Language Arts and Social Studies


The sixth grade Language Arts and Social Studies course seeks to facilitate increased self-awareness and continued evolution of world view. In social studies, students examine a variety of world cultures to compare the similarities and differences among the peoples of the world. Analysis of universals across a variety of cultures enriches understanding and respect for others. The language-arts curriculum uses literature and writing to enhance students’ understanding of themselves and others. Students also continue to build reading and writing skills. Integration and thematic connections throughout the course allow students to further their understanding of people, relationships, and the world in which we live.

Instructional Activities
W hole class instruction, discussions, simulations, research assignments, group and individual projects, mini-lessons, reading and writing workshops, role play, dramatic reenactments and independent reading.

Social Studies Topics
Archaeology, geography, cultures of selected regions including Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Language Arts Topics

Literature			Writing
•	mystery stories		•	personal experience
•	realistic fiction		•	persuasion and opinion
•	fantasy		•	compare and contrast
•	science fiction		•	short stories
•	poetry		•	report writing
•	historical fiction		•	drafting and revising
•	comprehension and responding		•	grammar and punctuation
•	elements of literature		•	vocabulary

Mathematics

In keeping with the goals identified by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, areas of emphasis in the sixth grade math curriculum include:

•	problem-solving strategies
•	patterns, relations, and functions
•	geometry
•	algebra
•	number and number relationships
•	measurement
•	estimation and mental computation
•	data analysis and probability

In addition to practicing computation, students spend significant time applying math as a real-life skill and on developing thinking and problem-solving skills commensurate with their cognitive levels. The children have a textbook, but they also use many supplemental materials to best meet their individual needs.

Instructional Activities
Whole-class, small-group, and individual instruction; collaborative investigation and discovery; ability and/or interest grouping; verbalization of thinking processes; peer instruction, exploration, enrichment, remediation; investigation with manipulatives; integration with other subjects.

Topic

•	Statistics – reading graphs, displaying data, describing data.
•	Connecting Arithmetic to Algebra – making sense of large numbers, number sense and operation sense, introduction to algebra.
•	Decimals – decimal concepts, computing with decimals.
•	Measurement – units of measurement, area of polygons, circles.
•	Patterns and Number Theory – number theory, connecting fractions and decimals.
•	Computation with Fractions.
•	The Geometry of Polygons – lines and angles, polygons.

Science


The main goal of the sixth grade science program is to lay the foundation for solid scientific experiences in the future through the development of inquiry skills in the science laboratory and a delight in the wonders of science. The content of the course serves as the vehicle for research skills as the content is explored mainly through laboratory experiences. Students are taught how to answer questions through discovery and how to question their answers. Students realize that skills learned in the science laboratory apply to all areas of their lives and are useful throughout life.

Instructional Activities
Inquiry-based activities; direct instruction; individual, cooperative, and collaborative activities and investigations with and without defined task assignments; projects; discussions – small group and whole class; demonstrations; integration with other subjects; research – primary and secondary; computer software and other technology.

Topics

•	The Nature of Science – scientific method, theories, measurement tools and instruments, the metric system, natural themes link all science (patterns, interdependence, cycles, balance, interactions, systems, properties).
•	Matter – properties such as mass, weight, volume, and density; mass differs from weight; mass is a measure of inertia; weight is related to gravity; matter can change physically and chemically; matter can be classified as mixtures, elements, and compounds.
•	Cells – the basic unit of structure and function of all organisms; molecules enter and leave cells through diffusion, osmosis, and active transport; cells, tissues, systems and organisms.
•	Human Biology and Health – the human body consists of specialized cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems which function interdependently; health and emotional practices have an impact on the sound functioning of body systems. How the body systems function has an impact on overall physical and emotional health.

French/Spanish

Students have the opportunity to review and strengthen their French and also to be exposed to the Spanish language and cultures, so they can choose the language in seventh grade they would like to pursue as their middle-school requirement. In ninth grade they will be able to continue with the same language, to change to the other, or to follow the study in both languages.

The sixth-grade French curriculum serves two constituencies in the same classroom. First, it introduces those students new to Lake Ridge Academy to the French language and Francophone culture. Second, it continues the French education for students emerging from the fifth-grade curriculum. The sixth-grade Spanish curriculum introduces all students to the Spanish language and culture. Both courses emphasize accuracy in written and oral communication, with specific attention to listening comprehension and speaking. Structural contrasts and grammatical distinctions are highlighted without overtly presenting the grammar.

Instructional Activities

•	Students use the target language from the first day of instruction.
•	Direct instruction is given to introduce each chapter.
•	Collaborative learning.
•	Question-answer exercises, group or pair activities and small group/whole class discussions are always present to enhance students understanding of the target language.

Topics

•	Vocabulary of the first three units of the book Discovering French/ En Espanol include: The French and Spanish worlds, French/Spanish facts; names and greetings; cognates; nationalities; numbers and colors; family; days, months, seasons, time and weather; food; body parts.
•	Grammar Structures – definite and indefinite articles; gender and number agreement; French possessive adjectives; present tense introduction through communicative activities.
•	Culture – Francophone/Hispanic worlds; caves of France/Indian Cultures of Pre-Columbian America.

Computer

Basic Computer Skills
The concept of the sixth grade technology curriculum is to build a solid foundation of computer skills. This basic mastery is achieved through direct, hands-on learning of computer hardware and software skills, while integrating academic subject area projects where feasible.

Instructional Objectives
The student in 6th Grade Basic Computer Skills will:

•	Navigate the LRAnet in the Lake Ridge Community;
•	Use the LRA Email system responsibly;
•	Demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques and speed;
•	Apply spreadsheet concepts;
•	Create spreadsheets, charts and graphs;
•	Understand simple layout techniques;
•	Acquire basic library and information literacy skills;
•	Understand the basics of an Internet search;
•	Computer presentation skills including multimedia technology and web page design.

Instructional Activities
The student will:

•	Compose and save documents to his/her directory on the LRAnet;
•	Send/receive email with signature files/attachments;
•	Use keyboarding software to learn/improve keyboarding accuracy and speed
•	Compose and print word-processing documents
•	Create spreadsheets, charts and graphs
•	Use a drawing program for placing text and graphics
•	Complete a library skills unit research assignment
•	Complete an Internet research assignment

Assessment

•	Oral and written testing
•	Project assignments

Visual Art


Middle School Art is a studio/hands on approach to visual arts learning. Discrete design elements are connected to students’ personal experiences to teach aesthetic perceptions, historical/cultural developments, and visual art knowledge/skills. When appropriate and possible, classroom work is integrated (in various degrees) into other classes to foster more intense personal connection to students’ learning.

Sixth grade visual art experiences introduce students to responsibilities and expectations of their middle-school experience. Studies and work expectations are developmentally appropriate.

Engaging an active, enthusiastic learner means involving students in the curriculum process. The use of choice and cooperative work can make this happen.

Instructional Activities
Studio experiences in drawing, painting, graphics, sculpture, and crafts. Pedagogy includes lecture, group discussion, reading first hand observation, and personal expressions. Group exhibits and appropriate classroom uses are encouraged.

Topics
Paleolithic, Neolithic, early cultures, western, and nonwestern cultures and selected artists reflect major historical and heritage influences. Themes vary according to the needs and skill level of the class. When appropriate and possible, connections and collaborative efforts with other disciplines are used to reinforce and compliment themes and threads that carry through the grade level.

General Music

At the middle-school level, the approach to music is a balance of general-music unit studies, and performance-based activities that drive the curriculum. During this vocally-transitional adolescent period, emphasis is placed on the unique qualities of each individual’s voice and how it can best be used, while grade-level units offer a wide range of areas to be explored.

Instructional Activities
The student will:

•	Play rhythm instruments from around the world;
•	Write and recognize rhythmic patterns
•	Be able to demonstrate proper singing technique, including posture, breathing, etc.
•	Sing in two- and three-part harmony;
•	Listen to recordings from various places and in various styles;
•	Perform as a choir at Winter Concert

Topics

Instrumental Music

Instructional Activities
Note-reading exercises; technique exercises; scales, arpeggios, rhythmic studies; bowing songs; playing solos, small ensemble and orchestral literature; listening to recordings and concerts.

Topics
Review of D, G, and A-string notes; as well as E and C-string notes; naturals, flats and extensions; music in simple meters; quarter, eighth, sixteenth-note rhythms; dotted rhythms; scales and arpeggios through two sharps and two flats; dynamics, musical terminology; six primary bowing skills; tuning with the Korg.

Drama
The instructional goals for the middle school drama program include a student understanding of the role of the arts in people's lives, communication through the arts, responding to the arts, and ultimately valuing the arts.

Sixth graders acheive thes instructional goals through the following performance objectives:

•	Playmaking
•	Mask and Movement
•	Radio Drama
•	Speech

 

Physical Education

Physical Education offers a balance between academic, physical and personal growth. We provide a non-threatening physical environment, which is both challenging and fun. Our aim is to develop within our students the self-control to perform in a disciplined manner and a willingness to cooperate with each other. A variety of individual and group activities are offered throughout the course of the school year, which develop sport skills and knowledge. With emphasis on lifetime health and fitness, the P.E. program will cover topics related to the discussions in health class so that integration can help students better understand their importance.

Instructional Activities
In sixth grade, emphasis is on development of skills related to individual and team sports, as well as the development of fitness and social skills as they relate to sport participation. Small-sided games offer more play-practice opportunities, and create appropriate challenges for all learners. Individual and cooperative games, through small-group work, can achieve higher performance and improve social relationships. Providing students with many opportunities to successfully practice skills and demonstrate concepts enhances game play and sport knowledge.

Topics
Soccer, field hockey, frisbee games, flag football, general conditioning and personal fitness, rope jumping and climbing, volleyball, basketball, tumbling, racquet sports, softball, track and field, fitness evaluations.

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