Sixth Grade In Our Upper School

For middle school age students

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 Grade Classes

Language Arts

Novel studies reinforce and strengthen use of literary devices and comprehension skills
Comprehension skills include characterization, plot, theme, internal and external conflict, antagonist and protagonist, tone, and mood
Author history and writing nuances precede novel studies
Figurative language including simile, metaphor, personification, and colloquial speech are explored
Novels for the year include A Christmas Carol and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Project-based learning in small groups supports creativity, communication, and critical thinking
Smart technologies and Google Chromebooks are used as a tool to further student learning and understanding
Note taking and outlining skills support inquiry-based learning
The five paragraph essay is used for personal and expository essays and creative writing is incorporated within novel studies
Punctuation, capitalization, complex sentence structure, and parts of speech are developed
Culminating unit on magazine creation focuses on the following writing gears: persuasive, expository, biography, poetry, creative
The Sadlier-Oxford vocabulary series further develops knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, and definition
Summer reading is assigned to provide continued growth as a reader and writer

Mathematics

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers
Algebraic expressions and solving equations continues
Rational and irrational numbers understanding deepens
Pythagorean theorem application
Examine relationships between fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages
Geometric concepts of parallel lines, classification of polygons, and special right triangles
Graph translations, rotations, and reflections on the coordinate plane
Probability concepts expand in real life applications
Develop problem solving strategies and mathematical reasoning through critical thinking

Science

Social Studies

Reasons for expansion and decline of the Roman Empire
Development of medieval European civilization
Origins of Islam and its expansion into the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe
China and the beliefs of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism
Japanese culture and history
European history focusing on the Renaissance and Reformation
Discovery of origins of government and technological innovations
Compare and contrast of past and current civilizations
Understanding of how cultures evolve and change
Written historical analysis
Additional texts, both fiction and non-fiction, support teaching

Art

Computer

Acquaintance with cyber safety in both MS Office and Google Drive platforms
Graphing software
Multimedia research tools
Use of spreadsheets for mathematical concepts and calculations utilizing both office and google platform tools
The use of multimedia to open and expand research and global experiences
Continuation of knowledge, tools, and resources needed to adapt, grow, and stay safe in today’s ever changing technology driven world
Establishment of concepts of and safe use of social media

Health

Music

Utilization of drums and other non-pitched percussion to promote listening and rhythm
Improvisation through applicable theatre games
Composition using technology
Different sources giving inspiration
Creative thinking and thoughtful revision through peer-editing
Composition and performance of an extended piece
Students have the ability to join chorus and the school musical as an extra-curricular activity

Physical Education

Students in grades six through eight take part in team sports and athletic activities. Students may choose to participate in team sports each season or participate in an alternative athletic option. These options may include fitness, yoga, racquet sports, dance, or karate. The fall team sport options are boys’ soccer, girls’ field hockey, and co-ed cross-country. In the winter, students may choose the team sport of basketball and the spring team sport option is lacrosse (both for boys and girls).

French

Latin

Syntax and reading comprehension of the Latin language
Increased understanding of Latin vocabulary and English derivatives
Understanding of all four verb conjugations
Understanding of the 1st and 2nd noun declensions
Intense study of the town of Pompeii and its rise and fall
Presentation of a cultural topic for a school-wide audience
Research paper on cultural topic
More information about foreign language studies at Wyndcroft

Drama

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