Grade 6

English
Students focus on reading several novels throughout the year each of a different genre. The year begins with a review of the required summer reading and continues with the integration of cross-curriculum themes. We focus on reading comprehension and meaning, critical and reflective teaching and expanding vocabulary development, while honing students’ oral reading skills.
Parts of speech are an integral part of our program and the first three quarters of the school year is dedicated to understanding the fundamental rules of English grammar. The entire fourth quarter is devoted entirely to writing papers wherein the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and publishing is utilized.

Mathematics
Sixth grade math consists of an introduction to algebra, number theory and mastery of computation of whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Proficiency in mental math is a goal as well. Traditional paper and pencil skills are emphasized throughout the program and are supported with technology, as our book is online with many opportunities to practice newly learned skills.

Social Studies
The year begins with the study of the Ancient Worlds of the Greeks and Romans. We move on to the study of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation where students study famous people of this age along with the major inventions of this time period. From there we move on to exploration of the Caribbean, and Central and South America where students use PowerPoint to present information they’ve learned about one of the islands. The year ends with an introduction to economics and trade by participating in the Junior Achievement Program and the study of our judicial system.

Science
Middle School science courses are intended to provide students with an understanding of science as an inquiry based way of thinking that begins with a question, moves through experimentation, and comes to a possible solution. This is done in the context of Physical, Life, and Earth science content. Lab experiments are performed weekly in our state-of-the-art laboratory, which is enhanced by our Outdoor Classroom facility and pond.
Students study five major themes in the sixth grade science curriculum: Nature, Science and Technology; Motion Forces, and Energy; Electricity and Magnetism; Chemical Building Blocks and Environmental Science. Research mechanics are an integral part of the curriculum along with evidence-based reasoning and using appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data.

Religion
In sixth grade religion we foster an appreciation and respect for God, others and oneself. While Catholic traditions stand as the integral part of the program, all faiths are welcomed and all students are encouraged to share their particular beliefs. We have many prayer and service opportunities such as: Wednesday rosary leaders, Friday Friends and organizing the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Grade 6 teachers
Darlene Dailey	B.A. Elementary Education College of St. Catherine M.A. Administration University of St. Thomas At Visitation since 1981	Darlene Dailey's Web Page
Ann Mattson	A.A. Liberal Studies College of St. Benedict B.A. Communications College of St. Catherine M.A. Education College of St. Catherine At Visitation since 2000	Ann Mattson's Web Page

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