Sixth Grade Curriculum

Carden Arbor View School is dedicated to providing an outstanding Middle School learning experience. Middle School students' days are spent with several teachers, each of whom is experienced in his or her subject area and trained in the Carden method of teaching. Students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades have a challenging eight period day, consisting of six core subjects and two center subject classes. To meet individual student needs better, we provide additional faculty for small group instruction in composition and math classes. Supporting this rich and diverse program is a teacher who serves as an advisor to a group of ten to twelve Middle School students. These teacher advisors meet with their individual group of students to provide guidance and support in achieving school success.

All Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in after school sports, electives, yearbook, and Student Council. Carden Arbor View School students are expected to take an active role in the life of the school by taking advantage of one or more of these opportunities.

Literature:

Through classical literature students learn to appreciate and evaluate the problems and values of other cultures and eras. Composition skills are emphasized for writing character analyses, comparisons of characters, and descriptions. Free reading is also strongly encouraged.

Textbooks: The Odyssey, Tom Sawyer, Alice in Wonderland, A Dog of Flanders

Composition:

This class expands on Carden's focus on instruction in written English, specifically in developing students' mastery of writing that is both correct and idiomatic. Vocabulary and grammar work supplements the classwork, which culminates in the student writing a model-based composition for a final project.

Textbook: Composition Forms 6; Spelling Book, Grade 6

English Grammar:

Students learn to apply the intricacies of grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and comprehension through practical experience. Educational steps are small and inter-related, allowing the student to progress at his or her own rate of understanding while gaining mastery of the material. Correct usage of grammar and spelling, neatness, and proof-reading are emphasized and expected. Students also begin a strong usage of Latin and Greek root words as used in English words.

Textbooks:, Warriner's English Grammar and Composition 2nd Course; Classical Roots Books 6 & A

World History:

Civilizations from early man up to the Middle Ages are explored in this class, where 6th graders are introduced to history from a high school-level text. Supplementing the instruction are regular notebook entries and trimester reports, presented orally to the class, where students bring depth to historical figures or topics while learning the basics of writing research papers. Smart Board and internet access in the classroom also enhance the instruction.

Textbooks: History of Our World (Prentice Hall)

Math:

Major topics covered are fractions expressed as percents, ratios/proportions, types of numbers, geometry (volume, area, and perimeter), simple algebraic equations requiring one or two operations, and factoring numbers to determine the greatest and lowest common denominators.

Textbooks: Passport to Mathematics Book 2 by McDougall Littell

Earth Science:

Earth Science – Includes topics such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, the solar system, and oceanography. Science is taught utilizing a dynamic, hands-on approach that allows students to gain experience in using the scientific process. Additionally, Smartboard Technologies, class discussions, and online activities compliment lab experimentation.

Books, Materials and Resources

• Prentice Hall, Earth Science
• PearsonSuccessNet
• Planet Earth series

Projects and Experiments (click HERE for more info)

To view volcano reports, click here. (30 MB)

Physical Education:

Emphasis is placed on physical fitness activities, major muscle group recognition, individual skill development, and participation in team games. Students change to physical education wear for most activities. (See uniform information for current physical education dress.)

French:

This is an intermediate level course with an emphasis on fluency in speaking, reading, writing and listening. In addition, students will deepen their appreciation for French culture by continuing to explore French art, music and customs.
Textbook and workbook: Dis-Moi!, Scott Foresman

Life Skills:

The purpose of Life Skills is to provide students the opportunity to explore and develop successful communication skills, positive decision-making skills, media literacy, and a positive self-concept. We believe that assisting students in developing strong communication skills is supportive of the Carden philosophy of respecting others and ourselves. The ability to recognize and avoid the pressure of peers and media are crucial in making positive decisions.

We will provide a comfortable and supportive atmosphere for discussion groups and activities. We will use videos, role playing, and guest speakers as a part of our presentations. We encourage parental support by asking parents to be available to their children to discuss topics that concern them.

Computers:

Keyboarding skills are reviewed with speed and accuracy as the new goal. The software used is PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, iMovie, iPhoto, on Apple iMacs. Click here to view class projects.

Music:

This class is designed to give students a greater understanding and appreciation of music. The different eras of music are studied and analyzed with emphasis on musical styles and forms. Students study styles of music from other cultures and from the U.S.

Art:

Course work covers art from different periods of time including primitive, medieval, renaissance, American colonial, and impressionism.

Students participate in art activities that present the foundation for drawing and painting techniques, and in art projects using mixed media.

Outdoor Education

Sixth graders make a week-long trip to the Catalina Island Marine Institute on Catalina Island.

We encourage you to learn more about our curriculum by grade level:

• Back to main curriculum page
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Eighth Grade
• Outdoor Education
• Athletics
• Computers
• Art

If you are not familiar with Miss Carden and the Carden Method, we encourage you to review the information we have prepared.