6th Grade Curriculum

English

6th grade English focuses on reading and analyzing novels, introducing new vocabulary, brushing up on grammar, and honing writing skills. Two novels are read per trimester and literary devices such as foreshadowing, irony, imagery, and metaphor are introduced. Vocabulary exercises occur weekly culminating in a quiz. Students' grammar proficiency is examined and teachers focus on areas which require more study. Paragraph construction is reinforced and the five paragraph essay (with thesis) is introduced.

History

6th grade American History is a traditional middle school course which begins with the 13 American Colonies and ends with World War I. Areas of focus will include the evolution of the Constitution and Democracy, the Civil War, and the dramatic political, economic and demographic changes that occurred throughout the second half of the 19th century. Special emphasis will be placed on study skills such as reading for main ideas, taking notes, and constructing outlines. Students will also learn to analyze historical documents as well as primary and secondary sources. Students will continue to work on their ability write in a clear and focused manner.

Math

Course 1
This course will reinforce skills needed to be successful in preparation for Algebra and Geometry. By introducing new concepts while reinforcing previous skills, the students will find success through use of manipulative activities and games, partner and group work and lecture by example. Along with theses activities, instruction of the proper way to listen to lectures and take notes will help facilitate the student's learning style.

Course 2
This course prepares students for success in Algebra and Geometry by introducing these concepts through appropriate integration. By using real-life situations, manipulative activities and games, problem-solving strategies and technology the students will experience instruction that will facilitate his/her learning style.

Science

6th grade - The focus of 6th grade science is to introduce the students to the scientific method and its applications to science fair. In addition, using the Glencoe Red-Level series, the students cover all disciplines of science including Laws of Motion and properties of matter (Physics and Chemistry), oceans, weather, and atmospheres (Earth), classification, cells, and the study of plants (Biology). The students participate in many lab experiments throughout the year and learn how to write formal lab reports.

Foreign Language

Spanish 6 - This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish. The goal of this course is to develop communicative proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By the end of the academic year, students will be able to have a basic understanding of grammar, including verb conjugations, agreement, and sentence structures. Students will also be able to engage in general conversations, and read and write simple essays. In addition to language skills, students will learn about cultures of Spanish-speaking countries with crafts and celebration of special holidays.

Music Rotation

In the Piano Trimester, 6th Grade students focus on playing the piano. The piano lab allows each student to practice independently and proceed at his/her own pace. Students frequently have the opportunity to perform for their classmates in class. Instruction also includes computerized music theory games. The trimester concludes with a recital for parents and invited guests.

Hilton Head Prep PERFORMING ARTS exposes student to many aspects of theatre, music, and film -- as an introduction to the performing arts.

Students explore musical theatre, choral music, dance, theatre games, improvisations, basic music and theatre terminology, film genres, beginning set design, choreography basics, and critical review writing and acting. There is an emphasis on working as a team with fellow actors and creating a feeling of ENSEMBLE amongst members, learning commitment through the rehearsal processes.

Through daily rehearsal process, memorized classroom projects, singing, dancing, and acting, students experience the performing arts from the performer's perspective. Students take part in two major musical productions a year. Students also sing for athletic events and other local performances, and are required to be a part of public performances. Performing Arts students actively engage in costume design, and may build their own costumes for productions, working alongside seasoned professionals in the theatre. Resident Guest Artists from New York or Los Angeles in choreography and direction work with students in intensive three week rehearsal processes for major musical productions.

Students also enjoy Prep's many LIVE THEATRE EXPERIENCES, and see as a group Broadway touring productions, and other local arts productions. Performing Ensembles include: DRUMLINE, Prep Adagio Singers, Singing Sand gnats, and Prep Performing Arts Theatre Ensemble. The course is taught by Artistic Director, Don Hite -- who is a seasoned Broadway conductor, producer, and musical director.

6th Grade Strings

Students in 6th grade strings learn to read music fluently in the key of D major. They have the opportunity to participate in recitals and concerts throughout the year. This rotational class exposes them to ensemble skills such as teamwork and helps them to develop aural and rhythmic skills.

PE/Elective Rotation

MS Physical Education/Health - This course will include a component of cardiovascular activity through activities such as running or jumping rope. We will then have discussions on health topics relevant to their age and environment. These topics will provide the students with information that will assist them in making positive healthy choices.

Guidance 6

The goal of the 6th grade guidance curriculum is to continue to foster personal and social skills that are necessary for success in school and in life. The curriculum is student-driven with an emphasis on the social, emotional, and intellectual changes that happen in adolescence. Topics will be reinforced in a framework that is age-appropriate with classroom discussions, role plays, and group activities.

6th Grade Computing

The purpose of 6th Grade Computing is to continue to provide an active learning experience on the computer for the students. The focus is on independently defining and planning computer application projects. The main applications are Microsoft Office and Photoshop, but the students are free to choose any other ones that interest them. The primary lesson is that the same skills they use in learning new technologies or video games can easily be applied to educational and productivity tools.

6th Grade Art

The 6th grade art curriculum revolves heavily around drawing and learning new drawing styles including aspects of negative space, contour drawings, blind contour drawings, atmosphere through space, and how to use color in addition to these styles.

The students will draw from life and from photos but the benefit in drawing from life is that the student's ability to observe life becomes much greater and thus their attention span increases as well. Drawing from photos will give them a chance to draw something that they wanted to draw from a magazine or photo album and will learn about grid drawing, the use of a grid over the photo to draw square by square.

Students are expected to know certain vocabulary including composition, layout, negative space, primary and secondary colors, tone, atmosphere, and the application of each.