St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
Curriculum
Sixth Grade Homeroom Overview
Objectives
- Students will develop their own unique writing style, which they can then apply in creating narratives, poems, and essays.
- Students will increase their word power by learning, defining, and using new vocabulary words.
- Students will express their thoughts in the written word and in oral communication.
- Students will analyze literature from a variety of genres.
- Students will participate in various projects while studying about ancient civilizations.
- Students will combine writing techniques, grammar skills, an enhanced vocabulary, and individual life experiences to create meaningful pieces of writing.
- Students will gain confidence in their reading and writing ability.
- Students will interpret texts from the bible and apply God’s messages to their present lives.
- Students will recognize Christ’s influence and presence in all areas of their lives.
RELIGION
The sixth grade students will study from a new text this year. The We Believe We are God’s People text is divided into four sections: Forming the Covenant, Building the Covenant Nation, Redefining the Covenant People, and The Covenant Fulfilled in Jesus. We will use the text along with the Bible to learn about the Old Testament. We will search for ways that God’s message in the Old Testament can apply to us today.
SPELLING
Students will be given a spelling folder each trimester; the folder will contain all of the spelling assignments for the trimester. Students will work on spelling exercises in-class to prepare for the quiz and to learn spelling patterns. Students will take a spelling quiz each Friday.
LANGUAGE ARTS
The majority of the Language Arts class is devoted to writing. Students will explore issues, which are meaningful and applicable to their lives. Many of the writing projects will be a result of a student’s individual life experience. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts on paper and correct grammatical and technical errors during the revision process. Writing assignments are based on effort, improvement, presentation, and application of the writing skills studied. Parents are strongly encouraged to assist students in proofreading and revising rough drafts. A student is always welcome to revise a piece of writing to improve his/her grade.
Grammar will be practiced based on the specific needs of the students. Lessons will be presented on various punctuation, capitalization, and word usage rules. Students will complete daily assignments from the Language Essentials; Grammar and Writing textbook.
Students will be studying vocabulary words from the text Wordly Wise. One list will be assigned each Wednesday. Students will correct the list on the following Wednesday. Students will take a test at the end of each chapter.
LITERATURE
Each day the students will have time for DEAR (Drop Everything And Read). Each student is responsible for bringing a novel to read every day.
Students will also be expected to complete book reports. A book report includes a book report paper, a project, and a presentation. Book report papers are always due on or before the following due dates: Friday, November 9th; Friday, February 8th; and Friday, May 3rd. Book report information will be sent home during the first week of school.
Students will also read from various novels and the textbook Elements of Literature; Introductory Course.
SOCIAL STUDIES
During the course of the year, the students will study geography and ancient history. Students will read from the textbook World; Adventures In Time and Place.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Grading Scale:
100% – 90% A
89% - 80% B
79% - 70% C
69% - 60% D
59% - NC
Make-up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher for make-up work. This includes being absent for an excused event, illness, or any unforeseen event. Students will have one day to make up the work for each day absent. If a student misses a quiz or test, the student will have two days to make up the quiz or test. If the student does not make up the work on time, he/she will not receive points for the work.
Late Work
Assignments are expected to be turned in on or before the assigned due date. If an assignment is not turned in by the due date, the grade will drop one full letter grade for each day it is late. The late work policy is consistent throughout the middle school.
Extra Help
I am available before and after school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday if students have any questions about class work or homework. Study hall (tutoring) will also be available after school twice a week. Please see Ms. Gomula for registration information.
SPECIALISTS
Art: 50 minutes — once a week
Music: 50 minutes — twice a week
Spanish: 45 minutes — twice a week
PE: 45 minutes — twice a week
Library: 30 minutes — once a week
Technology: 50 minutes — once a week