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Sixth Grade

 

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.

Spring River’s 6th/7th Grade Class for 2023-24 is a blended group which will cover both 6th and 7th grade curriculums in a way that meets the needs of each student. We will start the year off reviewing and assessing within the scope of a Physics main block. In addition, students will read a group novel, review fractions, and work on creative writing. As the year progresses, each main lesson block will give room for students to work at their own level within the group. The rhythm of the group will allow students to connect to a continuum of 6th and 7th grade Waldorf-inspired curriculum.

In sixth grade, the following curriculum components are introduced:

Main Lesson Subjects (covered daily in 5, 3, or 2-day options)

  • Math:

    • Block One - Business Math & the Principles of Economics (decimals, percentages, interest proportion, profit, and loss);

    • Block Two: Geometry - accurately draw geometric forms and perspective drawings with use of a protractor, straightedge and compass;

    • Year Long - Fractions, all operations reviewed.  Exponents. Prime numbers and factorization. Basic statistics. Measurement conversions.

  • Language Arts:

    • Skills: Grammar, vocabulary, self-editing, note-taking, independent book reports, research

    • Blocks: Historical Novels and Biographies: Creative Writing and Letter Writing;  Focus on discussion, recounting, and dramatization.

  • Cyber Civics: Digital Citizenship

  • Science BlocksPhysics; Astronomy; Geology; Human Physiology (the 9 systems and nutrition)

  • History & Social Studies: Ancient Greek & Roman History; Medieval History (reports and projects)

  • Geography Blocks: Cultural World Geography, Ancient Civilizations, Study of the Americans. Bionomes.  Map Reading and making. Research paper writing.

  • Class PlayEach class will practice and perform a class play or presentation tied to the curriculum shared with class families.

 

Special Subjects: (weekly)

  • 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.

  • Handwork: Knitting; needle felting; sewing

  • Sculptural Arts: Clay Modeling and Sculpting  

  • Painting/Drawing: Light and Shadow

  • Music: Drumming, Singing, intro to violin

  • Movement/Sports: Medieval Games/Movement.

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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.

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