Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves
6th Grade Program of Studies

Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves

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Required and Elective Courses for 6th Grade Students
Timberstone offers a 7 period day, plus a 25 minute A+ class at the end of the day.  Listed below are the required courses. Students may choose to take band or orchestra which they would attend three days a week year round. The other two days they will attend each of the rotation classes for six weeks. Students who choose not to play an instrument will attend the rotation classes five days a week. 	

Required 6th Grade Courses	Elective Options	
1.	English
2.	Reading/GATE Reading
3.	Math 
4.	Science 
5.	Social Studies 
6.	6th Grade Rotation (6 Weeks Each)
1.	Art
2.	Information Technology 
3.	Music 
4.	PE (Two Rotations)
5.	Technology	•	Band 
Woodwind
           *Clarinet    *Flute    * Saxophone 
             Brass
            *Baritone   *French Horn   *Trombone   *Trumpet
              Percussion

•	Orchestra
Strings
             *Bass       *Cello       *Viola      *Violin	

The Timberstone “I Will Pledge”
I will not tease, harm or threaten others
I will not start or spread rumors
I will treat others the way I want to be treated
I will look for the good in other people
I will not do what is popular, but what is right

	

Timberstone Junior High Course Descriptions	
ENGLISH 6
English is a comprehensive course of study. Students read classic and contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of genres. Students follow writing process steps to produce arguments, informational texts, and narratives. They work to ensure that development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Students use media and technology to publish their writing projects. Vocabulary, language, and research lessons are included in reading and writing instruction. Speaking and listening skills are also addressed to ensure that students are working towards college and career readiness.
READING 6
The focus of the sixth grade reading program is to provide specific and intensive instruction to improve vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Students learn specific and efficient reading strategies to develop habits and necessary skills. A variety of literature and informational texts provide paths to literacy and success.
GATE READING 6
The focus of the sixth grade GATE reading program is to provide specific and intensive instruction to improve vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Students read a variety of materials including literature and informational texts. The course cultivates the students’ high ability so that they can remain focused and interested. Students reach beyond typical levels of critical thinking.
MATH 6                                                                                                                                                                                               The curriculum is organized around mathematical “big ideas”. Clusters of important, related mathematical concepts, processes, ways of thinking, skills, and problems solving strategies are studied in depth with the development of deep understanding as the goal.  Instruction emphasizes inquiry and discovery of mathematical ideas through investigation of rich problem situations.  Student materials are organized into units, each of which focuses on a core set of important, related mathematical ideas.  This year’s units develop: number theory, measurement, area and perimeter, shapes and their properties, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio, rates, proportional reasoning, uses of data, graphic and symbolic relationships.  To accommodate student needs, this course is offered at three levels.				
SCIENCE 6
The sixth grade science course is aligned to Ohio's revised Academic Content Standards emphasizing the grade band theme, Order and Organization. The curriculum focuses on helping students use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, and relationships that are related to the studies of earth, space, physical, and life sciences. Students will explore the topics of: Rocks, Minerals and Soil; Matter and Motion; and Modern Cell Theory (cellular to multicellular). Emphasis on laboratory safety and scientific processes such as conducting scientific investigations, developing laboratory measurement skills, analyzing and interpreting data, and thinking logically and critically are woven throughout these areas of focus.

SOCIAL STUDIES 6
In grade six, students study the Eastern Hemisphere (Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe), its geographic features, early history, cultural development, and economic changes. Students learn about the development of river civilizations in Africa and Asia, including their governments, cultures, and economic systems. The geographic focus includes the study of contemporary regional characteristics, the movement of people, products and ideas, and cultural diversity. Students develop their understanding of the role of consumers and interaction of markets, resources, and competitions.
ART  6
This 6 week course is designed to expose students to a wide variety of art materials. Students will explore the elements of art through the use of marker, watercolors, tempera, colored pencil, and oil pastel. Proper use of materials, craftsmanship, and care of the studio will be emphasized.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 6                                                                                                                                                     Computer Keyboarding, typing skills teaches you to type without watching your fingers. The emphasis is placed on your “technique” or how you type. You will also learn the basics of using Microsoft Word, formatting documents. Students will be given the opportunity to try fun games that introduce the concept of coding to them.

MUSIC 6
Music education is an important part of the complete development of an individual. Our goal is to help students develop a deeper awareness of personal expression through a general knowledge of music. This is done by performing, listening, and creating. The music curriculum is organized into studies of the elements common to music from all civilizations and cultures.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 6 
Physical education is an integral and continuous part of the total student educational process to promote individual growth, knowledge, and social adjustment. Physical education experiences develop a positive attitude toward physical activity which would include all skills from fitness to sportsmanship. The physical education program provides the development of children’s physical, mental, social, and emotional characteristics. The instruction addresses the individual characteristics and needs of all students.
TECHNOLOGY 6                                                                                                                                                                              Sixth grade students will develop an understanding of technological invention and innovation in our society and how it’s used to improve and benefit our quality of life. Activities emphasizing creative thinking, problem solving, and teamwork will be performed throughout the six weeks.
ELECTIVES:
BAND & ORCHESTRA 6 
Students may elect to be in either band or orchestra. Band and orchestra meet three days a week. Students are given, at first, beginning instructions, then progress to intermediate instructions on playing the instrument of their choice. Evaluation is based on attendance, fulfillment of practice requirements, and improvement of performance skills demonstrated by the student throughout the grading periods. Several concerts are scheduled throughout the year in which the students are required to participate. Parents are responsible for purchasing/renting instruments, method book, and instrument care supplies. Contact the band or orchestra director for any further questions.

	

Timberstone Junior High Schedule Change Policy	
Many factors are taken into consideration when planning class schedules to create a successful school experience for students. Students should be careful in their initial course selections and adhere to these choices. Changes in schedules can cause many difficulties for the individual student as well as for the master schedule. However, occasionally a change in an individual student’s schedule may become necessary. For a parent-approved schedule change to be considered, you should see your counselor prior to the closing of the current school year or set an appointment for the month of August. Space availability and appropriate balancing of classes may impact these requests. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.