ACADEMIC OVERVIEW
SIXTH GRADE
WELCOME TO SIXTH GRADE!
Welcome to Sixth Grade, a significant year marking the transition from elementary to middle school learning. This is a time of considerable growth and maturity, both academically and personally. Our sixth graders delve deeper into complex literature, stimulating critical thinking and enhancing their communication skills. In mathematics, they explore pre-algebra and geometry, fostering a solid understanding of advanced concepts. Science takes a hands-on approach, introducing fascinating topics like earth science and basic physics. Social studies broaden to encompass world history, encouraging global perspectives. We reinforce our Christian values, guiding students as they navigate this crucial year. Under the guidance of our dedicated teachers, Sixth Grade is a memorable milestone in our students' educational journey, cultivating their readiness for the challenges and opportunities that await in middle school.
Below, you can find an excerpt of the academics that your child will experience in their third grade year at TLS.
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RELIGION
The Concordia Publishing House One in Christ curriculum is used for religion instruction. Within the context of each lesson, students are taught key concepts of faith such as Law, Gospel, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and grace and are encouraged to put these concepts into action in their daily lives. The course includes lessons on the Word of God, the life and work of Martin Luther, and sequential study of selected Bible stories that span biblical history from Creation through the life of Christ. Through a planned memory program, students learn Scripture verses, hymns, and portions of Luther’s Small Catechism.
READING
In the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt fifth-grade reading program, students read literature which includes realism, fantasy, poetry, biographies, historical fiction, folktales, and more. Selections are grouped according to themes. During the school year, students will work to improve vocabulary, comprehension, word study skills, and the appreciation of literature. Skills such as recalling, analyzing, summarizing, inferring, cause and effect, drawing conclusions, story elements, sequencing, and evaluating are taught and practiced. Effort is made to help students improve their reading skills and to develop a lifelong love of reading.
ENGLISH
English instruction includes grammar, parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections), and their proper usage in a sentence. Writing skills, such as proper sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation, and paragraph development, are taught. The Shurley English method is used for instruction.
LITERATURE
The sixth, seventh, and eighth grades use the Prentice Hall literature series. Students are introduced to several literary genres, including short stories, drama, non-fiction, poetry, oral tradition, and novels. They analyze story development, such as character, setting, plot, and theme.
SPELLING
Students are taught spelling patterns, syllabication, vowel relations, and consonant relationships. Spelling skills are reinforced in regular daily work, using dictionary, thesaurus, and critical reading vocabulary.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Students learn about the history of their state, Minnesota. The Northern Lights series is used to teach about the original inhabitants of Minnesota, European settlement, the involvement of Minnesota in national and global events, and map study of counties and important natural features.
MATH
Students will be able to read, represent, and compare rational numbers as fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios. They will also learn to multiply and divide decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers. Introduction to basic algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and probability will be covered. The students will apply the concepts they learn to solve real-world problems. The Open Up Resources © 2021 curriculum will be used.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is incorporated into various subject areas. Students have access to Chromebooks and use Google programs for assignments, research, and projects. They learn to share and edit documents, create presentations and spreadsheets, and submit assignments through Google Classroom. They also work on keyboarding skills and may be introduced to coding and other educational topics.
SCIENCE
Students will study basic Earth Science, with an emphasis on understanding scientific inquiry. They will identify Earth's composition, structure, and processes, the impact humans have on the environment, and how the atmosphere interacts with Earth systems. They will compare objects in the solar system, describe their interactions with the Earth, and explain the structure of the universe. The curriculum aims to foster appreciation for the immensity and wonder of God's creation.
ART
Students have the opportunity to learn different art techniques in a variety of mediums, including watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils, chalks, and charcoal.
CHOIR/MUSIC
The Junior High Choir provides students in sixth through eighth grades with the opportunity to sing together, develop vocal technique, and provide glory to God through music. They perform at scheduled church services, the Christmas service, and a spring choral concert.
BAND
Students in fifth through eighth grade can join the band. Band class and lessons are provided by the band director. Students gain musical understanding through the study of theory and performance, focusing on tone quality, scale memorization, rhythm recognition, and musical interpretation. Two concerts are typically offered each year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education focuses on developing locomotor skills, object control, strength, endurance, flexibility, and power. Social and personal skills, such as cooperation, leadership, integrity, respect, fair play, initiative, responsibility, effort, self-discipline, and decision-making, are emphasized. Students have the opportunity to qualify for the Presidential and National fitness awards.