Specials
Music
Students in 5th and 6th grade are using the piano keyboards to improve their reading music skills and to perform songs. Most keyboard songs are from Accelerated Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber. Supplemental songs are provided as needed. Instruction on the keyboard is individualized according to skill level and interest.
Classes use music technology (GarageBand software) to record, compose, and learn more about the structure and form of songs. Advanced students have the option to learn and use Sibelius notation software.
When 7th and 8th graders have music for their Specials rotation this year, they will engage in a number of performing and listening activities. The 7th graders will play guitar and African drums, compose a trash percussion piece, and study the history of early Rock & Roll. The 8th graders will study American Musical Theater through the musical “Newsies,” analyze and research information on a popular song of their own choosing, and build on the guitar work they did last year. There will also be opportunities throughout the year in some language arts, reading, and social studies classes for supplemental music integration lessons that relate to the curriculum being studied. Lessons this year have included Medieval Music (grade 7 reading) and Music of Early America and the Revolution (grade 8 social studies).
Grades 5-8 Bands
Since December, the grade 7/8 band has started working on new concert music for the March and April concerts, and students are preparing for their 2nd quarter grade performance audition. Grades 5 and 6 have been working in their lesson books to improve fundamentals of playing, including new notes and rhythms. They will also be adding new band music in February.
Band calendars, containing important concert dates and information, are always posted on the school website under “E-Notices.” A reminder to parents that students should be practicing at home, especially on days when they don’t have band at school.
Conflict Resolution, Project ALERT, Decision Making, and Transitions
The Guidance Department teaches life skills classes as part of the specials rotation. Mrs. Vincent (grades 5 and 6) and Mrs. Estefan (grades 7 and 8) really enjoy getting to know all students by teaching these important classes.
Grade 5: Conflict Resolution—Students discuss what conflict is and what causes it toescalate. The formula “CAPS” is presented to teach students strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully. “C” is for cool off. “A” is agree to work it out. “P” stands for point of view. They should try to understand everyone’s point of view. “S” is for solve the problem. Both sides should brainstorm solutions that work for everyone. Sometimes we need to compromise to get to a win-win solution. Once skills are taught, students utilize them in various ways, including completing a homework assignment for which they resolve a conflict with a member of the family. Other topics discussed are: cliques, bullying, stress management, tolerance, peer pressure, and friendship.
Grade 6: Project ALERT is a drug and alcohol prevention education program for middle school students. This program focuses on the pressures that students may experience to use drugs and alcohol. It is a very interactive program that utilizes videos, role plays, group activities, and class discussions. The second part of this rotation consists of a review of conflict resolution skills from 5th grade and introduces new terminology when resolving conflicts peacefully. Each student chooses a project of his/her choice to demonstrate an understanding of these skills. Finally, the movie “Tru Confessions” is shown to discuss conflict and tolerance.
Grade 7: Decision Making—During this rotation, students in the 7th grade review their conflict resolution skills before making the transition into Decision Making. Students learn about the different styles people use to make decisions, from allowing others to make decisions for them to making responsible choices for themselves. Much focus is placed on the responsible decision-making model, which is comprised of seven steps that assist individuals in making the most responsible and appropriate choices. The students work through numerous examples, practicing their use of the steps and showing their understanding of the importance of thinking before acting. Other topics that are discussed throughout the rotation are: group decision-making, laws, and decision-making as it relates to future careers.
Grade 8: Transitions—The students in the 8th grade discuss character development in the first part of the rotation. They examine the 6 Pillars of Character and identify their own personal values and actions. Following this, students move into goal setting and stress management. They discuss the difference between short term and long term goals, determine their own personal goals and how to set them. Students then discuss stress, causes of it, and the ways in which stress can be managed. Following this, numerous presenters come in to provide students with information regarding their entrance into high school. A counselor from Bow High School visits and discusses the course requirements, schedule, and expectations for next year. Mrs. Romano, REACH coordinator, visits and provides the students with information on transcripts. New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation presents information on early college planning and Sgt. Lougee presents information on her role as the school resource officer. Finally, students take part in career exploration activities to determine their interests and the opportunities that will be available to them in the near future.