Welcome To Sixth Grade

Members of Meadowbrook's senior class journey to the far reaches of the ancient world...searching for clues to the development of mankind and the civilizations man has created. Before the students embark upon their expedition, they become archaeologists, learning the tools of their trade. The students' travels take them to Mesopotamia, Egypt, the classical cultures of Greece & Rome, and Medieval Times.

The journey provides a gentle transition from an elementary school environment to that of a middle school. Utilizing a comprehensive, thematic, interdisciplinary approach, our students are immersed in their explorations. The class trips, guest speakers, on-line resources, and hands-on experiences provide an enriching background for our classroom activities.

We regard our Sixth Graders as unique individuals with unique interests. As a result, we showcase our students' individuality at the annual Sixth Grade Hobby Show. As leaders of our learning community, the Sixth Graders have many responsibilities such as creating the Meadowbrook School Yearbook, teaching and establishing close ties with our K-4 Buddies, participating in community outreach programs such as the Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen and Bloodmobile Drive, assisting the preschool during ice-skating sessions, serving lunches to younger students, and leading the school during the Red-Grey competitions.

Back in the classroom, algebraic explorations with Hands-on-Equations, the study of the Stock Market, and Fantasy Baseball help to give our students MATH POWER as problem solvers in the real world. Use of the internet is key to many of these explorations. Our rich and varied literature program encourages the students to become independent readers, and our writing program capitalizes upon our developing vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

The journey through Sixth Grade reflects the social, emotional, intellectual, physiological, and creative growth of the individual in a caring community of learners, Meadowbrook School.

Language Arts Philosophy

The sixth grade language arts program builds on the skills learned in previous years. We continue to develop the students' reading skill while encouraging an interest in and enjoyment of good literature. As well, emphasis is given to the students' ability to communicate accurately, fluidly, and with confidence in both spoken and written form. It is important to have facility in the language arts as that is an enabling skill that traverses all disciplines and translates into meaningful personal, social, and academic outcomes.

Students explore the genres of science fiction, mystery, biography, adventure, comedy, historical fiction, classical Greek mythology, and fantasy. As in previous years, students read, analyze and discuss a variety of the med novels, poems and stories as a vehicle to practice strategies which enhance their comprehension skills and higher level thinking in accordance with Bloom's Taxonomy.

Students enhance their vocabulary through their reading. Vocabulary is abstracted from the novel, poem, or story under discussion. Students add these words to their personal vocabulary bank and use the newly acquired vocabulary in their writing.

By reading stories independently and completing novel projects, students' reading skills are enhanced. Students are encouraged to select their method of presentation from a variety of creative choices.

Students are engaged in research in conjunction with the librarian and classroom teacher and are exposed to specific instruction in the use of resources such as: atlases, encyclopedias, INternet resources, almanacs, and a multiplicity of research books available through the Meadowbrook School Library.

Writing

The writing program focuses on expository and imaginative writing. Sixth grade students develop their style of writing through journals, letters, autobiographies, reminiscences, and diaries.

As in the fifth grade program, students continue to develop their skills in expository writing. They also engage in essay writing, which may focus on such elements as character assessment, comparison and contrast, and opinion statements. Through writing assignments such as research, reports, book reviews, outlining, and charting, students continue to develop their expository skills.

Students practice imaginative writing. Their varied experiences may include writing narrative set in a specific historical time or parallel the genre of literature being studied in reading. Students continue to develop their appreciation of a wide variety of poetry and create their own poems.

Students develop their skill in persuasive writing by preparing editorials, reviews, and commercials. They also write persuasively in preparation for the Spartan-Athenian debate. Throughout the writing process, students learn to edit and revise their written products.

Math

Mathematics is more than a collection of concepts and skills to be mastered. The teaching of mathematics should involve a variety of instructional approaches which allow students multiple opportunities to gather, analyze, and apply information in solving problems. It is important for students to be exposed to a variety of problem-solving strategies, to be able to choose the appropriate methods of computation, and to be able to communicate the rationale for the mathematical choices they make.

Social Studies

Students prepare for their roles as intelligent and active learners in a democratic society. They understand that the study of history allows individuals to see similarities, differences, trends, and contributions. Students evaluate the impact of these positive or negative elements upon history.

Problem-solving and decision making opportunities are provided for students through the completion of individual and group projects. Students develop an understanding of human interaction and communication through the time with an emphasis on history, citizenship, and geography.

Students understand the impact of different cultures and civilizations at specific times and over time. They become aware of cultural similarities and differences throughout history, as well as historical unifying themes. They understand that history is the study of human past with chronological sequences, continuity and change, multiple causes and effects, and changing interpretations of the past.

Students evaluate evidence and analyze events in the context of human behavior and motivation. They gain confidence while growing as independent thinkers and realize that cooperation is essential to further learning.

Special Events

The sixth grade enjoys a wide variety of field trips, guest speakers, and multi-dimensional projects. Taking advantage of the Philadelphia region's wealth of resources, the students visit the Academy of Natural History, the University of Pennsylvania Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Glen Carin Museum, and Bryn Athen Cathedral each year to view the art and artifacts that pertain to the unit being studied.

Special Programs

• Meet the Pharaoh
• Athenian-Spartan Debate
• Punic War Role Rotation
• Pax Romana Song Fest
• Roman Family Banquet
• Ides of March Celebration
• Conference in Byzantium
• Medieval Festival
• Hobby Show
• Casey at the Bat performance
• Gossip atop Mt. Olympus