Curriculum
Curriculum
(Units of Study)
(Units of Study)
Art (Trimester)
Sixth-grade students have art for one-third of the year. Ask your child when he/she will have art. The sixth-grade art curriculum is described, with sample photos, on my Teacher Page.
The curriculum is focused on using the human face as a subject for art and exploring two media of the many they will experience during their three years at HMS. This year’s media include pencil drawing (portrait unit) and drawing, modeling clay sculpture, papier mache, acrylic paint, and textural embellishments in the mask unit. Focus is on the contrast between realism and abstraction, and growing students’ art vocabularies.
General Music (Trimester)
Music in Film
Film Soundscoring
Modern Musician Research Project
Composing and performing a Rap Song
STEAM (Trimester)
Modern Language
Health Science (Hexmesters)
Bullying
First Aid
Tobacco
Triangle of Health
Nutrition
Digital Citizenship
Physical Education (Hexamesters)
Recreational Badminton
Backyard Basketball
Volleyball
Floor Hockey
Invasion Sports and Games
Net Tennis
Physical Fitness Developmental Activities and Knowledge
Team Building
Frisbee
Throwing Patterns Exploration and Developmental Activities (examples: football, Wiffleball, etc.)
Student Interest / Choice Activities ( Just Dance, table tennis, hula hoops, Pogo Sticks, soccer, lawn games, etc.)
Band
The symphonic band rehearses, studies, and performs a wide variety of music. The music chosen is age-developmentally appropriate and each piece builds upon the skills students are developing. Music is slightly more challenging than in grade 6 and, as the school year moves forward, becomes more challenging as students gain more confidence on their instruments. As the year progresses, some students switch to a "new" instrument such as tenor sax, baritone sax, french horn, euphonium, or tuba to expand the sound of the band. After a trial period, contact with the parents is made before any permanent switch occurs.
Students in the symphonic band perform in concerts in December, March, and May. In addition to our concerts, the band members also participate in local parades in May and July!
Chorus
Chorus at the sixth-grade level is a performing group that rehearses every other day during school time. It is a voluntary course open to all students. Its members are expected to participate with the chorus at all public performances. Instruction includes the encouragement of independent two and three-part singing, sight-reading skills, developing vocal skills, and performance professionalism. Membership in the chorus also provides students with opportunities to audition for advanced performing groups within the school and within district festivals.