6th Grade

The sixth grade program includes courses which are taught by specialist teachers in each discipline. Students develop an increasing sense of responsibility for the organization of their schoolwork and for their time spent on work done at home.  At this time the students are introduced to the concept of long-range projects, requiring them to plan their time and to do more complex tasks in a step-by-step manner.

Religion

The Religion program for the sixth grade includes three major components: the Old Testament, Human Sexuality, and Social Awareness.  The students learn the social and historical contents of the Bible, its different literary styles, how to locate various books, and how to respect the Bible as God's revelation.  Study focuses on the Old Testament with particular emphasis on God's fidelity to the covenant and to all God's promises.  In Human Sexuality the students explore facets of human relationships and communication in a unit designed to meet their needs at this stage of development.  The Social Awareness unit deepens the student's awareness of community needs and provides an opportunity for them to reach out to the greater Houston community.

Language Arts

Language Arts in sixth grade includes literature, word usage, the development of speaking and listening skills, spelling, and vocabulary.  The program incorporates both traditional and contemporary literature.  Correct grammar usage and punctuation are stressed.  Using the writing process, the students develop expressive, creative, informative, and persuasive writing.  After reading library books, one each month, the students submit book projects.  One period is devoted to creative drama each week.

Social Studies

The Social Studies program explores ancient civilization and world geography.  The course of study focuses on basic geography skills with an exploration of the ancient civilizations.  Geographic skills including reading and creating maps and data interpretation from a variety of graphs and timelines will be learned or reinforced.  Class discussions and writing assignments will challenge students’ critical and analytical thinking, as well as communication skills. A major goal of the program is to enhance the students’ acquisition of ancient civilization, interest, and appreciation of their contributions to our world.

Mathematics

The sixth grade math program will continue reinforcing basic skills plus the introduction of new skills in preparation for algebra and geometry.  Topics covered during the year include decimals, data analysis, pre-geometry, number theory, fractions, percents, ratios/proportions, pre-algebra, integers, measurement, area, volume, and probability. Mental math and problem solving strategies are included in the weekly objectives.  Students will also have the opportunity to use math manipulatives, literature, calculators, and math journals to help better understand the concepts taught.  Sixth grade math classes meet six times per week.

Science

Sixth grade science is the completion of Life Science in middle school.  This course stresses the presentation of basic concepts in Life Science with a strong emphasis on the cell, cell processes, heredity and genetics, and the animal kingdom.  The course also presents a scientific structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships.  Emphasis is given to practical applications that are meaningful to the student.  Lab activities include using laser discs, current technology, CD-ROMs, the internet, and an online website, BeyondBooks.com. A science fair project is completed using the scientific method.  Skills which will be reinforced are:  reading for the main ideas and details, note taking for accuracy and conciseness, thinking critically, problem solving techniques, and researching topics.

French

The sixth grade sharpens the skills of listening and speaking.  More emphasis is placed on writing and grammar.  Cultural awareness is developed as students discover France and the French-speaking world.  Native speakers must obtain permission for this course.

Introduction to Spanish

This course is oriented for beginning students who wish to understand and use Spanish. The lessons encourage the development of language skills in their natural order: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  It is intended that the student learns to understand and say in Spanish many of the familiar ideas expressed in English, to read about common events in Spanish stories, and to write about them in simple Spanish sentences.  Finally, each student is taught about aspects of the civilization, culture, and customs of the peoples of the Spanish-speaking world.  Native speakers must obtain permission for this course.

Computer

Students will learn to use and maintain their own Toshiba laptop computer.  Students will continue to work on their keyboarding skills and will learn basic use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.  They will also learn how to research using the Internet.  The class meets once a week.

Art

Middle School students will have the opportunity to draw, paint, sculpt, and print while learning about art tools, art techniques, and artists.  Art projects coordinate with the Artist of the Month program linking art disciplines to artists who preceded us historically.  All students are encouraged to create visual images to express themselves.

Music

Music students study the art of Music through singing, playing rhythm instruments, listening, reading, history, rhythm, and interpretive expression.  The students develop unison and two-part singing.  The class participates periodically as the liturgical singers for school religious services, and it has one performance goal per year.