6th grade curriculum

The Start of Middle School. The Spark of Independent Thought.

At Laurel Hill School, sixth grade marks a transformative moment in a student’s journey. It is the first step into middle school, where academic expectations rise—and so does the student's sense of ownership, independence, and voice. Our sixth grade curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be rigorous yet nurturing, structured yet exploratory. Students deepen their core skills while experiencing immersive learning across disciplines.

English Language Arts

Reading for Meaning. Writing with Voice. Speaking with Confidence.

Our sixth grade English program is rooted in literature and the belief that reading and writing are tools for both self-expression and understanding the world.

Reading & Literary Analysis

Students explore a wide range of novels that build empathy, historical understanding, and analytical skills. Core texts may include:

• A Long Walk to Water – global awareness and resilience

• The Egypt Game – archetypes and symbolism

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians – mythology and character development

• The Giver – dystopian societies and moral dilemmas

• The Diary of Anne Frank – historical context and personal reflection

Students study literary devices such as irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, theme, conflict, and characterization. They engage in Socratic seminars, close reading activities, and collaborative group analysis.

Writing

Students compose across a variety of genres:

• Analytical essays that argue a point using text-based evidence

• Personal narratives that reflect self-awareness and descriptive detail

• Poetry and creative writing to explore voice and style

• Journalism and informational writing, often tied to current events or thematic studies

Students complete multiple drafts, participate in peer and teacher editing, and build writing portfolios throughout the year. Clear grammar instruction supports mechanics and clarity.

Grammar, Vocabulary & Spelling

• Weekly grammar lessons cover sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, diagramming, and editing techniques.

• Vocabulary is drawn directly from literature, explored through context clues and direct instruction, and reinforced through daily usage and weekly assessments.

• Spelling assignments and tests are differentiated and aligned with both grade-level expectations and individual student needs.

Shakespeare Festival

Sixth graders study the life, language, and legacy of William Shakespeare. Through text analysis, memorization, and performance, students prepare and present an original play at our beloved Shakespeare Festival, incorporating Elizabethan costuming, sonnets, and music. It’s a highlight of the year that integrates literature, performance, history, and collaboration.

Mathematics

Reasoning, Problem Solving, and Real-Life Math

Sixth grade math combines conceptual understanding with hands-on engagement. Our program balances foundational skills with opportunities for exploration, creativity, and real-world application.

Core Concepts Include:

• Number sense and operations with fractions and decimals

• Ratios, proportions, and percent

• Algebraic expressions and equations

• Geometry, area, volume, and surface area

• Introduction to statistics and probability

• Integers and coordinate plane graphing

Instructional Approach

• Interactive Lessons: Classes are designed to promote discussion and exploration of multiple solution strategies.

• Math Lab: Weekly sessions offer project-based, tactile learning—like designing blueprints using geometric formulas, or budgeting a mock event with percentages and spreadsheets.

• Problem of the Day Journals: Build stamina and sharpen reasoning with open-ended and multi-step problems.

• Technology Integration: Students use graphing software, calculators, and math-based digital tools to investigate concepts.

• Scholastic Math Magazine: Real-world news problems engage students in applying math to everyday events.

Students receive both group and one-on-one support to ensure mastery and confidence.

Science

Wonder, Discovery, and Scientific Thinking

The sixth grade science program inspires curiosity and equips students with tools for scientific inquiry. Through labs, experiments, and real-world connections, students explore life, Earth, and introductory physical science.

Key Units of Study:

• Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Food webs, symbiotic relationships, ecological balance

• Oceans and Marine Life: Salinity, ocean zones, marine ecosystems, human impact

• Meteorology and Climate Change: Weather patterns, climate zones, global warming

• Geology and Planetary Science: Rock cycle, tectonic plates, space systems, the sun and planets

• Matter and Energy: States of matter, energy transfer, simple machines, force and motion

Scientific Skills Developed:

• Formulating hypotheses

• Conducting controlled experiments

• Collecting and analyzing data

• Graphing, modeling, and presenting findings

• Writing detailed lab reports

• Keeping a scientific journal

• Using digital tools and simulations for enhanced understanding

Students also engage in debates (e.g., “Is Pluto a planet?”) and research current scientific controversies to practice critical evaluation and scientific reasoning.

Social Studies

Ancient Civilizations. Modern Connections.

Sixth grade social studies immerses students in a sweeping study of Ancient and Medieval Civilizations. Through interactive simulations, projects, and thematic exploration, students discover how the foundations of today’s world were built.

Civilizations Studied:

• Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Indus Valley

• Ancient China and the dynasties

• Ancient Greece and Rome

• Early African and Mesoamerican civilizations

• Medieval Europe and the feudal system

Thematic Strands Woven Throughout:

• Geography and human settlement

• Government and leadership systems

• Belief systems and religious traditions

• Social structures and daily life

• Art, architecture, innovation, and trade

• Historical continuity and change over time

Hands-On Learning:

• Interact Simulations: Students assume roles from Ancient Greece and Rome, participating in structured reenactments that include debates, festivals, games, and construction challenges.

• Project-Based Assessments: Create 3D maps, write character diaries, host mock debates, and design historical board games.

• Skills Emphasized: Primary source analysis, persuasive speaking, research, note-taking, and synthesis of information from multiple media.

Sixth grade at Laurel Hill School is a celebration of learning, layered with opportunity, support, and joy. It’s the year students begin to truly take flight—academically, creatively, and socially—and discover the kind of thinkers, creators, and citizens they’re capable of becoming.