The approach of puberty in the sixth grade often involves a loss of the relatively harmonious and graceful movements of the fifth graders as the children seem to “fall” into gravity. Like ancient Romans, sixth graders stand firmlyon the earth.

The history curriculum extends from ancient Rome and the fall of the Roman Empire to the unfolding of European civilization in the Middle Ages. In science students study the heavens and the earth, astronomy and minerology. Their study of physics begins with an introduction to acoustics, progressing to light, heat and static electricity and magnetism. Geometric shapes, which have been drawn freehand in earlier grades, now are explored with the help of a compass and straightedge. In geography the students study Latin America or Europe. Sixth grade is the appropriate year for an introduction to business math.

Main Lessons:

Advanced grammar, self-editing, expository, descriptive and narrative writing, conditional sentences, Latin sayings and proverbs, report writing, language and math skills, business math, percentages, exact geometry, world geography with an indepth focus on Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Special Subjects:

Physical education including juggling and circus arts, Spanish, choral music, orchestra, handwork, gardening, Eurythmy, drama, recorder, fine and practical arts including sculputural arts.