Sixth graders plan and implement a service project during one month of the school year. They attend weekly liturgies, several of which they are responsible for planning. They also have Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration several times a year.
Leader In Me
Nativity is proud to be a Leader In Me School. We learn about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students, and learn to put those habits into practice each and every day; in the classroom, with classmates, teachers, and visitors. It is exciting to see students take charge of their choices and actions. They learn that they can create and own their attitude, choice, and consequences. Students see how their choices affect others around them. Learning respect and taking responsibility for their choices and actions, not only makes for a stronger character but Christ-like character.
Language Arts
Sixth-grade language arts includes instruction in writing, literature, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. Students write essays, creative writing, journal entries, and poems. They read short stories, nonfiction, novels, plays, and poetry. Vocabulary, spelling, and grammar instruction is integrated into literature lessons for more authentic learning. A daily language learning workbook called Simple Solutions further enhances writing and grammar concepts. Students also read independently through the Accelerated Reader Program.
Social Studies
Sixth-grade social studies is primarily a study of the regions and countries of Europe and the Americas. We study the geographical, historical, economic, political, and cultural relationships of these areas. This includes Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Imperial Russia, the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It is a fascinating historical time that has shaped the world we live in today. Through readings, videos, and assignments, students expand their knowledge of how some of the greatest cultures came to be.
Math
In sixth grade we grow in mastery of number sense, solve problems using various strategies, explore geometric principles, analyze data and organize in a variety of methods, work with probability, odds, and statistics, introduce solving algebraic equations, graph solutions to equations, strengthen knowledge and ability to work with decimals and fractions.
Science
Sixth-grade science curriculum covers physical science, earth and space science, and life science. The students' study matter, types of energy and energy
transformations, the sun-moon-earth system, tides, seasons, the general composition of the solar system, and the factors that create our ecosystems. As a part of the science technology and engineering standard, we build simple devices powered by kinetic energy. Intro to Chemistry, periodic table, calculating protons, electron, and neutrons. Our science classes strive to offer a curriculum that is well balanced between laboratory work, technology, reading for content, and understanding as well as expressing ideas in the written word.
Visual Arts
Sixth-grade students at Nativity explore the elements and principles of art such as color, line, shape, form, and space as part of their visual arts education. An artistic exploration of these elements and principles is chosen to be appropriate for their age and expands on the skills they have already learned. Sixth graders learn basic value shading of 3-D objects, basic linear perspective, and appreciation of famous artists who have revolutionized the art world. Most importantly, students continue to develop a personal artistic style that expresses their individuality.
Spanish
Spanish class provides middle school students the opportunity to learn a different language and explore the Spanish culture. Students work on writing and speaking Spanish by using basic words and phrases, greetings, emotions, and weather. While beginning to conjugate verbs and use basic sentences, students learn beginning conversational Spanish. Middle School students also learn Catholic prayers in Spanish. El Dia de Muertos, 5 de Mayo, and Las Posadas are just a few of the traditions and holidays the students will celebrate.
Religion
Throughout the year we learn the words and actions of God in the world by studying the Scriptures. We primarily study the Old Testament as well as learning the Apostle’s Creed and Sacraments. During one quarter of the year, we study family life, in which the students learn about the Catholic family in today’s world.
Technology
Our use of technology in Middle School will include: IXL Math Program, Accelerated Reader Program, guided online research and activities, Microsoft Word; Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Publisher, integration of technology into subject areas, and developing proper finger placement while typing.
Music
Music provides our middle school students with an opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and harmony with song, movement, and games. We continue to
expand our vocal and instrumental experiences, including African and Latin drumming, as well as the increasing complexity of what has been learned before. By middle school, our students are regularly composing and performing their own creations based on our standards. Middle school students have the opportunity to sing in our middle school choir, sing in our cantor choir (liturgy musicians), and play in our band. Each organization provides opportunities to perform several times throughout the school year. We endeavor to implant a life-long love of music through all types of hands-on experiences. Middle school students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual spring musical.
Physical Education
Sixth-grade physical education standards are incorporated into games and activities. Special emphasis is placed on team-work and cooperation. Activities are designed to build on basic skills developed in the primary grades!! Fitness concepts and lifetime fitness goals are also introduced.
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