Middle School

Sixth Grade Curriculum

List of 10 items.

Language Arts

Students are instructed using the Lucy Calkins reading and writing Units of Study for grades 6-8. Each Unit of Study is aligned with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts. Reading units focus on understanding characterization in fictional literature, exploring historical fiction, reading nonfiction texts, and analyzing poetry. Writing units build students’ knowledge of expository, informational, and persuasive writing through units focused on writing personal narratives, literary analysis essays, and compare/contrast essays.
Math

In math we implement a blended learning approach using enVision Savvas Realize as a learning tool in the classroom. The standard sixth grade curriculum includes positive rational numbers, integers and rational number operations, numerical and algebraic expressions, representing and solving equations and inequalities, understanding and using ratios and rates, analyzing and using proportional relationships as well as understanding and using percentages. We also incorporate a thorough review of decimal and fraction operations to reinforce fifth grade material prior to diving into the curriculum and weave these concepts into the lessons throughout the year to reinforce math fluency. In addition to the standard sixth grade math class, we offer an advanced course which focuses on analyzing and solving percent problems, generating equivalent expressions, solving area, surface area and volume problems as well as displaying, describing and summarizing data.

Different learning styles are addressed in a variety of ways such as video examples, direct auditory lessons, visual instruction by the teacher and guided notes for every new lesson. Independent work is supported through digital games, whole or small group interactive challenges, as well as through station rotations, small group practice, one-on-one practice, and online individual adaptive practice. Each new unit includes a STEM project. In pre-algebra a ‘3-act math’ activity brings each new unit to life and relates the material to the real world.
Earth and Space Science

The Earth and Space Science curriculum introduces students to laboratory safety skills, use of the scientific method, and measuring in the metric system. Emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method to solve problems and understand natural phenomena. This science course provides an opportunity for students to explore the Earth’s materials and processes. Other topics covered in this course are meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and geology. Laboratory activities are essential elements of the course.

Whether we are competing in the “metric olympics,” observing density columns of different fluids, identifying minerals by testing their properties, modeling the rock cycle and plate boundaries with edible “rocks” or calculating our fastest running velocities to see if we can outrun lava flows, there is always learning, laughter, and fun in the science lab!
Social Studies

Students explore the history of humanity. Learning about ancient civilizations, students dive into antiquity and discover how first societies developed while being introduced to many unique cultures across the globe. During the year, students learn about early humans in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China, Europe and the indigenous Americas. Students learn to see patterns in social development across these cultures.
Jewish Studies

In this course, we're going on a journey through time to learn about the history of the Jewish people from the time of Avraham to the birth of Christianity. We'll discover important events like how the Twelve Tribes came together, the time when they had to go to Babylon, and the struggles they faced when Greece and Rome were in charge. To help us understand all of this, we'll look at special ancient texts like the Bible, Dead Sea Scrolls, and writings by Josephus. These sources will help us gain a full picture of what life was like for the Jewish people back then.
Tefillah

Students participate in daily tefillah (prayer) either in a Shacharit morning service or Iyun Tefillah (study of tefillah), and study P’sukei D’zimrah (the introductory prayers).
Hebrew (Ivrit)

The Middle School Hebrew language program builds on our students’ Hebrew knowledge acquired in elementary school and concentrates on spoken language. We utilize the Rosetta Stone language lesson program for an individualized approach that builds on students’ prior knowledge. The program personalizes language learning through an adaptive blended learning model and speech recognition technology. The individually-paced learning paths empower students to take ownership of their own progress.

Students have the opportunity to earn two or three high school credits: To earn two high school credits, students must complete all three levels of the Rosetta Stone Hebrew program. To earn three high school credits, students must complete all three levels of the Rosetta Stone Hebrew program and complete vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and reading fluency assessments.
Mitzvot

Students learn the source of the mitzvot (commandments) and are given the opportunity to put them into practice on a weekly basis through the Mitzvah program. Students learn that they can and do make a difference in the world. Mitzvot specific to 6th grade include: kibud zekeinim (honor the elderly), hashavat avedah (return a lost object), baal tashchit (do not needlessly destroy/waste), shmirat hateva (protect nature), mazon (feed the hungry) and tza’ar ba’aley chaim (the ethical treatment of animals).
Tanakh (Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim)

Students embark on a captivating journey through the Book of Yehoshua (Joshua), a significant and inspiring text from the Tanakh. Through interactive discussions, storytelling, critical thinking exercises, and creative projects, students delve into the rich narratives, timeless lessons, and moral dilemmas presented in this ancient scripture while also honing their Hebrew vocabulary and translation skills.
Learning Lab

The purpose of the Learning Lab is to build solutions to problems using the engineering design process. Students learn to ask, imagine, plan, create, test, and improve their designs through interdisciplinary projects as part of both the Jewish Studies and General Studies curriculum. While working on these projects, students will apply many of the latest technologies including modeling, robotics, coding, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

Specialists

Middle school students are offered an enriching "rotation" program. Students have the opportunity to choose a different rotation every 9 weeks. Rotations include music, library, sports, art and Learning Lab. In addition, Middle School students participate in an additional Physical Education and Learning Lab class once a week.

List of 5 items.

Art

Art and creativity are timeless! Students learn about art history, traditional techniques, as well as innovative design methods in the art studio. Projects are inspired by artists, art movements, and discussions centered around materials, technique, style, use of color and lasting impact. Past projects have included analyzing the imagery in Marc Chagall’s I and the Village to discover memories of his childhood village; debating “what is art?” by comparing sculptures by Marcel Duchamp and Meret Oppenheim; and discussing how students’ art can inform their community through posters. Throughout the year your child has the opportunity to develop skills using paint, color pastels, gel crayons, clay, wood, wire, and 3D printing to produce spectacular results. Students are guided in new techniques and encouraged to trust their instincts.
Our families love following their artists through the online portfolio site “Artsonia.” The link can be shared with other “fans” of their work as well.
Learning Lab

The Learning Lab focuses on utilizing the engineering design process to build solutions to problems. Students learn to ask, imagine, plan, create, test, and improve their designs through interdisciplinary projects in both the Jewish Studies and General Studies classrooms. Students engage in modeling, robotics, coding, 3D printing, and laser cutting in the Learning Lab.

Incorporating traditional STEAM classes, our Learning Lab emphasizes creativity as a necessary component to traditional science, technology, engineering, art and math curricula. While these areas provide the tools, we teach that our big ideas, discoveries and solutions begin with a spark and some heart. The Learning Lab is where students are excited to solve problems. Using the engineering design process - ask, imagine, plan, create, test and improve - your child will sharpen their critical thinking skills and learn how to approach challenges from various perspectives. Whether it is through modeling, robotics, coding, 3D printing, software design and production, or using laser cutting tools, students become invested in their work and solving challenges versus simply completing an assignment - a lesson all its own!
Library

Students can be found curling up with a book in our beautiful open school library. From reading to researching, the library has over 9,500 books of fiction and nonfiction titles to support every child’s needs. Our school librarian assists with research projects, helps students develop board games based on books, and fosters a love of literature.

Rotations are an opportunity for a fun, library-centric club which includes instruction and a mitzvah component. Students may develop and create their own picture book that they will share with the younger grades. Furthermore, the picture book project educates students with internet research skills that help students answer “What makes a good picture book?” and “How does a book get published?”

Our school librarian supports students in book reports, research projects and presentations, and prepares them to navigate the information sources they will encounter as they grow older. Through thoughtful class discussions and exercises, students learn the ethical use of copyrighted materials, healthy device/screen time use, safe internet practices including protective measures against cyberbullying, and awareness of false information across all platforms in publishing.

Above all, we want our students to identify with Elie Wiesel’s observation, “I do not recall a Jewish home without a book on the table,” and our collective value of knowledge. By introducing the thrill of independent learning and the quiet comfort found within a good book (and nook), we create the foundation for their Jewish home and its book(s) on the table.
Music

Our music program appreciates that students follow the beat of their own drum….and that everyone wants to be the conductor! We channel that enthusiasm into the wide world of music appreciation and explore styles, sounds, methods and musicians through traditional lessons, such as hands-on band practice and sheet music instruction.

Main skills focus includes: collaboration, emotional balance, creative thinking, and disciplined focus.
PE

Our physical education program benefits from the resources of our vast campus. At over 34 acres, we have large fields for baseball and flag football, an indoor and outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, and a 25 meter pool. Students participate in physical education class twice a week. All students participate in all roles. The focus is on the individual improvement of skills and learning what teamwork means, while improving the skills of a leader, player and good sport.

Students play soccer, exciting tag games, and flag football on our large field; use the diamond area for wiffle ball and kickball; and practice shooting, dribbling and passing (teamwork) skills and play four square on our basketball courts. Additionally, students play volleyball on the outdoor net and improve their endurance by running the trail. On warm days, kids excitedly bring swimsuits to work on strokes and play “Marco Polo” (and splash each other) in our beautiful 25 meter pool. On cold or rainy days, students enjoy music and games in our indoor gym where “Menorah Tag” is in a league of its own.