Sixth Grade

Language Arts reinforces and expands upon the students’ spelling, vocabulary and grammar skills. Students understand the meanings of words, how to spell them and how to use them in a sentence. They learn figurative language, the difference between the active and passive voice, and how to create similes and metaphors. Students read actively and mark directed notes in the texts of Junior Great Books and novels. They learn literary elements including setting, plot, character development, conflict, theme, point of view, symbolism, suspense and foreshadowing. Students learn how to write an evaluative essay. They listen to, identify and write opinion, expository and narrative statements. Weekly journal topics focus on creative storytelling and students write and present demonstrative and persuasive speeches. Students learn to write a thesis statement and strong introductory, body and concluding paragraphs.

Mathematics classes are divided into four sections and students are placed according to readiness and pace. Arithmetic and geometry skills are reinforced and expanded upon, and basic algebra is introduced. Students learn and identify concepts and understand how to appropriately apply concepts when solving a variety of problems.

Social Studies focuses on ancient and medieval history from prehistory to the age of feudalism in Europe. Students apply geography and chronology concepts to understand historical events through map work and time lines. Students develop research and report writing skills, including locating resources, note taking, annotation, writing a first draft, proofreading, revising, assembling a works cited page, and completing a final draft. They also prepare a PowerPoint presentation to accompany their research report.

Science encompasses earth science. Students practice the scientific method and learn to use laboratory equipment such as Bunsen burners and triple beam balances. Subject matter includes atoms, matter, mineral structure, landforms, earthquakes, volcanoes, the earth’s atmosphere and oceans.

Foreign Language study begins the formal study of Spanish. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and students practice speaking, reading, writing and listening. They learn the geography of and general facts about Spanish speaking countries. Holidays and customs are discussed as well. Latin Origins is introduced as a one semester required mini course. It is an introduction to the basics of Latin and language.

Technology builds upon previous skills and introduces Excel software. Students learn to enter data into a spreadsheet, use and display formulas and make charts.

Physical Education stresses participation, sportsmanship, teamwork and citizenship. Students improve their skills while playing badminton, lacrosse, football, volleyball, basketball, paddle tennis and golf and participate in swimming, gymnastics, track, dance and circus. They begin to earn points based on participation and time commitment toward the Chandler Athletic Letter.

Art explores composition and the elements and principles of design. In this semester course, students develop new painting techniques and revisit old ones. They create a reduction print. An understanding of more sophisticated clay and sculpture techniques is developed.

Music includes singing, acting and performing. Students sing throughout the entire vocal range, alone and in groups. They improvise with twelve bar blues and write blues lyrics and melodies.

Electives are required, quarter-long mini courses in sixth grade. The classes include Young Negotiators (conflict resolution and negotiation), Project Smart (drug avoidance education), and Latin Origins as mentioned above.

Outdoor Education is an off-campus program that develops a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural environment and builds class unity and teamwork. Students embark on a two night, three day camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park with their teachers and staff from the Boojum Institute which are professional outdoor educators.