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Fifth and Sixth Grades
The Younger Middles
Language Arts
Sundance 5th and 6th graders work hard to develop strong reading comprehension skills by improving fluency and using analysis to understand more complex texts. They learn to identify central ideas, analyze how authors build and support arguments, and evaluate the use of evidence. Vocabulary growth is supported through the use of context clues, and the study of Greek and Latin roots.
Students analyze text structures to understand how parts of a selection contribute to the whole and to determine the author’s point of view or purpose. They learn to integrate information from various media and formats to build a well-rounded understanding of a topic.
Technology is incorporated into the program to enhance writing, publishing, and collaboration. The 5th and 6th graders practice presenting their ideas clearly and confidently and adjusting their communication to suit different contexts.
In writing, students practice composing narratives, arguments, and informative texts for different audiences and purposes. They learn to express opinions with evidence from multiple credible sources and to craft engaging stories with descriptive details and structure. Writing instruction emphasizes process skills like planning, drafting, and revising, as well as grammar, punctuation, and the use of formal, precise language.
Math
In the math curriculum for 5th and 6th graders, the students deepen their understanding of numbers by exploring rational numbers, including negatives and absolute value, and working fluently with fractions and decimals in all four operations. They study the relationships between factors, multiples, and prime factorization, using these skills to find least common multiples and greatest common factors. Through the study of ratios and percents, students learn to analyze and solve problems involving comparisons and rates using multiple strategies.
Students also begin working with algebraic concepts, learning to write, interpret, and evaluate expressions and solve one- and two-step equations. They explore independent and dependent variables in equations and real-world contexts. In geometry, they solve problems involving area, surface area, volume, and coordinate planes. The statistics and probability unit teaches students to summarize, represent, and interpret data using graphs and statistical questions. They are consistently challenged to use important mathematical skills like problem-solving, reasoning, and modeling to strengthen their analytical and quantitative thinking.
Science/STEAM
In Physical Science, 5th and 6th grade students learn how physical and chemical changes affect matter and energy. They study force and motion, including speed, distance, and the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces, along with Newton’s laws. In class, students explore various forms of energy—such as kinetic, potential, and thermal—and examine how energy transfers and transforms. Electricity and magnetism are introduced to help students understand electric and magnetic forces and how they impact objects.
In Life Science, students investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they interact within ecosystems. They learn about food webs, energy flow, and the relationships between organisms and their environments. Earth and Space Science includes the study of Earth’s structure—its layers, plate tectonics, and geological processes like earthquakes and volcanoes. Students also explore weather and climate, identifying patterns and understanding the factors that influence atmospheric conditions. In astronomy, students study the solar system, the moon, planets, stars, and Earth's place in the universe.
Technology, robotics and engineering are integrated throughout science instruction. Students use the scientific method to ask questions, design experiments, and analyze results. They engage in engineering design challenges, where they apply science knowledge to real-world problems by planning, testing, and improving their solutions.
Students also begin to use systems thinking, recognizing how parts of a system interact and affect one another. These experiences help build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that support their understanding of science and its role in the world.
The school-wide elections for favorite snack food allowed the Middle School students to embark upon an election campaign that wasn't focused on themselves or others. It afforded low social-emotional stress and led to a great deal of happy snacking!
Social Studies
In 5th and 6th grade Social Studies, students explore the development of early human societies and ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as other ancient cultures around the world. They examine the rise and fall of empires, the spread of ideas and technologies, and how geography shaped human settlement and development. Cultural studies focus on customs, beliefs, and social structures, helping students to understand the diversity and complexity of human societies throughout history.
In addition to world history, students study the fundamentals of geography, civics, and economics. They learn how physical and cultural geography influence populations, investigate the principles of government and citizenship, and explore basic economic concepts in different societal contexts. Through these topics, our young middle schoolers build critical thinking skills as they analyze historical events, social issues such as inequality and bullying, and the foundations of civic engagement.
Art
The 5th and 6th grade students learn the fundamental Elements of Art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form, space) and Principles of Design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity), and how artists use them to create meaning and emotion. They apply this knowledge in creating their own original artwork.
Through drawing, painting and the use of mixed media, students develop technical skills, explore color theory, and build their creativity. Students also build critical thinking through innovation, critique, and problem-solving. Lessons connect art to culture, history, and society by allowing students to focus on how it reflects traditions, identity, and social issues.
Physical Education
The Physical Education program is designed for the purpose of enhancing psychomotor, cognitive, and physical development through physical body movement. Physical Education offers opportunities to develop independence, goal -setting, leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship.
During the gymnastics unit, students explore and practice a range of fundamental movements and skills. These include basic tumbling techniques such as forward and backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and bridges. They also focus on building strength, flexibility, and coordination through activities on various apparatuses like the balance beam, floor, and vault. In addition, students may learn to sequence movements together to create simple routines.
In the dance unit, students learn and practice a variety of dance skills, explore movement, and express themselves creatively through dance. They develop rhythm, coordination, and spatial awareness through basic steps and structured dance activities. Students also have the opportunity to experience a range of dance styles, including tap, ballet, acro, hip hop, and jazz.
Theatre Workshop
The Elementary and Middle School Theatre Workshop at Sundance provides our students with an opportunity to develop skills necessary for success in the 21st century. We appreciate the parental support and enthusiasm for the Theatre Workshop model and show time experience that is a vital component of a Sundance education.
Our theatre program offers instruction that integrates several aspects of the art form: creative, drama, improvisation, acting, script writing, readers theatre, theatre history, directing, designing, researching, comparing art forms, analyzing and critiquing and understanding contexts. Classes are formatted to encourage teamwork, risk taking and full participation while providing fun and challenging opportunities for students to explore basic acting skills and the technical elements of theatre. Performance opportunities include a literature based stage production in the fall, a theme-based spring production (students help script, plan, produce and perform) and two variety shows where acts themselves are student generated. Students also function as stage crew and technical support.
Click here for more information about The Sundance Theatre Program
Spanish
Objectives:
- To develop spontaneous responses to different situations in complete Spanish sentences
- To improve the communication skill
- To be actively involved and willing to participate in class
- To speak, interact and sing only in Spanish
- To expand knowledge of vocabulary and new phrases
- To get proficient in writing and reading skills
- To learn more about cultures and traditions in Spanish speaking countries
