Welcome to Saint John’s Sixth Grade
2009-2010
Math: In Math 6, we will be studying pre-Algebra using the College Preparatory Math program. The topics covered include: integers, data interpretation, solving equations, area and multiplication, ratios, measurement, equivalent fractions, ratios and proportions, operations with fractions and decimals, geometry, circles and cylinders, probability, and statistics. More information about the program and resources for students and parents is available upon request or through the CPM website (http://www.cpm.org/).
Social Studies: In social studies, we begin the year with an in-class map- making project and then move on to study early man and the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, India, China, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. Highlights of the social studies program include the interactive unit “Bones and Stones,” the chicken mummification project, and a trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. This year I hope to add a trip to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose and/or the Tutankhamen exhibit in San Francisco.
Science: In the sixth grade students study earth science and geology with Mrs. Baines. The Science class meets three days per week for an intensive “hands-on” course in the Saint John’s Science lab. For more information, see the website. Students also have regular Spanish, Music, and Religion classes taught by specialists in those areas.
Language Arts & Reading: For some of our in-class reading we use the Quest anthology, which is accompanied by a series of exercises in reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary and grammar. We also use the Daily Oral Language program or “D.O.L.,” which reviews sixth grade grammar and mechanics in a proofreading exercise. Additionally an intensive vocabulary-building program is followed, using the Wordly Wise series.
Along with weekly grammar lessons, the Language Arts program consists of several interdisciplinary writing assignments including a biography of a chicken pharaoh (from the mummy project).
Students are read to regularly and enjoy a daily period of silent reading. Finally, we read a series of novels in class. In addition to class discussions on the material, at the completion of each novel, students are assigned a book report, test, or project. This year we are using the vignettes in Sandra Cisneros’s novel, The House on Mango Street, to model and inspire more descriptive writing.
Behavior: Students are expected to follow all school rules as outlined in the school handbook. They are to strive each day to be Christian leaders, academic achievers and responsible citizens, in keeping with the St. John’s Student Learning Expectations. Saint John follows the Discipline with Purpose (DWP) program, in an effort to make school-wide discipline more consistent, effective, and educational.
Homework: A weekly homework sheet is given to all students on Mondays. Homework assignments are worth 5-20 points. Unexcused late homework will be marked down by 25%. Please contact me if you have any concerns about the amount of time your child is spending on the nightly homework assignments.
Projects and Tests: Projects and tests are worth a total of 100 points.
