Sixth Grade

Reading instruction is done every day within a workshop model, which allows for individualized attention. All the components of evidence-based reading instruction are taught as appropriate to grade level standards: fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Skills and strategies for reading are taught in whole group, small group, and individual conference settings. Differentiation of content, skill, and process happens during this time. Reading units based on the Units of Study for Teaching Reading: A Workshop Curriculum for 6th-8th focuses on skill standards to drive the core instruction. Tier Time reading groups provide additional differentiation by gathering three times a week at each grade level, meeting students where they are in their progression within, or beyond the grade level standards. Everyone is working on what they need next, whether that means reviewing concepts, intervention, or acceleration.

Writing instruction occurs every day, employing the workshop model to meet the needs of the various writers in each classroom. Units focus on a progression of writing skills and standards, clearly defined in rubrics. Students set goals for their writing based on the progression, meeting individually or in small groups to hone their writing craft. Writing units based on the Units of Study for Teaching Writing: A Workshop Curriculum for 6th-8th focus on skill standards within the progression to drive the core instruction. Spelling, grammar, and vocabulary begin with direct instruction and are differentiated through the use of our core curriculum:  Words Their Way, Mentor Sentences, and Membean.

Students receive daily instruction in math with opportunities for differentiation sixth grade students encounter core instruction through the enVision Mathematics curriculum. This curriculum focuses on deep conceptual math understanding aided by visual models, student-centered projects, 3-act tasks, and personalized learning. Linking math to everyday experiences, incorporating hands-on experiences, and focused on problem-based learning, the enVision curriculum encourages students to solve and then share their learning. Tier Time math groups are also formed to differentiate instruction and experience for students. These groups either support, reinforce, or extend the standards and skills from the core curriculum. Students in our 6th grade classrooms follow a path that prepares them for the Pre-Algebra and Algebra courses they will encounter in middle school. VIEW THE PATH

We believe our world belongs to God, and our science curriculum celebrates His creation. Elementary students encounter units of science based on three main areas of Science: Physical Science, Earth Science and Life Science. Students also experience engineering and design practices within their units of study. Core units from the FOSS Next Generation are based on hands-on experiences reflecting critical thinking and inquiry skills. Purposeful integration of a Christian worldview is implemented through the use of CSI’s And It Was Good supplementary science resource.

Viewing the disciplinary core concepts of Civics, Geography, Economics/Finance and History through the lens of faith is central to our Social Studies instruction. K-6 units of study based on TCI: Social Studies Alive! curriculum align with standards for social studies and build on the students natural curiosity in an inquiry-based model of instruction. Asking questions, developing inquiries, evaluating sources, and communicating their conclusions through informed action are the core components to the K-6 social studies experience. Active engagement, experiential learning, and student-driven inquiries create a highly engaging Social Studies experience.

As the oldest students in the grade school, our 6th graders have multiple opportunities to develop their servant leadership skills. Sixth graders are paired with Kindergarten students as their “buddies”. These relationships provide an opportunity for our oldest students to build relationships and leadership skills with our youngest students through chapel partnering, reading together and working on projects together, too. Sixth grade students also serve others by taking on special jobs within the elementary building, like helping our preschoolers to class, setting up tables for Pizza Days and being team captains for our annual Field Day event.

Sixth grade students get a taste of middle school through a shift in the use of homebase times. Focus Period is a time for students to learn about study skills, check in with teachers on assignments, and build their knowledge about how to be successful in their learning. When students are in Homebase, they participate in class meetings and relationship-building activities that focus on social and emotional learning skills.