6th Grade

Sixth graders read a variety of challenging and inspirational novels, short stories, and poems, including many that connect to relevant social studies, science, and character education themes. An emphasis is placed upon reading critically and making inferences in a wide variety of genres. Using active reading techniques, students interact with the text by annotating, making predictions and connections, determining the author’s intent, and studying key story elements. Our 6th grade readers also focus on interpreting literary and expository excerpts and making meaningful real-world connections.

In our writing program, students refine the content, clarity, and mechanics of their expository and narrative written works. They increase their skills in structuring five-paragraph essays in a clear, cogent, and linear manner. Students also engage in independent research, extrapolating information from a variety of sources, taking notes, creating outlines, and citing their sources in their published written product. The 6th grade program embraces a rich diversity of written genres. With these research and organizational skills carefully honed, our students leave Laurence with the foundation for success in secondary school and beyond.

During the culminating year of our mathematics program, our students are provided with an extensive review of whole number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, and geometry, preparing them for the higher-level and analytical thinking that is the foundation of middle school pre-algebra and algebra programs. Additionally, problem-solving skills are reinforced through practical application to real-world experiences. Accelerated students spend the year exploring pre-algebra and linear and algebraic equations.

Fourth through 6th grade students are eligible to participate in our Mathletes Club, which meets weekly to explore complex, challenging math problems and competes (with great success) throughout Los Angeles in a variety of math tournaments.

In social studies, our 6th grade students study world cultures, focusing on the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Israel, Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome through research, literature study, and hands-on activities and projects. Pairing with sister countries Israel and India as part of our Global Education program, the children enhance their understanding of the commonalities and differences between themselves and their like-aged peers abroad, with whom they communicate. 

Character Education & Service Learning takes center-stage, as our 6th grade students serve as caring friends to special needs children from a nearby public school, the Lowman Special Education Center. The children are afforded a multitude of opportunities to make a difference in the wider community through delivering contributions to the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry and organizing a turkey-drive for the Lowman School families at Thanksgiving.

Sixth graders use their years of experience at Laurence, as well as their public speaking skills, to act as confident and passionate student ambassadors, providing guided tours to prospective families.

The science program provides many hands-on, experiential opportunities for our students to continue to explore the changing world around them. The 6th grade program includes a three-day, two-night outdoor educational experience to WOLF Camp. There, students participate in team-building activities, as well as in science enrichment programs.

In class, students study units on ecology, genetics, archaeology, energy, chemistry, and the diversity of life.

As leaders of our school-wide Planting Day, the 6th grade students nurture Laurence’s Edible Garden and prepare the garden beds. They also plan which vegetables to grow, decide which science activities to demonstrate, and organize numerous interactive stations, which are visited by their younger peers. Experiments have included testing vegetables for sugar and starch content and matching seeds to their grown vegetable counterparts. Activity stations have included: an eating station, where students enjoy vegetable-based soups and hearty breads; a planting station, where sixth graders supervise the younger students as they bury various winter vegetables into our Edible Garden soil; a savory station, where children smell, touch, and taste freshly-grown herbs; and an experiment station where Laurence 6th graders lead the younger grades in an experiment of their choosing.

To their Kindergarten friends, the 6th grade students act as big buddies, mentoring their younger counterparts through meaningful social and academic interactions. They meet once a week to engage in directed activities where the older students act as guides and instructors. In addition to their weekly get-togethers, the students participate in the occasional buddy snack or dessert.

In our acclaimed Kids' Court Program, Head of School, Lauren Wolke, J.D., introduces the children to the fundamentals of the United States' legal system. Sixth grade students place historical, literary, and fairytale characters on trial for a variety of crimes and bring the drama of the courtroom to life. The children assume the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses. Ultimately, student jurors in the younger grades determine the guilt or innocence of the famous defendants. The program enhances students’ critical thinking skills as they write a mock trial and develop and support their legal positions. Our Kids’ Court program also includes guest speakers, panel discussions, and debate classes.

Culminating Academic Presentations (CAP’s) are individualized projects that 6th grade students undertake as they prepare to embark on their secondary school careers. The subject matter for these reports is student-selected, based on a subject they feel passionate about.

Students bring their research to life by creating Keynote presentations. They also use Pages, to keep track of important information during the researching stage and to ultimately publish their research report.

On presentation day, students come to school dressed for success and ready to impress their parents, peers, teachers, and administrators alike with their knowledge, understanding, and poise.