Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)

Curriculum

At St. Mary Nativity School, we educate the whole child. From Common Core-driven reading instruction to inquiry-based Next Generation Science Standards (based on components of Disciplinary Core Ideas, Cross Cutting Concepts, and Science & Engineering Practices). We believe in offering every learner various opportunities to grow. Our middle school program aligned with our extracurriculars and service learning is focused on preparing our students to be successful in High School and beyond. Please see our enrichment page for even more opportunities outside of the classroom.

SIXTH GRADE

Math

the HMH Into Math program, Into Math, provides powerful assessments, best-in-class core instruction, personalized supplemental practice, and intervention – all uniquely connected to empowering teaching and learning.

The mathematical concepts covered in sixth grade are:

  • Add and subtract decimals
  • Multiply and divide decimals
  • Data analysis
  • Number theory and fraction concepts
  • Add and subtract fractions
  • Multiply and divide fractions
  • Measurement conversions involving customary, metric, and between the systems
  • Functions and equations
  • Integers and rational numbers
  • Geometry
  • Perimeter, area, and volume
  • Ratio and proportion
  • Percents
  • Probability

English Language Arts

Our primary classes use the HMH: Into Literature Common Core-aligned, the program’s blend of classic and contemporary literature—such as HMH Fresh Lit™, an exclusive collection of new stories by YA authors—ensures that every student will be able to see themselves in a story or character. This engaging approach helps students connect to similar themes in other pieces. The HMH resources are an effective method to improve and build upon students’ foundational reading and writing skills. The curriculum is laser-focused on skills development. Two distinct skills are highlighted in each lesson, providing a consistent structure that supports student growth.

  • Students are introduced to different genres in developing their skills
  • Focus on narrative, descriptive, expository, and creative writing
  • Expand the research process which was introduced in 5thgrade that culminates in a research paper and formal presentation. Students are exposed to the writing steps of brainstorming, pre-writing, drafting, peer-reviewing, revising, editing, and publishing a research paper.  Students are taught the basic steps to create note cards, outlines, title pages, and bibliographies abiding by the MLA guidelines
  • Review rules of basic grammar and mechanics as used in the English language
  • Apply the conventions of our language to written and oral activities
  • Build upon their grammar knowledge by reviewing the eight parts of speech, while introducing complements
  • To reinforce the above grammar skills through the tool of diagramming sentences
  • Writing portfolios are introduced where creative and formal writing aspects taught in English Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricular in other classes as well

Science

Our students will have Next Generation Science Standards provided through STEMSCOPES curricular resources. Breaking the mold of outdated standards, the Next Generation Science Standards equip students with the skills needed to succeed in academics and future careers.

  • The basics of science, who is a scientist, what is an experiment, the “scientific method,” science skills; models, and how they are used in science
  • Mapping the earth’s surface; formation and types of rocks and minerals, and their uses; plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes
  • Weathering, erosion, and glaciers as forces of change
  • Interactions of sun, moon, and earth; weather and weather factors such as wind, clouds and precipitation, storms, fronts, weather maps, and climate
  • The basics of chemistry and chemical reactions

Social Studies

Through Discovery Education, Social Studies is provided through a standards-aligned, core-curricular solution that uses an inquiry-based approach to enhance history, geography, civics, and government courses with literacy, critical thinking, and citizenship skills for all students.

  • A survey of world history from early man to the Renaissance
  • In-depth study of the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations
  • Current events will be emphasized throughout the school year
  • The use of map skills will take place with the completion of a map for each civilization studied

Religion

Support for our Catholic standards, is provided through “We Are Blest” from RC Benzinger. We also provide supplemental resources through Faith Formation.

Students will:

  • Study the Old Testament from creation to the prophets and how to use the Bible
  • Recognize the virtues of faith, hope, and love
  • Assist in liturgical forms of worship
  • Attend Mass weekly with school
  • Review the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
  • Experience different types and methods of prayer (traditional, meditative, personal, etc.)
  • Perform 15 service hours to the community

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Choose Love for Schools program is the FIRST program to align with both Character and Social Emotional Development Model Standards. These competencies help develop well-rounded children and school success and are the same competencies used to develop future leaders.

Physical Education

We must care for our students’ bodies and minds. Every child has a gym class during the week.

Music

Our students participate in two music classes each week, learning music theory, instrumentals, and vocals.

  • Learn about four composers
  • Learn the seven elements of music
  • To research and write a paper about a composer
  • Listen and analyze classical music
  • Play musical instruments in a group setting
  • Read musical notes and symbols
  • Learn more advanced music theory concepts

Art

Weekly art classes nurture our students’ creativity. Visit our school to see their works of art all over the halls and classrooms! Meet the Masters Curriculum is used.

  • All students will be taught the language of the arts through understanding the sensory elements and expressive qualities; and understanding the similarities, distinctions, and connections in and among the arts.
  • Through creating and performing all students will understand how works of art are produced. Students will learn about the processes, traditional tools, and modern technologies used in the visual arts. Students will apply the skills and knowledge necessary to create visual arts.
  • Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. Students will analyze how the arts function in history, society, and everyday life. Students will understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society, and everyday life.

Sixth graders will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as completion of special projects.  On average, sixth-grade students can do up to an hour of homework daily.  Homework assignments will be given based on scheduled content for the week. This average will vary with individual students, based upon their learning style and needs.

Math

The HMH Into Math program, Into Math, provides powerful assessments, best-in-class core instruction, personalized supplemental practice, and intervention – all uniquely connected to empowering teaching and learning.​

The mathematical concepts covered in seventh grade are:

  • Variables, expressions, and integers
  • Solving equations
  • Multi-step equations and inequalities
  • Factors, fractions, and exponents
  • Rational numbers and equations
  • Ratio, proportion, and probability
  • Percents
  • Linear functions
  • Real numbers and right triangles
  • Measurement, area, and volume
  • Data analysis and probability
  • Polynomials and nonlinear functions
  • Angle relationship and transformations

English Language Arts

Our primary classes use the HMH: Into Literature program. Common Core-aligned, the program’s blend of classic and contemporary literature—such as HMH Fresh Lit™, an exclusive collection of new stories by YA authors—ensures that every student will be able to see themselves in a story or character. This engaging approach helps students connect to similar themes in other pieces. The HMH resources are an effective method to improve and build upon students’ foundational reading and writing skills. The curriculum is laser-focused on skills development. Two distinct skills are highlighted in each lesson, providing a consistent structure that supports student growth.

  • Students are introduced to different genres in developing their skills
  • Focus on narrative, descriptive, expository, and creative writing
  • Expand the research process which was introduced in 6thgrade that culminates in a research paper and formal presentation. Students are exposed to the writing steps of brainstorming, pre-writing, drafting, peer-reviewing, revising, editing, and publishing a research paper.  Students are taught the basic steps to create note cards, outlines, title pages, and bibliographies abiding by the MLA guidelines
  • Review rules of basic grammar and mechanics as used in the English language
  • Apply the conventions of our language to written and oral activities
  • Build upon their grammar knowledge by reviewing the eight parts of speech, while introducing complements
  • To reinforce the above grammar skills through the tool of diagramming sentences
  • Writing portfolios are introduced where creative and formal writing aspects taught in English Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricular in other classes as well

Science

Our students will have Next Generation Science Standards provided through STEMSCOPES curricular resources. Breaking the mold of outdated standards, the Next Generation Science Standards equip students with the skills needed to succeed in academics and future careers. 

  • Experiment design
  • Physical properties of matter, such as density, buoyancy, freezing and boiling points, solubility, and molecular forces
  • Chemical reactions and relative reactivity of different elements; organization of the Periodic Table; families of elements and their chemical properties
  • Structure of atoms, molecules, and compounds
  • Radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum; radioactivity; nuclear fission and fusion
  • The nature of waves; how waves behave and interact; sound and light waves
  • Nature of magnetism and magnets; electricity, circuits, electric motors

Social Studies

Through Discovery Education, Social Studies is provided through a standards-aligned, core-curricular solution that uses an inquiry-based approach to enhance history, geography, civics, and government courses with literacy, critical thinking, and citizenship skills for all students.

  • S. history – a survey of United States history starting with Explorations, Colonies, the American Revolution, the Pre-Civil War Era, the Civil War, Reconstruction, World War I, the Jazz Age, the Depression, World War II, 1950s, 1960’s
  • Economic systems with an emphasis on the United States themes
  • Current events will be stressed as appropriate

Religion

Support for our Catholic standards, is provided through “We Are Blest” from RC Benzinger. We also provide supplemental resources through Faith Formations.

Students will:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of who Jesus is
  • Know what it means to follow Jesus in daily life
  • Have a greater appreciation of the life Jesus won for us by his death and resurrection
  • Participate in a retreat/day of reflection
  • Begin to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation
  • Learn the Mysteries of the Rosary
  • Take part in Eucharistic Adoration visits
  • Have a service experience at Feed My Starving Children
  • Visit Holy Name Cathedral as a faith experience
  • Perform twenty hours of service to the community

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Choose Love for Schools program is the FIRST program to align with both Character and Social Emotional Development Model Standards. These competencies help develop well-rounded children and school success and are the same competencies used to develop future leaders.

Physical Education

We must care for our students’ bodies and minds. Every child has a gym class during the week.

Music

Our students participate in two music classes each week, learning music theory, instrumentals, and vocals.

  • Learn about four composers
  • Learn the seven elements of music
  • To research and write a paper about a composer
  • Listen and analyze classical music
  • Play musical instruments in a group setting
  • Read musical notes and symbols
  • Learn more advanced music theory concepts

Art

Weekly art classes nurture our students’ creativity. Visit our school to see their works of art all over the halls and classrooms!

  • All students will be taught the language of the arts through understanding the sensory elements and expressive qualities; and understanding the similarities, distinctions, and connections in and among the arts.
  • Through creating and performing all students will understand how works of art are produced. Students will learn about the processes, traditional tools, and modern technologies used in the visual arts. Students will apply the skills and knowledge necessary to create visual arts.
  • Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. Students will analyze how the arts function in history, society, and everyday life. Students will understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society, and everyday life.

Seventh graders will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as completion of special projects.  On average, seventh-grade students can do up to an hour of homework daily.  Homework assignments will be given based on scheduled content for the week. This average will vary with individual students, based upon their learning style and needs.

Math

the HMH Into Math program, Into Math, provides powerful assessments, best-in-class core instruction, personalized supplemental practice, and intervention – all uniquely connected to empowering teaching and learning.​

The mathematical concepts covered in eighth grade are:

  • Variables, expressions, and integers
  • Solving equations
  • Multi-step equations and inequalities
  • Factors, fractions, and exponents
  • Rational numbers and equations
  • Ratio, proportion, and probability
  • Percents
  • Linear functions
  • Real numbers and right triangles
  • Measurement, area, and volume
  • Data analysis and probability
  • Polynomials and nonlinear functions
  • Angle relationship and transformations

English Language Arts

Our primary classes use the HMH: Into Literature program. Common Core-aligned, the program’s blend of classic and contemporary literature—such as HMH Fresh Lit™, an exclusive collection of new stories by YA authors—ensures that every student will be able to see themselves in a story or character. This engaging approach helps students connect to similar themes in other pieces. The HMH resources are an effective method to improve and build upon students’ foundational reading and writing skills. The curriculum is laser-focused on skills development. Two distinct skills are highlighted in each lesson, providing a consistent structure that supports student growth.

  • Students are introduced to different genres in developing their skills
  • Focus on narrative, expository, and persuasive creative writing
  • Build on the research process taught in sixth and seventh grade by continuing to utilize the writing process in various research and organizational methods
  • Writing essays and research papers abiding by the MLA guidelines
  • Prepare various formal speeches
  • Review rules of basic grammar and mechanics as used in the English language
  • Apply the conventions of our language to written and oral activities
  • Build upon their grammar knowledge by reviewing the eight parts of speech, complements, verbals, and appositives that were taught in seventh grade, while introducing all types of clauses in relation to sentence structure
  • To reinforce the above grammar skills through the tool of diagramming sentences
  • Writing portfolios are introduced in the program and creative and formal writing aspects taught in Language Arts are intertwined cross-curricular in other classes as well.

Science

Our students will have Next Generation Science Standards provided through STEMSCOPES curricular resources. Breaking the mold of outdated standards, the Next Generation Science Standards equip students with the skills needed to succeed in academics and future careers. 

  • Experiment design
  • Physical properties of matter, such as density, buoyancy, freezing and boiling points, solubility, and molecular forces
  • Chemical reactions and relative reactivity of different elements; organization of the Periodic Table; families of elements and their chemical properties
  • Structure of atoms, molecules, and compounds
  • Radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum; radioactivity; nuclear fission and fusion
  • The nature of waves; how waves behave and interact; sound and light waves
  • Nature of magnetism and magnets; electricity, circuits, electric motors

Social Studies

Through Discovery Education, Social Studies is provided through a standards-aligned, core-curricular solution that uses an inquiry-based approach to enhance history, geography, civics, and government courses with literacy, critical thinking, and citizenship skills for all students.

  • S. history – a survey of United States history starting with Explorations, Colonies, the American Revolution, the Pre-Civil War Era, the Civil War, Reconstruction, World War I, the Jazz Age, the Depression, World War II, 1950s, 1960’s
  • Economic systems with an emphasis on the United States themes
  • Current events will be stressed as appropriate

Religion

Support for our Catholic standards, is provided through “We Are Blest” from RC Benzinger. We also provide supplemental resources through Faith Formations.

Students will:

  • Study scriptural images of the Church
  • Analyze the Church as servant, sacrament, herald, teaching institution, and community
  • Learn the role of Mary in the Church and Marian prayers
  • Recognize the key points in the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed
  • Be familiar with the history of the saints and our relationship with the Communion of Saints, Church Triumphant, Church Militant, Church Suffering
  • Understand the development of the early Church and the Church today
  • Know the responsibilities of Church membership
  • Give witness by prayerful example
  • Participate in weekly Adoration with class
  • Prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, participate in retreats and Sunday Service Project as part of preparation
  • Perform 25 hours of service to the community
  • Prepare a Lenten Triduum Service for the school students
  • Defend their understanding of the Eucharist in their lives
  • Recognize the holiness of life with the Family Life Program and Steps to Respect

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Choose Love for Schools program is the FIRST program to align with both Character and Social Emotional Development Model Standards. These competencies help develop well-rounded children and school success and are the same competencies used to develop future leaders.

Physical Education

We must care for our students’ bodies and minds. Every child has a gym class during the week.

Music

Our students participate in two music classes each week, learning music theory, instrumentals, and vocals.

  • Learn about four composers
  • Learn the seven elements of music
  • To research and write a paper about a composer
  • Listen and analyze classical music
  • Play musical instruments in a group setting
  • Read musical notes and symbols
  • Learn more advanced music theory concepts

Art

Weekly art classes nurture our students’ creativity. Visit our school to see their works of art all over the halls and classrooms!

  • All students will be taught the language of the arts through understanding the sensory elements and expressive qualities; and the similarities, distinctions, and connections in and among the arts.
  • Through creating and performing all students will understand how works of art are produced. Students will learn about the processes, traditional tools, and modern technologies used in the visual arts. Students will apply the skills and knowledge necessary to create visual arts.
  • Students will understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present. Students will analyze how the arts function in history, society, and everyday life. Students will understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society, and everyday life.

Eighth graders will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as completion of special projects.  On average, eighth-grade students can do up to an hour of homework daily.  Homework assignments will be given based on scheduled content for the week. This average will vary with individual students, based upon their learning style and needs.

Prospective families, don’t hesitate to contact the office to hear more about our academics at 815-722-8518 or email info@stmarynativity.org
Current families, please connect with your child’s teacher for more information. We would love to give you more information about our program!

Contact Info
St. Mary Nativity Catholic School
  • 702 N. Broadway St. Joliet, IL 60435
  • (815) 722-8518
  • info@stmarynativity.org