Grade 6 – Curriculum Overview
Bible – ACSI curriculum NIV Bible version
A New Testament overview focusing on familiar passages, which have strong principles for life application. Specific topics include redemption, relationships, the Lordship of Christ, managing feelings, thoughts and choices, staying strong and growing in the faith, and final events.
Reading – Chapter & Literature Books
The teacher, according to the student’s individual reading level and readiness, will choose Fiction & Non-Fiction Chapter and Literature books. Classroom instruction will include activities that relate to the readings and will focus on enhancing the student’s reading skills.
Writing, Spelling & Grammar
Rubric based instruction provides students with clear guidelines and expectations for their writing, so they know what to do to succeed. The curriculum uses a model-practice-apply instructional plan, which helps students improve their writing by carefully walking them through the writing process. In developing the writing process students are shown how to systematically organize their writing in five modes: narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, and test writing.
Grammar instruction is taught in conjunction with writing, so that students learn to best apply grammar to writing. Spelling is also taught in conjunction with writing, giving the student an immediate connection to their written work, in order to best learn the application and importance of accurate spelling.
Science
Students are given an opportunity to experience Science concepts in a hands-on interactive way. All Virginia Standards of Learning are addressed in this course, which include topics such as Force, Energy, and Motion; Matter; Living Systems, a thorough study of the Solar System and the various bodies that comprise it; and an in-depth study of Environmental Resources.
History
Students will examine American history from 1877 to Present. The standards for this course relate to the history of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to the present. Fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history will be presented in addition to the political, economic, and social challenges facing the nation reunited after civil war.
Math Grade 6 Option – Everyday Math
Everyday Mathematics (Everyday Math, aka Chicago Math) is a K-6 curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP). The following website, http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/, gives parents and teachers insight into Everyday Math’s goals as well as ideas for enhancing the curriculum. Taken from the aforementioned website are Everyday Math’s goals for all of its students:
- Real-life Problem Solving
Everyday Mathematics emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. The curriculum also provides numerous suggestions for incorporating mathematics into daily classroom routines and other subject areas.
- Balanced Instruction
Each Everyday Mathematics lesson includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities. These activities balance teacher-directed instruction with opportunities for open-ended, hands-on explorations, long-term projects and on-going practice.
- Multiple Methods for Basic Skills Practice
Everyday Mathematics provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review.
- Emphasis on Communication
Throughout the Everyday Mathematics curriculum students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking, in their own words.
- Appropriate Use of Technology
Everyday Mathematics teaches students how to use technology appropriately.
Pre-Algebra Option
This course intends to weave together three themes--applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry--by focusing on arithmetic operations in mathematics and the real world. The course will introduce algebra by examining the uses of variables and variable representation on the number line and coordinate plane. The course will also introduces basic algebra skills and connect geometry to arithmetic, measurement, and algebra.
Physical Education – M-SPAN P.E. program
Developed through research from San Diego State University Project M-SPAN (Middle School Physical Activity and Nutrition), funded by the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, provides activities, along with effective teaching tips to respond to the needs of a developing middle school student. Students use feedback to initiate and maintain practice to improve skill performance. Students assess their health-related fitness status and set reasonable and appropriate goals for development, maintenance, and improvement. Social interaction becomes more complex as peer pressure becomes increasingly pronounced, impacting individual performance. Students solve problems and make responsible decisions as they work together.
Music Elective
This course will involve students in a higher level of music concepts and the further development of music skills through singing, playing simple instruments, moving, and listening. The reading of music notation and the assimilation of previous study in music toward understanding the mechanics of a music score will be focused upon as students explore the creative and expressive aspects of music through composing and arranging.
Art Elective
The emphasis on this course is exploration. Using the elements of art and the principles of design as a framework, students investigate a variety of experiences and concepts. Students explore various two-dimensional and three-dimensional art media using a variety of expressive and technical approaches. Students are brought to understand the factors that distinguish artistic styles that clarify the role of art in American culture. Through critical examination, students will determine how artists convey meaning through the use of forms, media, and symbols. Students will test and develop their own ideas regarding the nature of art and will encounter philosophical and ethical questions.
French Introduction Elective
The introduction to French is a course that focuses on a general understanding of the French language giving the student an overview and basic knowledge of the language. The course is meant for the beginning student.
Level 1 French Elective (Curriculum to be chosen in early spring)
Level I French focuses on the development of students’ communicative competence in French and their understanding of the culture(s) of French speaking countries. Communicative competence is divided into three strands: speaking and writing as an interactive process in which students learn to communicate with another French speaker; reading and listening as a receptive process in which comprehension of French texts is developed.
Spanish Introduction Elective
Students will be given an introduction to the Spanish language. It will focus on beginning communication, reading and listening skills. This course is meant for the beginning Spanish student.
Other Electives: Students may choose from a list of additional electives being offered at various times throughout the school year. The electives may include home economics, technology, and drama.
Grade 7 – Curriculum Overview
Bible - NIV Bible version
The purpose for Bible education in the seventh grade is to provide a non-denominational foundation of Christian truths and values without integrating doctrine specific to any one denomination. As part of the body of Christ, this school guides its students to discover and grow in their special place in that body.
English
Students will focus on developing oral communication skills and will be come aware of the effects of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in oral communication. Students will read a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry while becoming more independent and analytical. Students will continue to refine writing skills with attention to word choice, organization, style and grammar. Students will learn the importance of giving credit to reference sources. A demonstration of correct use of language, spelling and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking is a common thread throughout seventh grade English.
Life Science
Students are given an opportunity to experience Life Science concepts through an active learning approach. All Virginia Standards of Learning are addressed in this course, which include topics such as cell structure and organelles; cellular organization; basic needs of organisms; classification of organisms; basic physical and chemical processes of photosynthesis; ecosystems; interactions among biological communities and the effects of those interactions; organisms adaptations to biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem; as well as reproduction and transmission genetic information.
Civics and Economics
Students will examine Civics and Economics and the roles citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems in the United States. Topics include the constitutions of Virginia and the United States; identifying the rights, duties and responsibilities of citizens; and describing the structure and operation of government at the local, state, and national levels. An investigation of the American market economy and a look at the government’s role in it is also a focus for seventh grade students.
Math Grade 7 Option
Mathematics will be approached through hands-on learning methods, which engage the students in the learning process. Students will focus on solving problems involving consumer-applications, using proportional reasoning, and gaining proficiency in computations with integers. Topics will include properties of real numbers, one-step linear equations and inequalities, data analysis techniques, two- and three-dimensional representations, graphing in the coordinate plane, and probability.
Pre-Algebra Option
This course intends to weave together three themes--applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry--by focusing on arithmetic operations in mathematics and the real world. The course will introduce algebra by examining the uses of variables and variable representation on the number line and coordinate plane. The course will also introduces basic algebra skills and connect geometry to arithmetic, measurement, and algebra.
Physical Education – M-SPAN P.E. program
Developed through research from San Diego State University Project M-SPAN (Middle School Physical Activity and Nutrition), funded by the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, provides activities, along with effective teaching tips to respond to the needs of a developing middle school student. Students use feedback to initiate and maintain practice to improve skill performance. Students assess their health-related fitness status and set reasonable and appropriate goals for development, maintenance, and improvement. Social interaction becomes more complex as peer pressure becomes increasingly pronounced, impacting individual performance. Students solve problems and make responsible decisions as they work together.
Music Elective
This course will involve students in a higher level of music concepts and the further development of music skills through singing, playing simple instruments, moving, and listening. The reading of music notation and the assimilation of previous study in music toward understanding the mechanics of a music score will be focused upon as students explore the creative and expressive aspects of music through composing and arranging.
Art Elective
The emphasis on this course is exploration. Using the elements of art and the principles of design as a framework, students investigate a variety of experiences and concepts. Students explore various two-dimensional and three-dimensional art media using a variety of expressive and technical approaches. Students are brought to understand the factors that distinguish artistic styles that clarify the role of art in American culture. Through critical examination, students will determine how artists convey meaning through the use of forms, media, and symbols. Students will test and develop their own ideas regarding the nature of art and will encounter philosophical and ethical questions.
French Level I Elective
Level I French focuses on the development of students’ communicative competence in French and their understanding of the culture(s) of French speaking countries. Communicative competence is divided into three strands: speaking and writing as an interactive process in which students learn to communicate with another French speaker; reading and listening as a receptive process in which comprehension of French texts is developed.
Spanish Level I Elective
Students will be given an introduction to the Spanish language. It will focus on beginning communication, reading and listening skills. This course is meant for the beginning Spanish student.
Other Electives
Courses will be made available closer to the beginning of the school year and are based on teacher availability as well as student interest.
