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.
Reading
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