LANGUAGE ARTS: 

Sixth grade grammar is taught using Prentice Hall Writing and Grammar. Students will learn and explore the eight parts of speech. Included in this study will be helping and linking verbs, transitive and intransitive verbs, natural and inverted sentences, direct and indirect objects, possessive nouns,  subject, object, and possessive pronouns, and predicate nouns and adjectives. Students will also write using different genres of writing.  Students will concentrate on writing a 5-paragraph essay in a variety of styles.  These will include expository, narrative, argumentative, cause and effect, descriptive, and letter and journal writing.

 

Sixth grade literature concentrates on vocabulary, elements of plot, comprehension skills, and responding to literature. Prentice-Hall Literature Bronze is used in addition to novels. Students will study elements of a short story, poetry, and novels.

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MATH:

The pervading goal throughout the Middle School math program is the development of logical reasoning skills, problem solving skills and the ability to communicate one’s ideas. Sixth grade math is more concrete, emphasizing computational mathematics, geometry, and probability/statistics. Sixth grade students will be placed in Mathematical Foundations or Pre-Algebra.

 

Mathematical Foundations Concepts: Statistics/data, probability, algebraic thinking, rates/ratios, numeric operations, measurement, geometric properties, geometric relationships, operations with integers, algebraic expressions and equations, functions, and algebraic inequalities.

 

Pre-Algebra Concepts: Statistics/data, probability, operations with integers, variables, linear expressions, linear equations, inequalities, rational/irrational numbers, ratios/rates, application of percents, transformations, coordinate graphing, geometric shapes, and geometric properties.

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SCIENCE:

EARTH SCIENCE: Equal time is given to classroom and lab work. Topics include the nature of Earth Science, Earth systems, mapping Earth, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, forces that shape Earth’s surface, weathering and erosion, weather and climate, astronomy, and space. Students also participate in the STEAM Fair and the Science Fair.

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SOCIAL STUDIES:

Geography introduces Middle Schoolers to both physical and human geography.  Students will analyze populations, settlement patterns, study how human activities modify the physical environment, and compare development, standards of living, systems of government and economic factors around the world.  We use social studies skills to access, interpret, and apply information from a variety of sources.

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SPANISH:

In upper elementary and middle school, students further develop vocabulary and pronunciation skills as they continue to learn and be exposed to language through listening and reading authentic, real life, everyday content in the target language. Through our culture rich content, students make linguistic connections among words and sentence structures as they learn more about the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, its regions, people, and customs.

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Students also read a variety of chapter books to strengthen the grammatical language connections. Output  practice is much further developed through writing and speaking activities, where students are able to show language comprehension and showcase their knowledge.

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TECHNOLOGY:

Middle school students continue with keyboarding lessons until a minimum of 45 wpm is obtained. Students focus on utilizing appropriate technology and refining techniques to convey a message. This means students will choose an application that best suits an assignment: infographic, presentation (PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi), spreadsheet, word processing, etc. Emphasis is placed on creation that suits a particular audience. They are introduced to multi-faceted projects and exercises to develop abstract thinking skills as well as collaborative skills with others.  Students are able to distinguish between copyrighted and public domain software and must be able to articulate both positive and negative aspects of computers and technology.

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ART:

During the middle school years, students will develop their Studio Habits of Mind and will demonstrate how to use the tools, materials, and techniques of various media to make intentional choices in original art.  Students will use size, placement, and overlapping to create depth and will experiment with tints and shades to create intensity.  Characteristics of ancient art history periods and movements will be studied, as well as, contemporary artists.

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MUSIC:

Middle School students have music once a week for the entire year. In this class, they sing songs from various genres of music to learn concepts of music theory and to improve vocal technique. They also continue their study of terminology and advance their skills at reading music. The Sullins middle school student will enjoy taking ownership of their programs by taking part in the creative process of a program by writing a “Pop Opera.” He/She will develop acoustic performance skills by learning about “busking” in the Busking/Street Entertaining module. They will learn about the recording studio by visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The Sullins graduate will leave with an appreciation of different composers of all genres, musical styles and develop their own “Giant Jam” session.

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LIBRARY:

Sixth grade students are enrolled in a weekly class called Organization and Study Skills. Students complete a variety of exercises designed to help them develop good study skills, as well as the organizational skills that help them to create a workable daily schedule that is conducive to them meeting deadlines and keeping up with daily class responsibilities.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

Middle school curriculum focuses on team sports, cooperation, team-building, and individual skills.  Sports include volleyball, soccer, baseball,tennis, football, basketball, and hockey.  Middle school students play hockey on rollerblades.  Students participate in bi-annual fitness testing.  Cross curricular projects include anti-tobacco posters in art and a language arts based research paper on famous athletes and their educations.

 

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