6th Grade - Mrs. John's Class

Sixth graders at Freshwater School will find that they are taking a leadership role at Freshwater. They will be gaining speaking experience, leading and helping at student council, class meetings, assemblies, special programs, and concerts.

A variety of teaching strategies are used to provide opportunities to work cooperatively, using critical thinking skills to arrive at informed conclusions. Using differentiated teaching practices, students have choices for higher level thinking skills. These techniques are implemented through individual, small groups, and whole group instruction.

In sixth grade, we do an in-depth study of the redwood biome, beginning in our own backyard. The students spend three days and two nights at Wolf Creek Outdoor School. Students will attend Wolf Creek October 15-17, 2008.

This leads to a year long study of earth science, including terrestrial and aquatic biomes, geology, and weather. Students will also be working in our school garden. In the spring, all 6th graders take part in the annual school "Science Fair."

PROJECT ALERT is a trimester long study on drug awareness and social safety skills. This program is facilitated by the Humboldt County Health Dept.

Our sixth graders are immersed in studies of ancient civilizations. Through the integration of language arts and social studies, students read and write historical fiction, do comparative analysis of cultures, and refine their research and mapping skills. Ancient cultures come alive as students recreate a Greek Agora or marketplace, Egyptian masks, and taste specialty foods of India.

From building a life-size model of a typical sixth grader, to a miniature model of an ideal geometric city, sixth graders are applying skills to hands-on creations. Using units like Polyheraville, students are learning math concepts through group projects. These projects supplement the core curriculum that cover the grade level standards.

Research, creative fiction, poetry, expository and reflective writing are samples of the genres the sixth graders create in class. The core curriculum includes an anthology of high interest prose and poetry, as well as novels and literature circles. Spelling, focusing on high frequency words, usage, and grammar are integrated into our reading program. Students are encouraged to expresss themselves through journal writing, Great Books, and recreational reading.

The sixth graders are enriched with choral music, dance, instrumental band, and fine arts. They also work with a P.E. specialist, use the school computer lab, and meet weekly with a primary grade buddy. We annually attend the Redwood Environmental Fair at College of the Redwoods, and the Math Fair at Arcata High School. Our students find themselves aware of, active in, and engaged with their school, community, and the world around them.

WOLF CREEK GALLERY

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