Embedded Files
Sixth-grade students leave their core teachers for two periods per day.
During these two periods, students fulfill the required Physical Education requirements from the state and explore the rich elective program here at JLS.
Exploratory Wheel: During one period, 6th-grade students sample courses in each of these areas, rotating through in five-week blocks: Industrial Technology, Drama, Language Transfer, Computer Applications, Art, Tools to Thrive (SEL), and Home Economics.
Physical Education/Music: During one period, 6th-grade students spend alternate days in Physical Education and Music. The choices in Music include Beginning Woodwinds and Brass, Choir, and continuing instruction in String Orchestra or Band. Students are encouraged to continue with the instrument they started in the 5th grade. In P.E., the students are exposed to a wide variety of activities with the focus on skill development.
Art
The curriculum is an introduction to the 7th and 8th grade Art 1A, Art 1B, Multi-Media and Ceramics/Sculpture art classes.
Students will create original artworks using a variety of materials and will bring home a portfolio of their work that will include:
Proportional Figure Painting Students learn figure proportion and apply it to make a dynamic watercolor painting.
Still-Life Drawing Impressionistic still-life drawings in oil pastel
Sculpture Students create an expressive figure sculpture in Paper mâche.
Computers
The Computer Wheel is designed as an introduction to the computer courses offered at JLS:
Web 1A, Web 1B, Programming, Computer Keyboarding (Touch Typing). Units may include:
Ergonomic Issues related to computer use health and safety
Online Safety and Personal Security Issues
Touch Typing Techniques
Computer Graphics (Photoshop)
The Study of Animation
Introduction to Web Design (using HTML coding)
Introduction to Computer Programming
Introduction to Robotics
Basic Computer Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
Tour of the Video Broadcast Studio
Drama
Through focus, improvisation, and collaboration, students develop as performers, writers and directors while they learn to use the lessons in class to produce shows of their own.
Units include:
Elements of the narrative “CROW”
Basic stage terms and directions
Audience awareness
Character development
Elements of conflict
Working with sound, lights, props, and costumes
We hope you all will attend the performances in class at the end of the Cycle.
Family and Consumer Science
The JLS Family and Consumer Science wheel provide students with an introduction to the skills they will use as they grow and become more independent.
Making Healthy Food Choices
Kitchen Safety
Dishwashing
Manners & Table Setting
Kitchen Tools
Measuring
Recipe Planning and Preparation
Basic Sewing Skills
Construction of a Drawstring Bag
Recipes may include:
Whole Wheat French Toast
Healthy Vegetable Mini Pizzas
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Giant Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tools to Thrive Wheel
The Tools to Thrive Wheel is an opportunity for all sixth-grade students to develop social emotional learning (SEL) skills that will help them thrive at school and in life. Every class begins with journal writing, a community builder, and a mindfulness practice; then we dive into a new "tool" on a variety of topics including doodling, developing your growth mindset, the 5 As of apologizing, gratitude, kindness, the science behind happiness and much more.
Our goals for this wheel are to:
• Have fun
• Cultivate positive relationships and team building skills
• Explore what it means to pay attention
• Understand and manage emotions
• Learn tools to reduce stress, increase happiness and lead a balanced, meaningful life
Industrial Technology
Design, Architecture, Electricity and Electric Vehicles, Manufacturing
Assignments may include:
Designing Custom Dream Houses
Assembling Miniature Solar Cars
Making an iPad holder
Manufacturing an African Ring Puzzle
Basic Industrial Technology Skills include:
Investigating existing Houses and Designing Improved Structures
Exploring Circuits Using a Multi-Meter
Tool Process and Safety
World Language Wheel
Learning another language develops your world view and helps make you a productive global citizen. Taking a world language in middle school allows you to enter level 2 of that language in high school.
In the Language Wheel students will:
look at the origins of language families.
gain exposure to the three languages currently taught at JLS - French, Japanese, and Spanish.
learn cultural information about countries where these languages are spoken.
use apps like Duolingo and Quizlet to experience the languages firsthand.
see how fun and rewarding it is to learn another language
develop a language plan for how students will fulfill their PAUSD language graduation requirements.
Page updated
Report abuse