The Core Classes

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum is aligned with the Core Grade Level Content Expectations written by the State of Michigan. The GLCES encompass four stands that are emphasized and assessed. They are:

Reading: word study, narrative test, informational text, comprehension, metacognition, critical standards, and reading attitude are emphasized and assessed.

Writing : writing genres, writing process, personal style, grammar and usage, spelling, handwriting, and writing attitude are emphasized and assessed.

Speaking : conventions and spoken discourse are emphasized and assessed.

Listening and Viewing : conventions and responses are emphasized and assessed.

Navigator uses three segments in the Renaissance Reading program to evaluate reading levels, promote reading practice, and evaluate literacy skill development. The STAR portion of the program allows the teacher to establish the student’s reading level. Once the reading level is established, the teacher assigns to the student a number of points which equates to a number of words the child should be independently reading to maintain and develop their reading skills. Points also equate to a number of ACCELERATED READER books the child will read. Selected books have been assigned points based on vocabulary and number of words. These two segments make up the reading practice portion of the Renaissance Reading. The third segment is the LITERACY SKILLS TEST. This element may be used by the teacher to evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses in advanced literacy skills such as author’s purpose, character’s rational, foreshadowing, and other literacy elements. This portion of the program is usually used by the teacher and students as they read and study a specially chosen class novel.

Science

The Science program is a continuation of the K-12 Science curriculum. It emphasizes logical reasoning, critical evaluation and drawing conclusions by participating in scientific investigations. Units at the 6th grade level include ecosystems, matter, chemistry, light, astronomy and the circulatory and respiratory systems.

Social Studies

This class provides students with a knowledge base about the geography, history, government, and economy of other communities within our Western Hemisphere. We will be exploring and comparing cultures, current events and geography from northern Canada to the southern tip of South America.

Math

This class is designed to meet the needs of all sixth grade students as they master the curriculum. Students will be actively engaged in investigating, discovering and applying mathematics. They will work independently and/or cooperatively and use concrete materials to explore mathematical properties and relationships. The students will have to communicate ideas both orally and in writing. Calculators will be required.

The Specials Classes: Grade 6

Specials for sixth graders includes three classes. Current subjects are Physical Education, Art, and Health. Physical Education alternates daily throughout the year with Art and Health.

Physical Education

Sixth grade physical education provides students with the same amount of class time as the fifth grade. Students will meet approximately every other day for the entire school year.

The class develops the knowledge, skills, fitness and attitudes necessary for each student to lead a healthy lifestyle. The class explores team and individual sports with emphasis on specific skills for each sport, fitness testing and team cooperation. Included are areas of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body awareness.

Students will be issued locks and lockers in the physical education locker room and will be required to have an appropriate change of clothing for class. There may be a swimming component in the class.

A more detailed description of the course, along with teacher expectations, will be provided at the beginning of the year.

Art

Through the use of visual images, different tools and materials (watercolors, clay, crayons, paper, tempera paint, computer, etc.) students will communicate their ideas about their school day, community, and societal issues. Students will be given an opportunity to use their thinking skills by solving visual problems and by answering the questions, “What is art? What is the role of art in daily life and in our community?” We will look and reflect upon the role the visual arts have played in human achievement in past and present cultures. Interdisciplinary links will be made between art, science, math, social studies, and language arts. All classes will work on the Empty Bowls Community Service Project.

Health

All sixth grade students take health class. The class meets every other day for one semester.

A variety of physical, social, emotional and mental health topics are covered. Lessons include rules, decision-making, communication skills, safety, first aid, nutrition, cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness, substance use and abuse prevention, friendships, emotions, values and goal setting.

There will also be lessons on reproductive health towards the end of the semester. Additional information about these lessons can be found in the first issue of Navigator Notables that is mailed home in August. There is also a parent meeting in late fall (see the October and November issue of Navigator Notables) regarding reproductive health. At that meeting, the district’s Board approved objectives and course materials will be reviewed.

The Elective Classes: Grade 6

In 6th grade, students choose one of four elective classes: Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Academic Enrichment. These classes meet daily throughout the year.

Beginning Band

The Beginning Band class for sixth graders is based on the assumption that the student has had absolutely no previous musical experience. Everything is taught through a series of steps culminating with the band performing two concerts per year. Primary emphasis is placed upon fundamentals, i.e. rhythm, notation, pitch placement, sound production, and ear training. Students choose one of six instruments: Flutes, low brass, percussion, trumpets, clarinets and saxophone.

Orchestra

This class is for students interested in learning to play the violin, viola, cello or acoustic string bass. No previous experience is necessary, although some note reading skills will be helpful. Basic concepts of playing orchestral string instruments; music reading skills and performing in both large group and small chamber ensemble activities will be explored and practiced. Practice outside of the classroom at home is required for success in this class. The group will perform in formal concerts in December and June and may use 2 to 3 other performing activities during the school year as learning experiences. A field trip to an Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra concert may be planned. This class will lay the foundations for the Pathfinder 7th grade orchestra for the following year.

Academic Enrichment

For students not participating in band, orchestra or choir this class offers a large variety of different learning activities providing students the opportunity to expand understanding of the basic curriculum and foster interest in new areas. It also provides an opportunity for students to get more individualized instruction. Differentiated activities and independent study opportunities are possible during this time. This class is graded on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Choir

This class is for students who like to sing. Basic concepts such as proper technique, music reading and sight singing will be explored and practiced. Students will learn to sing more challenging music in a wide variety of musical styles, building on the skills learned from previous years of vocal music. Students will learn basic music theory skills for writing, creating, and performing their own music. Students will have several concerts throughout the year. This class will lay the foundation for the pathfinder 7th grade Choir the following year.