The Grade 6 Advanced Math sequence of learning supports a scope and sequence that prepares students for high school level Algebra I in eighth grade. Students are immersed in a learning environment that encourages students to meet mathematical challenges head on and where errors are viewed as learning opportunities. Through small group, whole group, and differentiated instruction, students apply mathematical concepts to a variety of real-world experiences. Students also learn mathematics through games and engaging real life activities. We use Big Ideas math materials to guide students as they explore, learn, and apply skills while honing the mathematical practices/habits of mind. With a focus on numerical expressions and factors, students continue to develop understanding of fractions, decimals, percent, and the concept of ratios. Students also develop algebraic thinking skills and concepts and delve into concepts relating to data, statistics, and geometry.

Redwood Day offers language learning in Mandarin or Spanish designed for students learning an additional language who do not have native fluency in the language. Students are placed in the appropriate world language pathways based on class and placement assessments. New students to Redwood Day are assessed prior to or arrival for optimal placement.

Grade 6 Spanish is designed for students who have little or no experience with the language or who would benefit by reviewing concepts learned in the Lower School to strengthen their basic Spanish language skills. This foundational language course emphasizes basic interpersonal communication skills, though reading, writing, and learning about the Latin American culture are also reflected in sixth grade Spanish.

In Advanced Spanish 6, students transition into Spanish immersion where at least 90% of class discussions, activities, and exchanges is in the target language. The primary goal is to concurrently enhance students' fluency in verbal communication and deepen their understanding of Spanish grammar. The curriculum seamlessly integrates both traditional and contemporary concepts, introducing students to two novels: Pobre Ana (present tense) and Laritza (past tense). Key objectives include conjugating regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, stem-changing verbs in the present tense, and understanding the distinction between ser and estar. In addition to routine readings and comprehension assignments, there is a heightened focus on daily practice of conversational Spanish through class discussions and other interactive activities.

In sixth grade Mandarin, two learning pathways are offered to students: one focuses on acquiring the tones and pronunciation (pinyin) of the Mandarin language and developing an emerging understanding of the foundational concepts and skills for those who have not previously taken Mandarin. 

A second path is for students continuing their learning of Mandarin from the Lower School, where they continue building language skills to communicate and express themselves in Mandarin. At this level, students learn more advanced greetings and engage in conversations about their family members, pets, the weather, their preferences for food and drinks, and some common Chinese foods. At this stage, students start to read and write sentences in Mandarin, and they use learned expressions to describe things or people in some detail, using the appropriate pronouns, grammar, and various sentence patterns. 

For all learners, various cultural topics are intertwined into language learning as students deepen their understanding of Chinese characters, reading, and writing.

Sixth graders, in Music, are introduced to the ukulele at the start of the school year, and learn C, F, G, Am, Dm, Em, and Bb chords. They play songs using all the chords, learn a variety of strumming patterns, and learn how to play with each other. In the fall, students choose a song democratically, rehearse it as a class, and then perform it at Generations Day and the Winter Concert. In the spring, students compose, rehearse, and perform short songs to represent original cultures they conceive in the cross-curricular "Civ" project. Students participate in critical-listening activities in which they are introduced to different elements of music.

In sixth grade, in English, students are actively engaged in reading, discussing, and analyzing a variety of literature and informational texts, including realistic fiction/short stories and novels, memoir, historical fiction, and informational texts via whole class and book club experiences. Sustaining an independent reading life is also a feature of sixth grade English. Learning in writing focuses on developing the three types of writing: narrative, argument, and informational. Students hone their narrative writing skills by crafting two personal narratives alongside a study of mentor narratives, and they write literary essays focused on character and theme. After learning nonfiction reading skills, students research and create an informational book on a topic of their choice. Throughout the year, students review and develop foundational grammar concepts and build their vocabulary. 

Sixth graders, in DBi, begin the year deconstructing a mechanical object in a collaborative unit with their art class called, 'Things Come Apart.' Later, they use these mechanical parts to build a mutant toy inspired by Sid from Toy Story. Students build digital portfolios and learn beginning graphic design skills. The year concludes with the 'Design for Change' project where students work in teams and apply their design thinking skills to tackle a social justice design challenge.

Physical Education in sixth grade provides opportunities for students to improve their physical fitness levels and to grasp more advanced concepts transitioning from the Lower School. The Middle School PE program focuses on developing movement and motor skills and social skills across a variety of environments. They also learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle through individual and collaborative fitness components throughout the program, and they develop skills for communication, leadership, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution in a variety of physical activity settings. Class content and social emotional development are geared towards preparing students for their next challenge and promoting lifelong fitness.

 

Grade 6 History focuses on ancient civilizations. After an introductory unit on early human migration, students study Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, and Greece. Their learning is guided by the essential question, "What makes a civilization successful?" and supported by key skills including thinking critically, making inferences based on observations, determining the importance of information, understanding the impact of geography on societies, connecting the past and present, and recognizing structures of power and the inequities they create. At the end of the year, students apply their knowledge by creating their own ancient societies during the cross-disciplinary Civ Project. 

 

The sixth grade drama and public speaking program is designed to help students expand their comfort zones as performers and public speakers. The drama curriculum uses theater games, improvisation, an introduction to Shakespeare, and beginning scene work as an entry into different performing mediums. Students explore public speaking through informative speaking and learn best practices for presenting with a slideshow. Outside of class, sixth graders have the opportunity to participate in the Winter One-Acts, an extracurricular drama production that serves as an introduction to the Redwood Day mainstage theater productions, including the Spring Musical, which is open to all students in grades 6-8. A final performance unit of study guides students through the entire rehearsal process, from table reads and memorization, to character development and how to be a supportive member of an ensemble.

 

In sixth grade Wellness and Life Skills, students explore topics relating to transitioning to middle school, maintaining media balance and well-being, and the nuances of friendship. Students learn to identify personal stressors and how to manage stress in a positive and proactive way, they review the importance of healthy decision-making, and know what body image is and how that is impacted by environmental influences. In the realm of sex education, students learn about navigating crushes, reproductive anatomy, and menstruation and reproduction basics. Students learn digital citizenship skills via Common Sense Media lessons, guest speakers, small and large group discussion, and reading and viewing relevant articles and media. The 'learning to learn' portion of this course focuses on an introduction to executive function and its connection to the brain and applying this knowledge to organization, study skills, and transitioning to middle school.