During the first semester, the reading focus is on the Literary Story Elements. Students learn and practice with each element before identifying the element in their own choice book or short stories. Students will read New Kid by Jerry Craft and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry to identify and apply the Story Elements further, as well as learn the Note and Notice Signposts for Literary Text. Informational text is the focus in the second semester. Students will learn to identify text structures and features, as well as the Note and Notice Signposts for Informational Text. Through the use of the Signposts, students learn to think deeply and critically about the facts being presented.
Throughout the year, students will set monthly reading goals for their choice reading. Scholastic SCOPE is used throughout each month to provide additional reading and strategy practice opportunities. On a weekly basis, students study Word Parts to develop decoding and vocabulary skills.
Narrative writing is the overarching focus of formal writing instruction in sixth grade. This includes implementing Story Elements, using dialogue, and figurative language to develop a cohesive narrative which moves through time. Students learn to effectively revise and edit their writing over the course of the year.
The 8 mathematical practices are used as a foundation to becoming a better mathematician in sixth grade. Students will persevere when solving problems, think about numbers in a variety of ways, use mathematical thinking to explain answers, model/show work, select and use tools to solve problems, review work and strategies used for accuracy, use the structure of the problem when solving, and find and use mathematical patterns.
Additionally, instructional time will focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; (4) surface area and volume of nets; and (5) developing understanding of statistical thinking.
Students will explore various content standards through a workshop approach to math instruction where emphasis is placed on developing a concrete understanding of a skill and transitioning to an abstract fluency.
In 6th grade science, students are beginning with the concept of Chemistry, as this provides the students with a basic understanding of the structure of the world around us. Students are learning about the composition of atoms, atomic structure of both simple molecules and extended structures, physical and chemical changes, conservation of mass, as well as utilizing data to determine if a chemical reaction has taken place. Students then move into the structure of organisms, with the goal of answering the question “How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions?” Students learn that all living things are made of cells, and the function of these cells. Using this information, they’ll explain how the body system is composed of subsystems of groups of cells. Our third unit dives into the growth and development of organisms, looking at scientific reasoning for successful reproduction of animals and plants. Students will explain how both environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. In our final unit in 6th grade science, we look at global temperature changes, and the factors contributing to the rise in global temperature. Students will review the water cycle, and how the Earth’s system is ran by energy from the sun and gravity. They will evaluate causes and changes in weather conditions, and explain how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth influence regional climates. Finally, students will evaluate the human impact on the environment, and design a method for minimizing the human impact on the environment.
Sixth grade social studies begins the year learning about world geography. The primary focus is continents and oceans, as well as understanding the basic parts and purposes of maps. Students will then dive into studies of Ancient World civilizations such as: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
HMH Social Studies is the resource used for this course.
At OMS, the 6th Grade Art Curriculum focuses on expanding art-making techniques in 2D media. Key concepts include the elements of art and principles of design, positive and negative space, and deepening understanding of the color wheel and color relationships. Artists will work on projects such as a multimedia collage, a printmaking series, a watercolor Creative Color Wheel, & a non-traditional self-portrait known as Headspace. Assessments include weekly sketchbook assignments, daily journal entries, group discussion art critiques, and written reflection of the creative process through artist statements.
Our Health Smart program empowers students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices for life. Through engaging lessons in emotional and mental health, nutrition, physical activity, safety, and personal wellness, students develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthy habits that support their academic and personal growth.
Middle School Physical Education Curriculum Overview
Our middle school Physical Education program focuses on developing students’ physical skills, teamwork, and overall fitness through a diverse and engaging curriculum. Students participate in a variety of team sports, individual skill-based games, and fitness activities, promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy habits.
Team Sports: Students engage in traditional team sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football, emphasizing skill development, strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Invasion, Net, Striking, and Fielding Games: Students practice different types of sports and games that develop coordination, tactical thinking, and individual skills.
Fitness: Students participate in structured fitness activities, including the FitnessGram assessments and the Presidential Fitness Challenge, to improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and overall physical health.
Our program encourages students to build confidence, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward physical activity, preparing them for active, healthy lifestyles both in and out of school.
6th grade Design & Modeling uses a hands- on approach to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will develop an understanding on how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations.
Additionally, students will focus on building their foundation for correct typing techniques by learning letter and punctuation keys, utilizing all ten fingers.
Students in 6th grade STEM 1 learn life skills such as planning, designing and constructing solutions to fairy tale problems , conducting an experiment with dairy, developing a food truck, and studying animal behavior through hatching out our own classroom chicks or ducks!
In choir, students will explore the basics of reading music and rhythms while learning new music vocabulary. We focus on singing and having fun, performing songs that are currently on the radio, featured in popular movies and TV shows, and other exciting choir favorites. It’s all about making music together, building skills, and having a blast while singing!
6th Grade Band is a course designed for students within their first year of playing a band instrument. Students will learn the fundamentals of music, including note reading, rhythm, tone production, instrument care, and ensemble playing. The students will develop foundational skills through frequent practice and group rehearsals. Students will participate in performances throughout the year to showcase their progress.