Information on all Nest+M classes:

6th Grade Studio Art: Students explore the fundamentals of drawing, painting and collage through a
variety of art projects that explore The Elements of Design in a studio art environment. Students use
a variety of mediums and build their art vocabulary and appreciation for the arts.


6th Grade English Language Arts: The class explores and critically analyzes works of literature,
thinking carefully about how they relate to our lives and the world around us. This year we explore
the theme of "identity," through discussions, writing assignments, projects, and literature. Students
are expected to read at least 25 books as a way to develop a lifelong love of reading.

LIBRARY
Library classes are integrated into classroom instruction. In collaboration with classroom teachers,
students are taught research skills while investigating topics covered in their classes. In addition to
the resources at the NEST+m library, students will learn how to find information on the Internet,
gather sources from the New York Public Library, and use electronic databases. They will also learn
how to avoid plagiarism and properly cite their sources.

6th Grade Literacy: This course meets every other day, providing a block of time for students to
work on fluency and stamina in reading and writing, and to build vocabulary. Students work on both
creative and expository writing, and will be exposed to both fiction and nonfiction texts. This course
is an opportunity for individual strengths and weaknesses to be identified and addressed, to help
students prepare for the challenges they will meet as they progress through their academic careers.

6th Grade Math: New in 2014-15 Sixth graders will complete the 6th grade curriculum from
EngageNY/Singapore Math.

6th Grade Band: Students will participate in the Sixth Grade Concert Band (instrument choices
include flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, and
percussion). They will develop instrumental proficiency and music literacy through performance of a
repertoire including Western classical music and contemporary concert band literature.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Physical Education program at NEST+m is designed to develop the mental, emotional, physical,
and social skills to promote lifelong fitness. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of team and
individual sports, which include skills, rules, game strategy, and physical fitness, as well as promoting
activities they can integrate into healthy lifestyles.

6th Grade Project-Based Inquiry Science: PBIS is a nontraditional curriculum that provides
students with a rich and engaging experience, enabling them to consider and apply complex science
ideas.


6th Grade Social Studies: Students study world history from the formation of our planet all the way
to the Medieval period. The class explores how our species developed, the beginnings of civilization,
and the beginnings of agriculture. They will also study the great ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia,
Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

6th Grade Theater: In this introductory course, students build a foundation of performance
technique and a basic vocabulary for production and critical viewing of theater. The course will
develop the mind, body, and voice as expressive dramatic tools, as well as building confidence and
teaching students how to work effectively as a group. The yearlong course culminates in a
performance/production.

6th Grade French: In this class, students will acquire basic language skills, including listening,
reading, speaking, and writing, and will also explore the cultural aspects of different French-speaking
countries around the world. Class activities include grammar and vocabulary games, songs, skits, and
charades.


6th Grade Mandarin: This beginning course is designed for students with little or no Chinese
language background. Over the course of the year, they will acquire the skills to communicate
effectively in socially, culturally, and developmentally appropriate ways. They will also be introduced
to the writing of Chinese characters and will explore cultural practices and perspectives of Chinese
culture.

6th Grade Spanish: In this class, students will acquire basic language skills, including listening,
reading, speaking, and writing, and will also explore the cultural aspects of different Spanish-
speaking countries around the world. Class activities include grammar and vocabulary games, songs,
skits, and charades.