Language Arts | Mathematics | World Languages | Science | Social Studies
Performing and Visual Arts | Special Classes and ActivitiesSIXTH GRADE
Reading/Language Arts
Language arts in the sixth grade features five distinct but interconnected strands: whole class readings of novels, plays, and poems; literature circles; independent reading and a study of the elements of fiction; vocabulary and language skill building; and expository writing. Novels are selected to teach and reinforce topics encountered across the sixth grade curriculum. Students are encouraged to broaden their thinking about literature beyond simple plot analysis and into evaluation and personal meaning.Sixth grade students are taught a grammar curriculum using the Holt Middle School Handbook and the Building English Skills program. These programs provide mini-lessons in which punctuation, grammar, and capitalization are practiced. Spelling and writing mechanics are improved through daily practice and writing assignments across the curriculum.
Mathematics
Sixth grade mathematics continues to strengthen and build on the skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division which were taught in the earlier grades. Sixth graders study division (whole numbers and decimals), probability, statistics, how to construct graphs by hand and on the computer, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions and mixed numbers, measurement (customary and metric), ratio/proportion/percent, and basic geometric concepts. The Everyday Mathematics text and accompanying workbooks are the primary resource. In addition to our daily classroom routine, Summit makes available to the students a variety of math enrichment opportunities including: weekly challenge problems, tiling activities and games, math websites, and Dynamath, a monthly math magazine.World Languages
Students select French, Chinese, Spanish or Latin to study through ninth grade. Classes meet for 30 minutes every day. Formal instruction emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. They continue to broaden their knowledge of vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, history, culture, and geography. The students watch videos in the target language, learn songs, cook native dishes, play games, and hear outside speakers.Science/Science Lab
In the classroom, the science curriculum is guided by Scott Foresman Science (2003 edition). The program incorporates the use of labs, videos, computers, and written work to explore scientific principles. Students study certain aspects of physical science (matter), life science (ecosystems and biomes), earth science (earth processes) and the human body’s control systems.Students meet every third day in the science lab with the science specialist for hands-on activities. The focus is on discovery learning and is inquiry based. Labs provide opportunities to insulate an ice cube, dissect a squid, wire an electrical circuit, create a roller coaster, and explore the hydraulic conductivity of various soil types.
Field trips are scheduled to complement the program. They have included: the Morehead Planetarium and the Wake Forest University biology department, as well as guest speakers.
Social Studies
The sixth grade social studies curriculum begins with the concept of relative and absolute location, latitude and longitude, and the reading of maps. We will study the geography, history and cultures of the Western Hemisphere, beginning with North America and focusing first on Canada. The student will research and prepare oral reports on various topics in Canadian and Mexican history and culture, and will write and publish class newspapers. Later in the year focus will shift to Central and South America. Various activities are planned, including pen pal exchanges with students in Paraguay. We will also keep informed about current events by daily newspaper reading and weekly newspaper presentations and Scholastic News magazines.PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS CLASSES
Art
Abstraction fills the sixth grade year in art. Abstracting objects in paper and building abstract sculpture in foam core board prepare the students for sculpting in stone. Care in execution and long term commitment to a project are stressed. Students open their minds to new ways of thinking about 20th century artists and their art. The many images we have on video discs, especially from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. preview the ninth grade trip to Washington, where so many of these art works will be seen.Drama
The sixth grade play provides opportunities for memorizing lines, mastering stage movement, and understanding technical theater terms. Being part of a successful production builds self-confidence while fostering self-discipline, cooperation and respect for others. Dramatic skills will be further shaped throughout the year through improvised and scripted scenes from literature. Active listening and problem-solving are also stressed.Music
Sixth grade students continue to develop singing and movement skills which are used extensively in their musical/drama/dance production. The music and lives of musicians are taught along with various types of instruments. Handbell ringing is introduced which results in making the students more aware of musical notation and rhythm.Photography
Each sixth grader learns to take black and white pictures and print their own film. Composition and use of humor in photography are emphasized.Pottery
Students are given the opportunity to perfect their forms, and they learn how to apply handles and spouts. Various techniques of making masks and candle holders are introduced. Projects include: designing a three-sided vase using the slab method, designing a candle holder or lantern with a handle using the piercing technique, designing a rattle (mask) using the slab method, and designing a sculpture which tells a story about the student’s life.
SPECIAL CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
The Penn Center
Early in the year, students and teachers travel to the Penn Center to work on team-building and leadership. They return in May to re-visit these topics.Adventure Theater
All sixth graders attend performances at the Adventure Theater. Productions change yearly.Computer
Computer classes emphasize the use of the computer as a tool for finding, categorizing and presenting information. Software used in 6th grade includes Word and PowerPoint. Students learn how to build web pages using Mozilla and Internet Explorer. Efficient internet search strategies are also covered. Classroom teachers work closely with the computer teacher to tie in curriculum activities with the elements covered in computer class.Guidance
The goal of Summit’s guidance program is to support the development of skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to become effective learners, productive citizens, and respectful, responsible members of our community. Students will use their academic skills and experiences, their personal qualities and information of the world around them to set and accomplish goals and to make wise decisions.Our curriculum, which will be supplemented and supported by Summit parents, is adapted from Creating Classrooms and Homes of Virtue, by Margaret Walding. As was the case in the elementary and middle schools, the daily lessons will be built around exploring the specific virtue of the month. Compassion, Gratitude, Reverence, Perseverance, Stewardship, Peacefulness, Tolerance, Forgiveness, and Humility are example of the virtues. Counselors work jointly with teachers, division heads and parents to foster each student’s positive emotional, social, moral and cognitive development. Counselors contribute to the team by providing guidance activities, individual and small group counseling, student observation, and consultation.
Media Literacy
Helping sixth graders develop critical thinking, reading, and viewing skills is the primary focus of media literacy classes. Students analyze the elements of film, sitcoms, dramas, and documentaries; consider criteria for good news reporting; deconstruct television commercials and print ads; and discuss media-related issues such as violence and stereotyping.Library
Sixth graders immerse themselves in the research process as they complete projects that prepare them for Junior High assignments. They develop search terms, learn to combine and document information from multiple sources, and practice turning notes into well-organized papers. While most of their library visits center on a particular project, other visits are scheduled during reading class to give them time to hear about new books and make selections for independent reading. The Middle School librarian helps the students select books for pleasure, conducts book discussions, and instructs students in media literacy and the use of technology. All Middle School students are encouraged to visit the library as often as they wish. They may read magazines, use the computers, and get advice about books.Physical Education
Students participate in a flexible program of physical activities including fitness exercises, recreational dance, tumbling and gymnastics, games, and sports. There is a girls’ gymnastics team which meets throughout the school year and competes against other teams.