Grade 6 Curriculum Overview

History
Students will explore cause-and-effect relationships, beginning with the fall of Troy and continuing through the rise of Rome, its monarchy, and its republic era. This historical exploration offers rich insights into the nature of civilization, law, and order. The focus on Rome helps students understand the importance of governance and structure in shaping societies. More importantly, this approach encourages students to view history from multiple perspectives—not just the victors’ points of view but also those of the vanquished or marginalized. This intentional approach helps children develop empathy and a balanced understanding of historical events. Through the study of historical biographies, students also come to appreciate the power of individual actions, learning that the voice of one can influence a multitude. The stories of historical figures, such as Julius Caesar or Cleopatra, can serve as models of leadership and resilience.

Literature
Literature in the sixth grade focuses on tales of chivalry, poetry, and ballads from the Middle Ages, providing students with a window into the values, struggles, and ideals of this time. Epic tales of knights, honor, and adventure, such as the legends of King Arthur, are explored in depth. These stories offer moral lessons, emphasizing bravery, loyalty, and the quest for justice. Studying these medieval works not only enriches students’ imaginations but also introduces them to complex themes, fostering an understanding of personal and social responsibility. By engaging with these texts, students can better understand the ideals that have shaped cultures throughout history and reflect on their developing sense of right and wrong.

Language Arts
The sixth-grade language arts curriculum centers on grammar, composition, and oral presentations. Students deepen their understanding of grammatical structures, including the subjunctive mood, conditional sentences, and transitive/intransitive verbs. This study helps build appreciation for the nuances of language and improves both written and spoken communication. In written composition, students focus on exposition, learning how to organize their thoughts into clear, well-structured paragraphs. The emphasis on clarity and coherence in writing supports their academic growth. Oral presentations also play a significant role—students are expected to use descriptive language and speak confidently in front of their peers. This process builds their public speaking skills and their ability to express ideas clearly, an essential skill for life.

Geography
Geography takes students beyond the United States, expanding their understanding to include Canada, Central, and South America. This broadens their global perspective, helping them make connections between the physical world, cultural history, and human society. As part of this study, students undertake a month-long country project, which includes written reports, artistic works, and oral presentations. This project encourages independent research, promotes creativity, and helps students gain confidence in presenting their findings. Through these projects, students also learn the basics of formal writing, including MLA format, preparing them for the more rigorous writing expectations in middle school.

Sciences
The sciences follow a phenomenological approach, where students engage with the natural world through observation and hands-on experimentation. In physics, they explore the properties of sound, heat, light, magnetism, and static electricity through many demonstrations. Through these experiments and real-life observations, students understand the forces shaping their environment. The study of geology deepens their understanding of the Earth’s processes, focusing on the formation of minerals and crystals. By observing and handling fundamental minerals, students learn to appreciate the uniqueness and qualities of each one, laying the foundation for future chemistry studies. The science curriculum emphasizes developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing students to approach challenges with curiosity for the natural world.

Fine Arts
Students begin exploring landscape drawing, using color mixing to create contrasts and depth. This process is about creating beautiful art and cultivating an appreciation for the natural world. As students experiment with different colors and shading techniques, they learn about composition, balance, and perspective—skills they will build upon in future years. The process of creating art also strengthens their ability to focus and refine their skills, contributing to the development of patience and attention to detail.

Handwork
Projects such as sewing stuffed animals and creating work aprons are brought. These tasks require precision and patience, helping students develop fine motor skills and perseverance. Sewing is a practical skill and a way for students to experience the satisfaction of completing a project with their own hands. Handwork's slow, methodical nature fosters concentration and a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of effort and dedication.

Woodworking
Woodworking shifts from simple carving to more intricate projects that require the use of tools like saws, rasps, and other hand-held instruments. One key project may involve creating an elaborate cutting board with multiple pieces of wood, requiring accurate measurements and perfect angles. This project encourages precision and craftsmanship, allowing students to experience the reward of seeing a complex, functional item come to life through their hard work over the course of many months.

Sculptural Arts
Roman-inspired clay sculptures drawing on the artistic traditions of ancient Rome are some projects that the sixth grade may participate in. This practice encourages creativity while also giving students an appreciation for historical art forms. Working with clay allows students to experience the tactile nature of sculpture and express their ideas in three dimensions. The focus on Roman art also ties into their history studies, reinforcing the connection between culture and artistic expression.

Music and Choir
Music is an integral part of the curriculum, with students learning to sing two- and three-part choruses of medieval pieces. This fosters vocal development and enhances their understanding of music theory and harmony. Including recorders and multiple vocal parts helps students develop an appreciation for teamwork, as they must work together to create a harmonious performance. Music classes also support the development of listening skills, concentration, and memory, all of which are essential for cognitive growth.

Games and Movement
Students are introduced to competitive team sports. These activities not only help students develop physical endurance, coordination, and balance, but they also encourage teamwork and collaboration. As students learn to work together toward a common goal, they also practice critical social skills, such as communication, trust, and conflict resolution. This is especially important at this age, as peer dynamics can begin to become more complex. Through sports, students can learn how to navigate these dynamics in a supportive, structured environment.