Elective Descriptions – Grade 6

Semester Electives

6th Grade PE (PE 6 H) – The Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in skills, rules and strategies associated with the different sports and games as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities, and the components of fitness. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition.

6th Grade Art (Visual Arts) – In this course we will experiment with a variety of materials to create a strong understanding of the basic elements of Art. Some projects will include drawing, painting, clay and collage. Students will work on both two and three-dimensional projects. Along with the projects we will also explore different artists and the style they worked in.

6th Grade Theatre (Intro to Theatre Art) – This class is an introduction to dramatic arts. Emphasis will be placed on dramatic techniques and presentation. The class is structured so that students of different levels can progress at their own pace. Units of study include tableaux, clowning, monologues, and parody. This is a high energy, out-of-your-seat, creativity-based class. Everyone welcome!

Bucket Percussion (Percussion Ensemble) – This is a NEW class at JAMS for students who want to hear to play percussion. You will learn world music through the lens of drumming on buckets. No previous experience necessary. All students welcome.

Guitar (Guitar Lab) – Turn your dreams of being a guitar player into reality! In Guitar Lab 1 you will learn skills and techniques to play various styles of guitar music. No previous experience necessary. All students welcome.

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Yearlong Electives

Šəqačib (Native Education)

Šəqačib has two objectives: Identity safety and academic achievement. Our classroom is a Native focused space that supports, encourages and pushes students to becoming confident life-long learners. Students receive extra time and support in all subject areas. The class also explores Native teachings, history, and ways of living; students are encouraged to explore their own tribal identity as well as critically analyze and discuss current issues that impact all tribes. Students who identify as American Indian, Alaskan Native, Canadian First Nations or Pacific Islander are encouraged to take the class.

Study Skills

The course provides additional support for students to gain skills in organizing their work across multiple subjects and teachers. This is a yearlong class that will focus on Study-Organization (Executive Function).

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Performing Arts Program at JAMS

At Jane Addams we are proud of the success of our performing arts programs and believe that middle school is the perfect time for students to explore their talents. Students have the choice of signing up for a year-long experience in choir, band, and orchestra or students will be assigned to our new Performing Arts Exploratory Course.

Orchestra (ALL orchestra classes are yearlong. Placement is based on audition and/or SPS teacher recommendations.)

Orchestra is for all students. Students that have never played an instrument and students that have several years of musical experience. Depending on the level of Orchestra, students will learn the basic techniques of posture, caring for the instrument and bow, position, bowing techniques, fingerings, and basic reading of rhythms and notes. The ensemble will begin learning songs in unison and progress to playing as a multi-part ensemble. Students placed in Intermediate Orchestra will benefit from further instruction in music reading and performance fundamentals with their chosen instrument. Students will perform in three concerts.

Band (ALL band classes are yearlong. Placement is based on audition and/or SPS teacher recommendations.)

Band is for all students. Students that have never played an instrument and students that have several years of musical experience. The band teacher will reach out to families about band placement. There will be time given to allow students to explore the instrument choices to better help them make the right decision on what they will choose for the year. Students will learn essential concepts and skills and will perform in three school concerts.

Vocal Ensembles (Music Classes are yearlong)

Choir is open to all Jane Addams students. Students will rehearse and perform a variety of choral music. There will be an emphasis on using solfege, sight-reading, developing aural perception (ear training), and basic music theory. While no audition is required for choir, students are expected to be highly motivated and reflect an advanced ensemble attitude.