Download Upper Elementary Specials Program

Upper Elementary Specials Program
Art
Our environment is jam-packed with visual art. In our art classes students will hone their visual vocabulary
by using the elements and principles of art in their own work. Students will develop problem-solving skills
while creating works of art with a variety of art media. Media for the sixth graders will include some use of
computers. Our goal is to help students learn about, appreciate and communicate in the visual world
around them.
A portfolio will be kept in the Art Room for each student. This portfolio will contain all the student’s work
for the whole school year. Keeping a portfolio helps assess student progress and preparation for art
shows and displays. All student work will be returned at the end of the school year.
Information Technology (Fifth Grade Only)
 Basic operations and concepts
o Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of
technology systems
o Students are proficient in the use of technology
 Social, ethical and human issues
o Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology
o Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software
o Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong
learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity
 Technology productivity tools
o Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and
promote creativity
o Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced
models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works
 Technology communications tools
o Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers,
experts, and other audiences
o Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas
effectively to multiple audiences
 Technology research tools
o Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety
of sources.
o Students use technology tools to process data and report results
o Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological
innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
 Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
o Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed
decisions
o Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in
the real world
Instrumental Music - Fifth Grade
After completing one year of Exploratory Music in 5th grade, students will be able to:
 Explore woodwinds, brass and string instruments
 Demonstrate care of and assembly of instruments
 Develop understanding of proper playing posture for each instrument
 Produce a quality beginning sound on the instruments
 Demonstrate knowledge of basic music fundamentals: Rhythm, treble clef, time signature and
some note and rest duration
 Play beginning songs on each instrument explored: i.e. "Hot Cross Buns", "Twinkle"
Due to the exploratory nature of this course, formal performances will not be held.
Instrumental Music - Sixth Grade
After completing one year of 6th Grade Band, students will be able to:
 Learn to play a band instrument of the student's choosing
 Demonstrate care of and assembly of instrument
 Develop understanding of proper playing posture for their instrument
 Produce a quality sound on their instrument
 Identify letter names of notes on the music staff
 Demonstrate proper articulation (slur, tongue, legato, staccato)
 Demonstrate reading and performance of whole note, whole rest, dotted-half note, half note, half
rest quarter note, quarter rest and paired eighth notes
 Develop understanding of Duple and Triple meter
 Demonstrate proper performance etiquette
 Play expressively (i.e. loud, soft, fast, slow, phrasing, crescendo and diminuendo)
 Participate in a program performance
There will be performance opportunities throughout the year. These will be announced several
weeks/months in advance. Dress at these performances will be dressy clothes. Please no jeans, t-shirts,
or tennis shoes.
Because these classes meet only twice per week, at home practice will be absolutely essential to your
child's musical success. In order to get the most out of your investment, please be sure your child is
setting aside time in their busy schedules every day for at least 15 to 30 minutes of practice.
Physical Education
The mission of physical education in the Livonia Public Schools school district is to assist all students in
gaining the competencies necessary to develop and maintain the habits required to lead an enjoyable,
healthy and physically active life!
The students attend two 50 minute sessions of physical education per week in a safe and non threatening
environment. The majority of classes are spent on exercise, skill development activities, fitness and
health. We also offer opportunities for the students to be involved in extra-curricular activities such as 6th
grade sport play days, staff vs. students in various sports and Field Day.
Vocal Music - Fifth Grade
After completing one year of Vocal Performance Music in 5th grade, students will be able to:
 Demonstrate basic breathing techniques and posture
 Demonstrate Solfege note reading
 Sing in unison for pitch matching
 Sing rounds, partner songs, and descants
 Demonstrate proper performance etiquette
 Demonstrate choral choreography and staging
 Use proper choral speaking, diction and pronunciation
 Use expressive speech through drama
 Participate in a program performance
There will be vocal and instrumental performances throughout the year. Students are encouraged to
attend all performances. Letters announcing the performance dates will be sent weeks and sometimes
months in advance. Students will be asked to return a form indicating participation in each performance.
Vocal Music - Sixth Grade
After completing one year of Vocal Performance Music in 6th grade, students will be able to:
 Demonstrate proper breathing techniques and posture
 Demonstrate Solfege note reading
 Sing in unison for pitch matching
 Sing rounds, partner songs, and descants
 Sing two and three-part songs
 Demonstrate proper performance etiquette
 Demonstrate choral choreography and staging
 Use proper choral speaking, diction and pronunciation
 Demonstrate proper choral techniques: vowel sounds, diction and ensemble singing
 Use expressive speech through drama
 Sing as solo or in small ensembles
 Participate in a program performance
There will be vocal and instrumental performances throughout the year. Students are encouraged to
attend all performances. Letters announcing the performance dates will be sent weeks and sometimes
months in advance. Students will be asked to return a form indicating participation in each performance.