following are our study skills objectives for sixth graders:

to readily follow oral directions
to develop concentration skills
to develop a healthy classroom attitude
to use memory aids
to be a flexible reader
to gain practice in skimming and scanning
to use the library for researching information for the French Fete

Textbook: Learning to Study (Book G) (Perfection Learning Corporation) Super Study Skills

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