Grade Six

List of 13 items.

• Mathematics

  The goal of Lower School mathematics is to encourage and support students as they develop number sense, computational fluency and efficiency, strategies for problem solving, and a beginning understanding of the connectedness of mathematical topics and procedures. The curriculum offers opportunities for self-discovery and exploration of concepts and personal strategies as well as exploring and understanding traditional algorithms. Visual models are used at every level to provide concrete examples of abstract concepts.
  
  Grade six expands upon the goals and objectives of fifth grade mathematics. Students practice computational skills and application of whole number operations; they also build conceptual and procedural understanding and manipulation of positive and negative fractions, decimals, and percents. Students also explore two-dimensional geometric concepts and measurement. Writing is a significant component of the sixth grade program, and students are frequently challenged to clarify, justify, and support their thinking in their mathematical writing. Teachers work closely with Upper School math teachers to provide and support an instructional progression in preparation for Upper School math classes. Students continue to develop and extend mathematical proficiency in number and operations; fractions, decimals, and percents; measurement, geometry; data analysis and probability; and algebraic thinking.
  
  Students who successfully complete the grade six mathematics program will be able to demonstrate fundamental understanding of topics in the following categories:

  Number and Operations

  • Understanding the inverse relationship between multiplication and division
  • Applying and extending previous understandings of arithmetic to positive and negative integers
  • Developing algorithms for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing positive and negative numbers
  • Locating positive and negative rational numbers on a number line
  • Developing algorithms for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals
  • Using benchmarks and estimation strategies to estimate the result of fraction operations
  • Solving problems using fraction and decimal operations

  Geometry 

  • Understanding measurement as a counting of iterated units and differentiating between types of units (ex: linear, square, and cubic units)
  • Developing and applying strategies for measuring the areas of rectangles, triangles, and parallelograms
  • Measuring the perimeter of two-dimensional shapes
  • Developing and applying strategies for measuring the volume and surface area of rectangular prisms
  • Measuring and categorizing angles using an angle ruler or protractor
  • Describing the relationship between the interior and exterior angle sums of polygons
  • Classifying two-dimensional shapes based on properties such as regularness, concavity, and complexity
  • Classifying three-dimensional shapes as polyhedra, prisms, and pyramids

  Measurement & Data Analysis 

  • Visually representing data to use as a tool during the analysis process
  • Summarizing numerical data sets in relation to their contexts
  • Defining ways data can be collected
  • Investigating, creating, and interpreting scatter plots

  Algebraic Thinking

  • Representing, analyzing, and generalizing patterns with tables, graphs, words, and, when possible, symbolic rules
  • Relating and comparing different forms of representation for a relationship
  • Identifying functions as linear or nonlinear and contrast their properties from tables, graphs, or equations
  • Showing an initial conceptual understanding of different uses of variables

• Reading

  Literature is a tool for understanding the world and the people in it. Exposure to a broad range of literary styles and subject matter in grade six encourages students to explore their interests, gain new perspectives, and develop critical skills. Teachers select books because their content parallels material studied in other classes, because they relate to a larger theme, because they are part of an important body of literature, or because they support a community of learners. Finally, selected titles provide important connections for the reader: to themselves, their peers, other texts, other generations, other cultures, and other time periods.

  
  

  Strengthening the sense of being a part of a community of readers is an important aspect of the reading program in grade six as students engage with the material actively, bringing their unique perspectives and personal interests into thoughtful discussions. Collective and individual comprehension deepens as students interpret the text and practice using evidence to support their assertions. This exchange of ideas not only strengthens connections but also encourages growth, as each person's voice contributes to a more dynamic and inclusive conversation.

• Writing

  Through the Lower School writing program, students learn what it is to be a writer working within a community of writers. The sixth grade writing program is workshop-based, focusing on reworking and revising texts as integral parts of the writing process. Students write during class and learn how to express their ideas in a variety of creative and expository genres. One-on-one conferences with the teacher provide students with individualized guidance to improve their writing skills. Students use Google Docs, a platform that facilitates writing instruction through collaboration and feedback.
  
  The sixth grade writing program builds on the objectives established in grade five. Students explore various literary genres by developing pieces that follow the distinct structure and purpose of each genre. At this stage of the writing program, students recognize the elements of great writing and are more proficient at revising their work. As their metacognitive skills develop and their sense of agency increases, students apply each stage of the writing process with increased independence.

  
  

  Students participate in a more intensive study of grammar and vocabulary as they experiment with sentence structure and use increasingly sophisticated written language. Grammar lessons are woven throughout the curriculum as students directly apply rules to enhance their writing. Through instruction in Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes, students expand their vocabulary base and are better able to infer the meaning of unknown words.

  
  

  A hallmark of the Lower School writing program is the tradition of the individual student speeches. As in grades three, four, and five, students develop ideas, draft, and revise their speeches in a context of structure and support. Delivering their speeches to an appreciative audience helps students to develop confidence and comfort with public speaking. Students become increasingly poised public speakers, sharing their thoughts with their peers and other members of the community, and modeling the public speaking skills the younger students will one day acquire.

• Social Studies

  In sixth grade social studies, students continue their study of American history with a three-part study of the United States government, law, and economics. Students learn about the formulation of our democracy and the growth of the three branches of government through an examination of the founding documents and the different roles played by elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels. Students then learn the principles of our economy, focusing on the growth of capitalism and the American monetary system. Finally, students explore our system of justice, learning the roles and responsibilities of the federal, state, and local courts through a focused study of seminal cases that have appeared before the United States Supreme Court. Throughout the year, students learn history through storytelling; they continue to practice recognizing and applying the historical thinking skills of context, perspective, and cause and effect. The students culminate the year with a research project on a topic related to the period of study.
  
  Students who successfully complete the grade six social studies program will be able to:

  • Interpret, analyze, and synthesize information from both primary and secondary sources
  • Recognize and apply historical thinking skills
  • Organize and articulate their understanding of the topics studied both verbally and in writing

• Science

  The Lower School science practices have been adopted from the National Research Council’s A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (2012) and directly build upon skills and material covered in Primary School. Students who demonstrate success in Lower School science courses will be able to:

  • Ask clarifying and extending questions
  • Apply the scientific process to creative real-world projects
  • Create and follow a written plan for an investigation
  • Gather, organize, and explain data
  • Predict the outcome of an investigation and analyze the results
  • Collaborate effectively to complete investigations and solve problems
  • Use evidence from real-world observations to demonstrate conceptual understanding
  • Communicate concepts and observations through writing and drawing

  
  

  Students in sixth grade ask, “How can science inspire new ideas and explanations?”  In the fall, sixth graders study the solar system and learn about the Mars 2030 Challenge as they explore the future and possibilities of space. Students also “travel” to Mars, and they participate in an engineering design project in which they create a Mars Lander/Rover. The focus then shifts to Earth and its structures, which includes a study of landforms and erosion as well as an Earthquake Design Challenge as they are introduced to the constantly changing planet surface.  At the end of the year, students look inside Earth as they learn about earth systems and resources. Students explore the resources available to humans and consider how these resources should be used while also exploring Earth’s cycles and systems.

• Digital Literacy

  Digital Literacy provides students with key technology skills they need to be successful in and out of the classroom. Students learn how to leverage technology to achieve their goals; they also learn how to be responsible digital citizens by using technology in safe, legal, and ethical ways. Digital Literacy also focuses on learning how to use technology as a tool for productivity, with a focus on construction, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. The Digital Literacy curriculum is based on the International Society for Technology in Education Student Standards. In grades 4–6, students participate in a Digital Literacy Badging program where students learn discrete skills that they can apply both in school and at home.
  
  Each Lower School student has access to a Chromebook for use in all classes throughout the day, and students use a range of Google Education tools, including Gmail, Google Classroom, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drawings, Sites, Jamboard, and Keep. Students also utilize tools including Seesaw, Adobe Spark, Common Sense Media, and a range of coding and keyboarding practice applications.

• Principles of Design

  Principles of Design meets once per rotation and provides a foundation for Creators courses in grades seven and eight. Materials and skills that are covered in Principles of Design include ideation, iteration, brainstorming, hand drawing and CAD Design, environment and design, sustainable design, logo design, and the connection between culture and design. Students learn to identify and describe ways in which designers help develop a society; ideate and design solutions to a problem; and construct, test, and evaluate their solutions.

• World Languages: Spanish and French

  Sixth graders choose one language–French or Spanish–to study throughout the year; most students continue their study of the language they selected when they joined Lower School. Fay’s Lower School French and Spanish program is based on ACTFL’s (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages which includes five main goal areas: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. Teachers work to cultivate interculturality, use vocabulary and grammar in context, and assess language understanding in a variety of modalities.
  
  In grade six, students apply their knowledge of the language acquired in previous years to more advanced written and visual projects, skits, and class performances. While oral communication in the language continues to be important, there is continued emphasis on the development of basic reading and writing skills, as well as on grammar. Teachers integrate authentic children’s literature along with age and level-appropriate music, videos, and games. Cultural proficiency and knowledge of basic historical events continue to be an important part of the curriculum and are connected to relevant vocabulary and grammar. At this level, the class is mostly conducted in the target language, so that by the end of the year, students demonstrate confidence in their ability to understand, read, speak, and write in Spanish or French.

• Music

  In grade six, students elect to participate in Beginning Band, Lower School Chorale, or Beginning Strings.
  
  Beginning Band is open to students in grades five and six. Students learn how to assemble, hold, play, and care for their instruments. No previous instrumental experience is necessary. During the year, students learn note reading, fingering, rhythm, articulations, intonation, dynamics, posture, and appropriate music symbols. By the end of the year, students play beginning-level music as a band. Success in this course requires practice as homework. Instrument choices include flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and baritone horn. Students wishing to play oboe or French horn are required to seek additional support through private lessons.
  
  The Lower School Chorale is open to students in grades five and six. The chorus is a treble choir that sings pieces in unison and two parts. Students also practice music reading and listening skills through the use of movable do solfege and rhythm syllables.
  
  Beginning Strings is open to students in grades five and six. Students learn how to assemble, hold, play, and care for their instruments. No previous instrumental experience is necessary. During the course of the year, students learn note reading, fingering, rhythm, bowing, intonation, dynamics, posture, and appropriate music. By the end of the year, students play beginning-level music as an ensemble. Success in this course requires practice as homework. Students may choose either violin or cello; students wishing to play viola are required to seek additional support through private lessons.

• Art

  Grade six students draw and explore positive and negative space. They learn about folk art and create a painted one-stringed musical instrument as well as a ceramic face pot. They explore Japanese and Chinese brush painting and create their own work in a similar style. 

  
  

  Grade six students explore the fundamentals of art-making on a deeper level. Projects connect students to the elements of design with specific focuses on space, color, texture, line, color and value. In the studio, students engage with a wide variety of materials and techniques, ranging from crafting ceramic face jugs to functioning one-stringed instruments.  Art history is emphasized throughout the year, culminating with a unit based on American Folk Art.
  
  Students who successfully complete the sixth grade art program will be able to:

  • Use media and tools appropriately
  • Listen to and understand multi-step directions
  • Understand principles of proportion and design
  • Understand African-American folk art and artists
  • Care for their materials and maintain a clean workspace

• Drama

  Sixth graders develop skills essential to working in theater, including building a strong ensemble, developing original characters, and building effective rehearsal techniques. Students practice interpreting stories through various media, empathize with diverse characters, and use theater to educate, entertain, and inspire. The course culminates in a performance of the sixth grade play, where students showcase what they learned.

• Athletics

  The fifth and sixth grade athletic program at Fay is designed as a bridge from the physical education curriculum taught in Kindergarten through grade four to interscholastic athletics in grade seven. The focus of this program is to introduce students to a variety of activities, provide sport-specific instruction, foster appropriate levels of competition, and provide opportunities for individuals to learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. The program creates a fun and challenging environment where players have the opportunity to learn and grow as athletes. Coaches focus on technique and skill development and, as competency increases, tactical elements and game situations.

   

  The three primary components of the program are:

  • Instructional: Sport-specific instruction focused on skill development, technique, knowledge and understanding of rules, team concepts, and fair play
  • Intramural: Competition against peers to build teamwork and camaraderie within the sport setting
  • Interscholastic: Appropriate levels of competition against peer schools to provide a fun and positive experience

  Sports offered:

  Fall: cross country, field hockey, flag football, soccer

  Winter: basketball, multi-sport, squash, wrestling, dance

  Spring: baseball, lacrosse, softball, multi-sport

• Wellness

  Sixth grade Wellness classes meet once per rotation, providing students with the tools they need to navigate the increasing social and emotional complexities of adolescence. As they prepare for the transition to Upper School, students engage in meaningful discussions and activities that promote self-awareness, decision-making, and personal well-being. Students practice:

  • Understanding influences from peers and developing confidence in personal choices
  • Learning strategies to balance school, activities, and rest for overall health
  • Practicing techniques to handle academic and social pressures in healthy ways
  • Recognizing and respecting personal and social boundaries
  • Developing skills to handle challenging or awkward interactions
  • Exploring the impact of self-care on overall well-being