The Arts in Fifth and Sixth Grade

Visual Arts

In fifth and sixth grades, the language of art becomes increasingly complex with an introduction to spatial relationships, as well as new and different combinations of fundamental art elements and art principles.

Music

Fifth Grade

Students in fifth grade music read treble and bass clef, more complex rhythms and complex time signatures. The recorder continues as an important tool for music literacy, and students learn more notes and harder repertoire with proper technique and tone. Multi-part instrumental works are learned as students are challenged to sing, play, and create movement and instrumental improvisations to enhance the musical works. Students compare European music to the historical and musical events in America during the Medieval through American Revolution periods.

Sixth Grade

Sixth grade music takes an integrated approach to music education. Students examine music history up to the 20th century, with a focus on opera and musical theatre. Group projects, parodies, essays and skits are tools for assessment. Integrated projects enhance the core curriculum by enabling students to make connections across the curriculum while studying ancient music and peoples, composing jingles and creating original songs for a mini-musical performed during the holidays.