6th Grade Curriculum Information:RELIGION AND MEMORY WORK
The “Learn by Heart” curriculum, by Rev. Peter C. Bender, is used at St. Paul’s. Students repeat a three-year cycle studying stories form the Bible. Chapel is attended daily. Part of the chapel service includes reading the Bible story and reciting the bible verse, Catechism section, and hymn that make up that week’s memory selections. The catechism selections are recited yearly. Bible verses and hymns may be reviewed also. The repetition insures that if the student isn’t able to master the material he will have another opportunity to when it is reviewed in a future grade. Bible stories are discussed in the classroom. Once a week the pastor teaches New Testament Study.
ENGLISH
Not only do students finally learn grammar and writing techniques, they actually enjoy the process. The Shurley English Method teaches the solid foundation of grammar in a new and exciting way. Students use rhythm and a set of specific questions to classify sentences orally, identifying each sentence part as well as the overall sentence structure. They learn how all sentence parts fit together to make sense and express and idea. Students discover how to expand, improve, and edit their writing. They learn how to express their own ideas through formal and creative writing. Due to extensive classroom work, the individual homework load is significantly reduced.
MATH
Each daily lesson in Saxon Math has four components:
1. Warm-up activities that include facts practice, mental math practice, and a problem-solving opportunity.
2. An explanation of the new increment.
3. Practice problems are designed to provide massed, guided practice on the new skill or concept.
4. An assigned problem set that practices the new skill as well as reviews previous skills.
This constant reviewing ensures that the student will master the skills.
COMPUTER KEYBOARDING
Students review their keyboarding skills by completing several computer programs. They are tested on both accuracy and speed.
HANDWRITING
Correct shape and size are stressed as we practice cursive writing in the D’Nealian Method. Each week one assignment is given specifically for handwriting. Students are instructed to use a sharp pencil and to not be afraid to use the eraser when needed!
ART
Various projects (both two and three-dimensional) are used to allow students to show their creative side. Students receive suggestions as to how to become more successful in their art projects. Once a month an artist is studied as part of the Art Appreciation program.
JOURNAL WRITING
Weekly assignments give the student the opportunity to enjoy creative writing experiences. Some assignments have specific instructions to follow, while other may be free writing that is not graded or read by the teacher.
SPELLING
In HBJ Spelling, words are grouped to reflect the common and consistent spelling patterns based on phonics, word structures, and content area. Each unit has a principal list as well as two shorter lists – one for review and the other for extension. The three lists in each unit illustrate the same spelling generalization. Students are also taught five study steps to learn a word: say it, look at it, spell it, write it, check it.
SPANISH
The units and the programs at all levels throughout our school complement and build off each other. Language elements are constantly reviewed and reinforced from year to year. Beginners can get “caught up” while those who have participated in the program for some time can review and expand their knowledge of the language. Comprehension is the main goal. Elementary Spanish gives students a tremendous head start in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish. When the students have the opportunity to be in direct contact with the language or to continue their studies, they will have a big advantage over students who are hearing Spanish for the first time.
SCIENCE
Through the study of Science, we learn more about our God. Science is taught from a Christian perspective with all lessons built on the foundation of God’s Word. The Concordia Edition of Discovery Works features hands-on learning with clear and relevant science information that builds on previously learned concepts. We also participate in the Counter Act program. A Fairmont Police Officer presents lessons that guide students to make the right choices in life (especially concerning tobacco and alcohol use).
READING
Open Court stresses reading with fluency, greater comprehension, and the enjoyment of reading. Students are taught the ability to use reading skills and strategies for inquiry and research. We also participate in the Accelerated Reader Program. Students read ˝ hour daily in school, take comprehension tests on the computer, and receive points according to the number of correct answers. Based on their reading capabilities, students are required to achieve a certain number of points each month.
JUBILATE CHOIR / MUSIC APPRECIATION
Students may choose to participate in the Jubilate Choir. Other students study Music Appreciation. This includes learning about various musical eras and certain composers with that era.
MISCELLANEOUS
Sixth graders also have the opportunity to be involved in the following activities: Rangers / Rangerettes, piano lessons, band lessons, cooking class, Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, and Fine Arts Festival.
MINNESOTA HISTORY AND WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Pride in our city, county, and state is our main focus. This is fostered by first studying the history of Martin County and Fairmont. We then branch out and study the rest of the state both for its history and global importance. The curriculum is based on written work, field trips, human resources, and audio-visual material. Students also use the Mapping the World by Heart program to develop a strong understanding of where places and things are in the world today.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Developing life-long fitness through various activities involving fitness walking, running, and motor skills. Team concepts are taught in activities such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, floor hockey, bowling, and track.
HEALTH
The sixth grade Health class uses the Health and Wise curriculum. It covers many areas dealing with keeping and maintaining a health lifestyle. The program is Internet based and is updated yearly.
