High Tech Middle Mesa
6th Grade 2021 2022
Performing Arts
“Talent is the desire to practice.”
Malcolm Gladwell
Work Documentation
Students are responsible to photograph their work and collect artifacts for their S.L.C.’s and P.O.L’s
Instructor: Fernando F. Vega
fvega@hightechhigh.org
Location: Room 513
Goals and objectives of the course:
Broaden our understanding and deepen our knowledge of the world through an exploration of the performing arts.
Explore the different styles of the performing arts through compassionate and honest critique.
To integrate our academic content into exhibitions of beautiful, meaningful and relevant work.
To explore the power of the abstract.
General Course Description
This course will explore improvisation, drama and the art of the story. We will edit our work with the help of peer critique. In addition, we will incorporate performance into the final drafts of “ beautiful work”. Performances will also be shaped by kind, specific and clear critique. We will perform using our bodies and voices. Performances or exhibitions will be in the form of songs, dances, monologues, scenes, plays and performance art. We will also interpret and at times write adaptations of existing work in the public domain. Many projects will integrate with existing ideas being offered in the core disciplines of study.
Essential questions:
In what ways can the performing arts influence and enrich a society?
How can performing influence our community artistically?
Grading
Your student will receive feedback in a variety of ways.
Reflections
Progress interview
Peer Critique
Teacher Comments
Content Schedule
Improvisation Games: First Two
Students will play improvisation games.
Goals:
To “open up” physically and verbally amongst peers. Especially after the pandemic
Increase confidence.
Improve public speaking skills.
Gain comfort in social settings.
Refine brainstorming abilities.
Improve listening and observation skills.
Enhance creative-thinking abilities.
Project
TBD
Classroom Norms
Respect for self and others: Code of Conduct
High Tech Middle North County's community members are expected to support each other, teaching and learning.
Group Work and Discussion Norms
No one person should dominate the group.
Give other people a chance to talk.
Everyone should contribute equally to the group.
Ask for other people's opinions.
No one of us is as smart as all of us together.
You have the right to ask anyone in your group for help.
You have the responsibility to assist anyone who asks for help.
Help other members without doing their work for them.
Play your role in the group.
Encourage group members to find different ways to solve the same problem.
Be open to other people's ideas and willing to compromise.
Give reasons for your ideas and discuss many different ideas before reaching a conclusion.
Be an active listener by paraphrasing and building on other group member's ideas.
Late Policy
NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED UNLESS IT IS AN EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCE.
Set Office Hours and Location
Office hours TBD
Location: 513
I am also available during lunch; Parents: please just email me so I can reserve your time to meet.
The Basics
The rules and procedures of this classroom reflect the increased growth and maturity of the 6th grade students who make up the class. Such rules and procedures exist primarily to augment an already existing climate of respect for one's self , environment and her/his peers coupled with a deep appreciation for academic rigor and student responsibility. No gum, electronic devices without teacher supervision, toys, fidgets and objects that are distracting. Please follow the dress code. Respect.
Rules:
When at all possible students will make video journal entries of our learning process.
All emotional risks taken in the theatre space will be respected. You are safe. (especially because I am the most sensitive easy crier in the world)
It is OK to laugh or cry in the theatre. Emotional breakthroughs, coupled with the use of technique, are important.
Whenever possible we will use recycled materials and design with a respect for our earth.
Above all else
Respect
The golden rule applies here. Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Beyond Tolerance
We will treat each HTMNC community member with respect regardless of his or her perceived differences. (whether emotional, neurological or physical).