Sixth Grade
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The children entering their twelfth year in the sixth grade begin to experience an important change in their physical bodies. In earlier years, their movements were naturally graceful, but now a certain clumsiness often appears, as if the children don’t know quite what to do with their bodies. On the inner level, the child is entering strongly into a conscious awareness of the skeletal system. The child is more aware of gravity and weight; growth in the skeletal and muscular systems challenges the student’s capacities for balance and coordination. They are seeking a conscious recovery of order and control over themselves.
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The Central Theme of 6ixth grade is Roman History, Medieval History and the completion of a Medieval Quest.​ Students will be developing the capacities of honing concentration and observational skills, learning respect for peers and developing sound study habits.
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In sixth grade, the following curriculum components are introduced:
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Main Lesson & Academic Subjects
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Math:
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Year Long Skills: Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Review of all Processes
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Block One - Business Math & the Principles of Economics (decimals, percentages, interest proportion, profit, and loss)
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Block Two: Geometry - geometric constructions using a straightedge and compass
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​Language Arts:​
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Year Long Skills: Grammar, vocabulary, self-editing, note-taking, independent book reports, research
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Block One: Historical Novels and Biographies
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Block Two: Persuasive Essays, Poetry, Memorization, Letter writing, Report writing, and Creative writing
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Block Three: Focus on discussion, recounting, dramatization
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Cyber Civics: Digital Citizenship
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Science Blocks:
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Block One: Physics (acoustics, optics, heat, magnetism)
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Block Two: Astronomy
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Block Three: Geology
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Central Theme/History: Ancient Greek & Roman History; Medieval History (The Squire's Challenge, Knighting Ceremony, reports and projects)
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Geography Blocks:
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Block Onee: Europe
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Block Two: Map reading & making
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Block Three: Country report
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Class Play: Each class will practice and perform a class play or presentation tied to the curriculum shared with class families.
Special Subjects: (weekly)
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World Language: Continuing Spanish instruction through art projects, developing a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture and artists, and learning new Spanish vocabulary, language structure, and simple sentence patterns. Grammar is taught in the context of oral communication.
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Handwork: Knitting; needle felting; sewing
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Sculptural Arts: Clay Modeling and Sculpting, Woodwork
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Painting/Drawing: Light and Shadow
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Music: Drumming, Singing, intro to violin
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Movement/Sports: Medieval Games/Movement
During the year, your child's teacher will plan field trips to enhance what's being taught in class. Advance notice will be given and we encourage parents to plan to attend whenever possible.
Depending on the needs of an individual child, and the homeschooling plan the family is following, more study may be needed at home to compliment the classes chosen at Spring River. Talk to your teacher or the Program Director for more information. At Spring River, the parents are ultimately in charge of their children's education, and the school is here to supplement and support.