Sixth Grade

Connection and Creativity IN SIXTH GRADE

With a background in Psychology and experience as a nature director and youth counselor, Ms. Kenzie O'Clair brings a unique, holistic perspective to the middle school experience at All Saints. Teaching Language Arts and Literature across grades 6, 7, and 8, as well as 6th-grade Science and Philosophy, she focuses on nurturing the person behind the desk just as much as the student.

The "Human First" Philosophy

Ms. O'Clair’s teaching is guided by a core belief: "You’re not born a student; you’re born a human." She prioritizes creating an environment where every child feels emotionally, mentally, and physically safe. By meeting "the human" first, she ensures that students are comfortable enough to take risks, make mistakes, and truly engage with their learning.

An Interactive Approach to Literature

In Ms. O'Clair’s classroom, Language Arts is an active, discussion-based world. She moves beyond traditional lectures to keep students engaged through:

• Socratic Seminars & Jury Trials: Students don’t just read stories; they inhabit them. Through mock trials and seminars, they learn to reenact real-world scenarios, sharpen their debating skills, and share diverse perspectives.

• Mastering Annotation: In 7th and 8th grade, students learn the vital skill of "dissecting" a story. By annotating text, they learn that words are powerful and that everyone can have a unique, valid outlook on a story.

• The "No Right or Wrong" Rule: Ms. O'Clair teaches her students that in ELA, they can have any opinion they want—as long as they can back it up. This "dance with the work" encourages critical thinking and academic confidence.

Fostering a Love for Reading

A primary goal for the year is to ensure that no student leaves her class hating to read.

• Beating the Average: Ms. O'Clair challenges her 6th graders to finish at least one full book together, noting that by doing so, they have already surpassed the national average for reading.

• Public Speaking Milestones: To build confidence, she sets a tradition where every student speaks in front of the class at least five times a year, starting with low-pressure, creative "morning work" prompts.

Balanced Technology: Old School Meets New School

Ms. O'Clair believes in a "vibe" that balances digital literacy with the essential skill of handwriting.

• The Power of the Pen: All first drafts, formative assessments, and tests are done by hand. Ms. O'Clair values classic handwriting as a way to ensure students don't lose the physical connection to their work.

"I want them to know that there is flexibility and an open world when it comes to reading and writing. We find an opinion on what we just did, and I think that's beautiful." — Ms. O'Clair

• Digital Fluency: For final copies and digital skills, students use Google Docs and IXL. They learn professional tech skills like keyboard shortcuts, digital highlighting, and commenting—tools that are essential for success in high school.

Faith in Action: Kindness as the Standard

Faith in the middle school wing is centered on the Gospel values of inclusivity and respect. Ms. O'Clair integrates faith by:

• Morning Reflection: Connecting daily announcements and the Gospel to real-world behavior.

• The Kindness Standard: She maintains a strict standard of kindness, teaching students that they must be "good neighbors" to one another to grow as a community.