Language Arts

In this course, students receive structured lessons through emphasis on the foundation of reading and writing and on the reading and writing process. It also includes speaking, listening, critical thinking skills, vocabulary, and research skills.

Novel Studies-Students will analyze and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres throughout the year (Unplugged, Hatchet. Giver,The Young Man and the Sea)

Writing and Grammar-6th focuses on three modes of writing: Narrative, Informational, and Argumentative. Within those modes students will learn and practice different forms of writing. Students will also engage in the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Daily journal assignments will help get students writing and generating ideas to be used in their writing assignments. Students will learn and  incorporate appropriate grammar, usage, and mechanics skills that will help them communicate through writing.

Wordly Wise Vocabulary provides direct academic vocabulary instruction to develop the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Math

The Big Ideas program balances conceptual understanding with procedural fluency. Embedded Mathematical Actions and processes in grade-level content promote a greater understanding of how mathematical concepts are  connected to each other and to real-life, turning mathematical learning into an engaging and meaningful way to explore the real world.  The program provides young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed academically in credit-bearing, college entry courses and in workforce training programs. 

In 6th grade there are 10 chapters that cover, numerical expressions and factors, fractions and decimals, algebraic expressions and properties, areas of polygons, ratios and rates, integers and the coordinate plane, equations and inequalities, angle relationships, transformations, and probability and statistics

Science

Science Weekly inspires students to investigate and use scientific thinking. Science Weekly uses abundant hands-on activities and articles, both digital and offline, supported by printed periodicals, students get engaged in investigating, asking questions, drawing conclusions, and sharing their findings—all key ingredients for learning that lasts. Science Weekly also builds science literacy skills and engages students with advanced nonfiction literature.

STEAM is also a huge part of life at VFS. STEAM incorporated into the classroom and even at school events.  The continual coverage of STEAM topics throughout lessons, People and Careers in Science profiles, and the embedded technology and coding curriculum—builds students’ excitement for further study and science-based careers.

Social Studies/Bible

Mystery of History From Creation to the Resurrection, Mystery of History is written from a Christian, young-earth, perspective, and teaches children to see God’s hand throughout history! Written in a conversational style, many lessons are presented in the form of mini-biographies, integrating fascinating stories with the events of the time. Covering creation to the resurrection, students will learn about famous biblical characters and ancient peoples from around the world.

Social Studies Weekly inspires students to engage with the world around them. Social Studies Weekly is a student-friendly core Social Studies curriculum organized thematically to the strands of civics and government, geography, economics, and history.  Activities and articles, both digital and offline, supported by printed periodicals, students get engaged in investigating, asking questions, drawing conclusions, and discussing—all key ingredients for learning that lasts. Social Studies Weekly also builds literacy skills and engages students with advanced nonfiction literature.

 

Computer Science

Code.org Curriculum With code.org students learn sophisticated unplugged activities and work through a greater variety of puzzles. Students will learn the basics of programming, collaboration techniques, investigation and critical thinking skills, persistence in the face of difficulty, and internet safety.

Scratch Curriculum Scratch is the world’s largest coding community for children and a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations.

 

Project Lead the Way

 

Medical Detectives In the Medical Detectives (MD) unit, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.

Design and Modeling Design and Modeling (DM) provides students opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students are introduced to the unit problem in the first activity and are asked to make connections to the problem throughout the lessons in the unit. Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will understand how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations. Students work in teams to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders. Teams design a toy or game for a child with cerebral palsy, fabricate and test it, and make necessary modifications to optimize the design solution.