Sixth - Eighth Grade

The objective of the Chapin School English program in grades 6 – 8 is to make each student a more responsive reader and a more proficient writer. This includes a mastery of the written word so that it is usable as a tool for expression, both orally and in writing; the development of comprehension skills which allow the student to derive meaning from and to react to what is read; a fostering of critical thinking through the analysis of literature; and the establishment of life- long skills of reading.

Literature
The literature component is dynamic and differentiated in its flexibility and seeks to respond to the interests and needs of each group of students.

• A variety of literary genres is explored through the study of novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and other forms of writing, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences through a multicultural selection of materials.
• The methodology is equally diverse, ranging from teacher-directed discussion groups to a more independent course of study.

Composition

• The composition component blends the study of grammar with the process of writing in an effort to encourage students to become more independent, responsible writers.
• Students are given opportunities to explore various styles of writing, including personal (journals, letter writing), creative (poetry, short stories, anecdotes), expository (reports, research papers and projects, essays, news stories), and persuasive (essay, editorials, letter writing).

Goals for Grades 6-8

• Develop independent, thoughtful readers
• Introduce students to a variety of genres, authors, and forms of literature
• Provide opportunities to respond to literature in creative/critical/active ways
• Provide experiences in literary interpretation while learning to respect the interpretations of others
• Extend awareness for and appreciation of diverse cultures reflected in literature
• Remain dynamic in response to individual interests through experiences with new titles, current events, and/or trends
• Provide opportunities to practice language skills in all areas of communication arts: speaking, reading, listening, and writing
• Provide opportunities for enriched vocabulary development
• Encourage the use of the 5-step Writing Process of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing as it relates to each specific purpose
• Develop an understanding of various purposes for writing (descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive)
• Provide a variety of meaningful activities which encourage critical thinking and problem solving
• Provide opportunities to develop competence in the use of computers for the process of writing
• Develop and extend understanding and recognition of the eight parts of speech
• Encourage the construction of varied sentence types and structures in writing
• Encourage correct use of capital letters and punctuation marks in writing

Chapin’s mathematics program is based on the premise that all students need to learn, master, and apply mathematical concepts. It recognizes that mathematics plays an important role in developing the ability to organize and analyze information; to think critically; to generalize and apply concepts; and to solve problems. Chapin’s mathematics program seeks to equip students with the skills necessary to meet personal ambitions and career goals in an ever-changing, information-based, and technologically rich global society. To that end, Chapin teaches both computation and concepts, by emphasizing their application in problem solving contexts.

Goals for Grades 6-8:

• Develop competent mathematicians and independent, problem solvers
• Introduce students to a variety of algorithms
• Provide students with opportunities to practice and master basic computational skills in real world contexts
• Integrate mathematics into other subject areas
• Encourage the development and utilization of analytical skills
• Encourage the progression from concrete concepts to an understanding of underlying abstract principles and properties
• Expose students to the integration and synthesis of divergent concepts
• Develop a conceptual understanding that encourages generalizations
• Encourage a variety of approaches and flexibility to problem solving
• Foster the ability to organize thought processes and formulate solutions to increasingly complex problems
• Foster metacognitive skills
• Foster the ability to communicate both orally and in written form thought processes and solutions
• Use subject specific vocabulary

In a world filled with scientific achievements and rapid technological developments, science and scientific thinking play a vital role in the lives of students. Students need to be fully aware of and skilled in science and its related fields in order to succeed in their further endeavors in education, careers, and everyday life. Additionally, scientific reasoning remains the backbone of critical thinking and analysis in many diverse areas of study besides science and applied science such as economics, sociology, and even in some forms of philosophy. A good science program should also create an interest and excitement in science itself leading to future contributions to the fields of science by some of the students. Finally, the study of science with its great scope should contribute to a student’s understanding of the diversity of all that exists and an appreciation of the balance and value of that diversity. To these ends, a program emphasizing scientific inquiry is at the core of the school’s science curriculum.

Goals for Science in Grades 6-8:

• Introduce the scientific method and experimental design while allowing students to effectively design and carry out investigations they design themselves
• Foster curiosity and inquiry, which help to facilitate the active engagement of students in the subject matter
• Stimulate an interest in and excitement about science, specifically the areas of earth science, life science, and physical science
• Expose students to technology and scientific equipment and to train them in the appropriate use of these
• Promote an awareness of new developments in science, technology, math, and other related fields

The need for an enlightened citizenry for our pluralistic society and shrinking world has never been greater than it is in the twenty-first century. Therefore, it is the primary goal of Chapin’s Upper School social studies program to promote the intellectual and social growth of our students to meet that need.

Intellectually, students are presented with the opportunity to study a wide variety of topics, including the growth of Islam, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asian civilizations in sixth grade. This is followed in seventh grade by studies of Medieval Europe, Europe 1300-1600, pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas, and the effects of European arrival in the New World. Students conclude the program by studying U.S. history in the context of modern world history in eighth grade. Based upon the knowledge that children both want and need to know as much as they can about their own world, the study of current events is a major part of the curriculum in all three grades. Whenever possible, the recognition of connections between events of the past and the present is stressed.

In addition to the content to be covered, skill development is emphasized in all classes. Good speaking, writing, and listening skills are of the utmost importance. These are developed by several means, including note taking, class participation, and essay writing. The required keeping of a social studies notebook helps the students to acquire needed organizational and study skills. The regular assigning of homework fosters these skills at the same time as it reinforces learning.

Socially, students are required to act responsibly, both as individuals and as members of a group. Respect for people and property are high priorities at all times. The development of opinions is encouraged as is tolerance for the different opinions of others.

Goals for Social Studies in Grades 6-8:

• Develop an understanding of the reasons for studying history and the relationships between the past and present
• Recognize the interrelatedness of geography, economics, culture, belief systems, and political systems within history
• Develop geographic locational skills and understanding
• Understand human and environmental interaction
• Identify and apply basic concepts of economics
• Understand the concept of culture and how it is transmitted
• Appreciate the cultural similarities and differences that exist among societies of different times and places
• Become familiar with the basic ideas of major religions and ethical traditions of other times and places
• Develop an awareness of the structure of social classes of different times and places
• Understand comparative political systems, past and present

It is our philosophy that learning a world language can and should be an interesting and entertaining endeavor. Delving into the study of another language provides the learner with new insights into the people and customs of the countries in which the language is spoken. It also enables students to develop a clearer understanding of the English language. We believe that world language can be taught in a way that addresses a variety of learning styles, thus making the language learning experience accessible to all types of learners.

Goals for Spanish Students in Grade 6- 8

• Become critical thinkers and problem solvers with task-oriented Spanish lessons
• Collaborate in cooperative learning “teams”
• Become effective writers, speakers, and presenter in the language
• Creative investigators, researchers, and innovators on internet assignments
• Use language within and beyond the school setting
• Compare and appreciate the Spanish language and culture with the student’s native language
• Ask questions

Goals for Mandarin Students in Grade 6 - 8
Building upon the knowledge and skills gained in the preceding grades, Mandarin Grades 6 – 8 is a comprehensive, culminating three-year program. The goals found in the National Standards for World Language Learning provide a framework for course content, which is centered on the 5 C’s of world language education: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities.

• Understand and use the Chinese pronunciation and Chinese writing system
• Recognize and begin to write Chinese characters
• Describe and initiate useful expressions in Mandarin
• Gain cultural perspectives by using the Mandarin language and through experience with its products and practices