2013 Middle School Curriculum Guide - Wantagh School

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Alternate Days, Full Year)
The Physical Education program seeks to develop the physical, mental, emotional and
social growth of every child. When children participate in an activity they are learning skills for
the development and maintenance of physical fitness and are participating in a learning
experience that will help to develop desirable attitudes toward self and others. Through directed
play and activity, the physical education curriculum develops the ability to lead, follow,
cooperate and problem solve.
Some of the units covered in grade 6 are:
Movement Exploration Rhythm and Dance Wellness
Volleyball Basketball Track and Field
Soccer Flag Football Wrestling Techniques
Softball
Physical Fitness Testing
INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (One Marking Period)
The focus of the sixth grade program is to teach students that the use of technology helps
people fulfill basic needs. The need for shelter forces people to create systems that control the
immediate environment. The STRUCTURES part of the course will examine the "building" as a
structure and the forces that act upon it. The award winning Salvadori Program will be
highlighted, using the classroom to illustrate structural principles. Problem-solving activities
will lead the student to a more complete understanding of why buildings stand. Students will also
have a hands-on experience with SIMPLE MACHINES, by using the popular Lego Technics I
program. The construction of progressive Lego structures will utilize the principles of various
simple machines.
SUPPORTIVE READING SERVICES
The reading specialist assists in the overall development and implementation of the
reading and language arts program for all students. These specialists provide special reading
instruction for children who are experiencing difficulties in reading.
Students are selected for supportive reading instruction on the basis of standardized test
scores (students receiving a 1 or 2 on the ELA), recommendations from classroom teachers and
on the results of individual reading assessments. The reading specialist is in regular
communication with the content area teachers in order to provide appropriate intervention.
Supportive reading is an academic intervention service.
SUPPORTIVE MATHEMATICS
A mathematics specialist works with those students whose standardized test scores,
teacher recommendations and individual assessments indicate that they would benefit by
additional instruction in mathematics and might not be successful on the State Assessments in
mathematics. The mathematics specialist is in regular communication with the classroom
teachers in order to provide appropriate intervention.