Archive

Music Appreciation class works to bring music to life by providing an approach to perceptive listening, an introduction to musical elements, as well as an in-depth study of the various instruments, the use of forms, and musical time lines. The class aims to stimulate curiosity and musical enthusiasm.

The Fifth Grade Chorus class is designed to encourage students to get on their feet and sing with enthusiasm. Everyone practices good posture, pronunciation, and performance techniques. Students are required to memorize the lyrics and melodies of the songs chosen for concerts. The curriculum explores the folk songs of America: songs of the workplace, spirituals, and songs of hearth and home.

The Sixth Grade Chorus class continues the work of the fifth grade, with a concentration on international songs. Students investigate their family roots, and compile a list of countries of origin. Songs are selected that represent the always varied, and often fascinating, backgrounds of our students. Each year, the sixth graders get a chance to sing in Irish, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Korean, Czech, or any combination of these and many more languages. It brings the students closer together.

Public speaking class begins with the students reflecting on the typical feelings and fears surround speaking in front of others. The elements of public speaking (content, intent, audience, delivery, etc) are reviewed and students are asked to watch and review several examples. Students take turns practicing many of these elements in several different class activities, while receiving and provided feedback on delivery and presentation. In the final weeks of the term, students study rhetorical devices, watch and review several famous speeches, and then write and deliver their own original work in the Assembly Hall.

Fifth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course that meets twice a week during the spring term. Throughout the term, students explore a variety of topics including: the changes of puberty, body image, building self esteem, nutrition, and the importance of exercise. Classes consist of participatory activities, group discussions, and selected readings. Through the class, students improve their understanding of how their bodies are growing and changing and develop skills for making healthy decisions about their bodies and health.

Sixth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course that meets twice a week during the spring term. Throughout the term, students explore a variety of topics including: decision making skills, drug and alcohol education, peer pressure, bullying, and stereotypes. The format of the class encourages group discussion. Through the class, students improve their ability communicate effectively with one another and to make positive choices about relationships and their health.

The seventh grade winter course is entitled, Emotions and Relationships. Students explore communications skills, conflict management, tolerance, relationships with friends and family, and gender roles.

Eighth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course entitled “Human Relationships and Sexuality.” Classes meet twice a week during the fall term for a total of twenty classes. Throughout the course, students will explore a variety of topics including personal values, decision-making within relationships, male/female anatomy, reproduction, abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, and sexuality in the media. Classes will consist of discussions, participatory activities, group work, multimedia presentations, and selected readings. Altogether, this course is full of vital information that we hope students will carry with them for years to come.