Trinity Lutheran School
Sixth Grade
Teacher: Mr. Bruce Mertens
For more information about Trinity's sixth grade, please call the school office at 507-231-6646 or email Mr. Mertens. 
Religion
The CPH Voyages curriculum is used for religion instruction. Within the context of each lesson, students are taught key concepts of faith such as Law, Gospel, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and grace and are encouraged to put these concepts into action in their daily lives. The course includes lessons on the Word of God, the life and work of Martin Luther, and sequential study of selected Bible stories that span biblical history from exodus through the life of Christ. Thru a planning memory program students learn Scripture verses, hymns, and portions of Luther's Small Catechism.
Literature
The sixth, seventh, and eighth grades use the Prentice Hall literature series. The students are introduced to several literary genres including short stories, drama, non-fiction, poetry, oral tradition, and novels. The students analyze story development such as character, setting, plot, and theme.
English
English is grammar instruction including learning the parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections) and their proper usage in a sentence. The art of writing is taught through teaching proper sentence structure which includes capitalization, punctuation, and paragraph development. Types of writing may include a research paper, short stories, and poetry.
Spelling
Sixth grade students are led to see spelling patterns as they build on basic word roots using affixes and word endings. They are taught syllabication vowel relations, and consonant relationships. Students learn to spell in their regular daily work. Dictionary, thesaurus, and critical reading vocabulary are used to strengthen spelling skills.
Math
All students study Math using the Saxon Math series. In sixth grade the incremental development continues with review of basic arithmetic functions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students practice concepts of number line, fractional parts and linear measurement. Practical application of arithmetic is emphasized by the use of word problems in the standard forms of "Some and Some More", "Some Went Away", "Larger-Smaller-Difference", Equal Groups", and "Part-Part-Whole". Students use manipulatives to help understand fractions and percents. They practice the use of straight edge for measurement. Special emphasis is given to understand fractions and decimals and how to compute accurately using them.
Science
Sixth grade students study Earth Science, first by understanding the scientific method, along with the tools and measurement systems (Metric) that are used by scientists. We begin by learning about the universe that God created stars and galaxies, solar systems, and then the Earth and its moon. We then begin to look more closely at the world we live in, its atmosphere and oceans, fresh water supplies and land masses, and geology, including rocks and minerals, soils and erosion. Students also learn about the Earth's weather and climates, with special appreciation for the weather and climate of our particular region. We always keep in mind our stewardship of the resources that God has made for us.
Social Science
Using the concepts of history and geography, students are introduced to the varied cultures of the world in ancient, middle, and modern times. Sixth graders visit the Fertile Crescent, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, the Islam world, Africa, Japan, The Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia in a chronological sequence of history. In addition, various forms of government, concepts of nationalism and imperialism, and what influences cultures to change are studied. In all of these areas, sixth graders are taught to appreciate the world God created and the many cultures and peoples that live in God's created world. Students in sixth grade also study Minnesota history.
Computers
Students learn keyboarding skills using Type to Learn. Students are also taught how to use a word processor and to prepare a presentations using Star Office software. The proper use of the internet for doing research is also part of the sixth grade learning experience.
Art
Artistic ability is either a natural gift or a learned ability. The students will have the opportunity to learn different techniques in a variety of mediums. They will be able to work with watercolors, acrylics, colored pencil, chalks, and charcoal.
Choir
The Junior High Choir is for students in sixth through eighth grades. Its main purpose is to provide glory to God through singing together while providing musical enjoyment and growth in vocal technique. The Junior High Choir sings at scheduled church services, the Christmas service, and at the spring choral festival.
Band
Students in fifth through eighth grade are able to join band. The band class and lessons are provided by the JWP band director. Band students gain deeper musical understanding through the study of theory and performance. Emphasis is placed on tone quality, scale memorization, rhythm recognition, and musical interpretation. The students are exposed to increasingly challenging music as they progress through band. Generally, two concerts are offered each year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
Physical Education
Developing and refining locomotor skills and object control is ongoing at this level. Use of a variety of sports and activities help this development. Activities to build students' strength, endurance, flexibility, and power lay a ground work for physical fitness. Using a various team individual, and dual sports as units of instruction, a number of things can be taught; the rules of the game are taught not only to those looking to play at a higher level, but also to those who will choose to watch and enjoy the game as spectators. Social and personal skills are being worked in at this level. We will build on cooperation and leadership, integrity, respect, fair play, initiative, responsibility, effort, self-discipline, and decision-making. Students are given the opportunity to qualify for the Presidential and National fitness awards and are encouraged to view fitness in terms of lifelong activities and fun.