North Ranch Sixth Grade

WELCOME TO
SIXTH GRADE!

CURRICULUM
Standards
Reading
Writing
Math
Listening/Speaking
Science
Social Studies

The 6th grade team believes in a strong academic curriculum. Homework and unit projects strengthen and reinforce the daily lessons. The 6th grade team firmly believes that in using hands-on experimentation, cooperative learning, simulations, guest speakers, and authentic assessment we can reach each of our students and create an environment in which every student can learn. The 6th grade classrooms are a place where students learn responsibility and are held accountable for their learning.

The sixth grade curriculum adheres to the Arizona Academic Standards by covering the following strands:

LANGUAGE ARTS	The Reading / Language program offers students a rich variety of literature and expository text. The selections encourage critical reading. Skills and strategies are taught in the context of the literature. Grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling instruction come directly from the reading and writing lessons. As a writer, the student will be using the Six Traits to evaluate their writing for fluency, word choice, voice, conventions, organization, and ideas. In addition to other forms of writing, the students will provide examples of a personal narrative, expositories and summaries.
MATH	Students will review addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals and fractions. Emphasis will also be placed on geometry, statistics and probability, integers, graphing, ratios, proportion and percent. The curriculum encourages the development of a positive attitude towards problem solving. A goal for the end of the year is that the student will be able to master the functions of: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals and fractions.
SCIENCE	Science is an exciting adventure in sixth grade. The students investigate the nature of matter, cells and microbes, and the changing earth. They are given the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of essential scientific processes.
SOCIAL STUDIES	Our Social Studies curriculum is based on the five Powerful Ideas of Social Studies that the citizens of our world need to understand in order to make decisions: community and diversity, conflict and cooperation, continuity and change, individualism and interdependence and interaction and different environments. These ideas are woven through our studies of the ancient civilizations of Sumer, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance period.
OUR GOAL:	To provide a learning environment that will foster self-esteem, enhance strong academic skills, refine problem-solving techniques, and develop personal responsibilities in your child. Our educational philosophy is to teach a child, not for a year, but for a lifetime.

We Encourage You to Become a Partner in Your Child's Education!
It's as Easy as A-B-C!

A Get involved as a volunteer. Know what your child is studying. Keep yourself tuned in. Ask to see your child's assignment planner.

B Do contact us. We want you to know what is happening in school Volunteer in our rooms - copy moms and dads are always needed. At this age, some students may not want a parent in the same classroom. Volunteer to assist in another sixth grade classroom. You will be a valuable partner with the sixth grade teachers and your child won't feel like you're "watching" him or her.

C Understand that sixth graders have homework. They need to study. Ask about today's assignments and when they will be completed. Ask if you can help. Check to see that all assignments are done.

Highlights of the Year

ABC Books of Science

Autobiographies

Phoenix Art Museum Field (when applicable)

Junior Achievement - Exchange City

Renaissance Festival Field Trip

End of Year Field Trip

How We Communicate

Assignment Notices
Beginning of the year Ice Breaker
Caught Red-handed Notices
Curriculum Night - a thorough explanation of our academic program
"Human Growth and Development Course" Parent evening with a thorough explanation of the curriculum.
Newsletter articles at least four times a year where we write about what we are doing in our classes
Opportunities to meet with us to discuss your child - please call for an appointment
Parent - Teacher Conferences - two times a year
Progress Reports of academic performance - eight times per year
Student daily planners - make notes, we will respond
Student Study Teams - when students are struggling academically, a team of professionals can meet to plan strategies to help your child
Volunteer for field trips and special events

A	Get involved as a volunteer. Know what your child is studying. Keep yourself tuned in. Ask to see your child's assignment planner.
B	Do contact us. We want you to know what is happening in school Volunteer in our rooms - copy moms and dads are always needed. At this age, some students may not want a parent in the same classroom. Volunteer to assist in another sixth grade classroom. You will be a valuable partner with the sixth grade teachers and your child won't feel like you're "watching" him or her.
C	Understand that sixth graders have homework. They need to study. Ask about today's assignments and when they will be completed. Ask if you can help. Check to see that all assignments are done.