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2024-2025

SIXTH GRADE

COURSE  DESCRIPTIONS

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CORE CURRICULUM: Hillsdale’s sixth grade students pursue a comprehensive, academically oriented curriculum which prepares them for future success. Students take two double period core classes which will integrate English/History and Math/Science into thematic units.  The MESH Common Core curriculum (Math, English, Science, History, MESH) includes exciting, pertinent, and challenging instructional strategies.  There will be additional emphasis placed on the mastery of study skills, learning strategies, strong communication, and problem solving.

“The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (“the Standards”) are the culmination of an extended, broad-based effort to fulfill the charge issued by the states to create the next generation of K-12 standards in order to help ensure that all students are college and career ready in literacy no later than the end of high school.”

MATH-SCIENCE CORE:  Mathematical and scientific skills are powerful tools for helping students make sense of their rapidly changing world.  Mathematical content will include an interwoven focus on the Common Cores strands of ratio and proportions, number systems, expression and equations, geometry, statistics and probability and mathematical practices.  The use of technology will be emphasized to solve problems in science and mathematics.  Science instruction will accommodate the natural curiosity and interests of students in the world around them.  The core curriculum will include the themes of earth science, physical science, life science, and health.  Active learning, which is laboratory based, will be the central feature of classroom instruction.  The goal of Math-Science core will be to encourage students to take a lifelong interest in the world around them and develop a practical approach to solving problems in it.

ENGLISH-HISTORY CORE: Students’ thinking becomes increasingly abstract and multidimensional during middle grade years.  They are able to look into the past to gain an understanding of today to become the future decision makers of tomorrow.  Through the use of core literature, student research projects and classroom discussion, students will come to realize that ideas and actions have real consequences.  Events from ancient civilizations will be studied from multiple perspectives, analyzed for significance, and tied to the present for relevancy.  The English program will be based in literature and centered on meaning which will encourage higher level thinking skills. Students will experience a multitude of reading and writing opportunities, integrated where possible into the history program.  Through thematic units, students will analyze the political, economic, and cultural aspects of societies and their relationship to the world over time.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  Physical education is a state required course. Focus will be on group cooperation, positive socialization, fitness development, and sport skills.  All students will have an opportunity to participate in various sports throughout the year, including track and field, flag football, basketball, and soccer events.  

SIXTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ELECTIVES

Wheel Options

The Elective Wheel provides an opportunity for students to experience more than one elective course within the school year.  The elective wheel is three 12-week courses. Once students have selected the elective wheel, they have made a commitment to remain in the wheel that they have been assigned to for the entire school year.

MUSIC WHEEL: This elective wheel offers a comprehensive exploration of music. Students will develop their vocal skills and performance practices by participating in a choir setting. Additionally, they will gain a foundational understanding of music theory and practical skills through an introductory music course that will explore a variety of orchestra and band instruments.  To round out their musical experience, students will delve into the exciting possibilities of music careers through a dedicated exploration course.

NEW HUSKY WHEEL: This elective wheel focuses on equipping students with the essential tools to navigate a successful middle school experience. Students will develop strong organizational, time management, and effective study habits through a dedicated study skills course.  Additionally, they will embark on a journey of self-discovery through a career exploration course, allowing them to explore potential career paths and identify their personal strengths and interests.  Finally, the wheel will foster leadership development by building student confidence and the skills necessary to take on future leadership roles within the school community.

STEM WHEEL: This elective wheel offers a dynamic introduction to the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Students will gain valuable hands-on experience through participation in a technical arts course, where they will focus on developing technical skills and building set designs. To broaden their understanding of STEM's diverse applications, students will explore the vast range of careers that utilize these skills through a dedicated career exploration course.  Finally, they will solidify their foundational understanding of core STEM principles through an introductory STEM/Robotics course.

Performing Arts

PERFORMING ARTS:  This program involves the drama “basics”. Students will learn: Acting Techniques and Methods, Theatre Games, Improvisation, Pantomime, Script Analysis and Memorization, Scene Work, and Cooperative Learning Skills.

Band and Orchestra

Specific performance attire will be requested for each music class.  Loaners are available for all classes.

INTERMEDIATE STRING ORCHESTRA:  This class is designed for a student who has at least one year of experience but needs more individualized time to develop with their instrument.  They will experiment with new key signatures, different tonalities, a variety of bow techniques, and an extension of musical styles.  Students will participate in several performances, on and off campus, throughout the year.

INTERMEDIATE BAND:  This class is the 2nd step designed for a student who has at least some experience but needs more time to develop with their instrument (i.e. hasn't mastered "Sawmill Creek" of the Standard of Excellence method book). They will experiment with new key signatures, different tonalities, a variety of articulations, and an extension of musical styles. Students are given many musical and developmental opportunities such as solo festivals and the Disneyland Recording Session Workshop. Students who are accelerated will also be given opportunities to move to Concert Band and Symphonic Band throughout the year (if their schedules allow).

SUPPORT COURSES

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD): English Language Development (ELD) is designed for students who speak a language other than English, but are still mastering English fluency.  Through games, debates, presentations, independent reading, interesting computer work, and writing instruction, students will improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English.  Students will work with their peers in non-competitive, smaller class sizes, which are aligned to the English Language Arts curriculum sequence. Skills learned in ELD not only enhance the English abilities the students already possess, but assist them in becoming proficient in their other coursework.

LEARNING LAB (STRATEGIC ELA): Learning Lab (Strategic ELA) offers targeted literacy support for students needing to strengthen their reading and writing skills in preparation for future academic and professional success. This dynamic course provides personalized instruction tailored to individual needs, focusing on strategic approaches to English Language Arts (ELA) mastery. Students have the flexibility to test out throughout the year based on assessment scores, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support. Placement is based on assessment scores or parental request.