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Lindero Canyon Middle School

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6th Grade Elective Descriptions

Electives:

BEGINNING BAND - For students with no previous, or less than one academic year of experience with band instruments: woodwinds, percussion, and brass (ability to play piano not applicable). Open to all grade levels.

COUGAR BAND - Cougar Band is for intermediate levels of playing ability.  Acceptance into Cougar Band is based on recommendation of the director.  Participation in several scheduled evening performances is a course requirement.  

BEGINNING STRINGS - For students with little or no previous experience with stringed instruments. Students play violin, viola, cello, or bass. Open to all grade levels.

COUGAR STRINGS - This elective is for intermediate levels of playing ability. Acceptance into Cougar Strings is based on recommendation of the director. Participation in several scheduled evening performances is a course requirement.

CONCERT CHOIR - This class is open to all grade levels.  Students will learn beginning and intermediate vocal techniques, correct breathing, tone production, and how to read music. Concert Choir is a performing group that will sing all types of music such as pop, rock, Disney, and light classics. Participation in scheduled evening performances is part of the course requirement. 

FINE ART - This whole-year course provides students with a deeper understanding of art. A wide variety of materials and techniques are explored, including watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, ink, mixed-media and ceramics. This course will highlight and connect to student’s interests and backgrounds while including a wide range of artists and art movements.

YEARBOOK - This elective course is open to select 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Using a unique and specialized online computer program, students will design the Lindero Canyon Middle School yearbook and the yearbook video. They will also take photographs, create original artwork, and participate in Leadership events throughout the year. Students with an interest or ability in creative writing, journalism, photography, art, layout design, or computer skills are encouraged to select this elective. This is a great way to become involved in all the school activities and events, and is a good foundation for working on the yearbook in high school. Students should have good organization skills, be reliable, able to work in groups, take direction, and have the ability to work independently.  

THEATRE - This elective is for 6-8th graders interested in all aspects of theatrical performances. It is held as an after school class, 2 days a week, 8th period. This is a  PRODUCTION CLASS where students will participate in TWO theatre festivals as well as a musical in the early Winter and a play in the late Spring.

EXPLORATORY PROGRAM - A series of classes designed to expose the student to a variety of enrichment topics and new experiences. Periodically throughout the school year students rotate as a group to the next class. Students remain with their classmates throughout the rotations. Exploratory classes may include the topics indicated below (TBD) and are open only to sixth graders. 

21st CENTURY LEADERSHIP - This elective is designed to introduce students to the skills, values, and experience that will help them succeed in the digital world. Through both individual projects and school service projects, students learn to maintain technology, create digital content and provide training. Student-driven curriculum will develop critical thinking skills, communication, business organization, leadership and technical skills.

LEADERSHIP/WEB - Open to students who want to support and implement school spirit! Students plan and implement school activities for the entire school. Students design banners and posters to give school spirit for events. Leadership also helps teachers decorate classrooms, as well as plan and assist with school activities throughout the year. This elective is meant for those who want to be involved in school activities and events. Students should be able to work independently or cooperatively in a group, and have an interest in art and supporting the school community. Must complete an application process to be accepted in this class.

  • ART - This class exposes students to the elements of art and principles of design. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of mediums such as oil pastels, watercolors, pencil, acrylics and plaster. Fun and exploration are the focus as students learn techniques and skills while discovering artists and the world of art.

  • Middle School Success - This class is based on AVID strategies that help students to become both high school and college ready. It will address topics ranging from exploring work habits, time management strategies, organizational skills (personal and digital), and communication/collaboration skills to help students succeed in middle school and beyond. These essential skills can boost achievement across all areas of curriculum and build good academic behaviors. Students will learn to self-monitor their academic progress and learn skills to effectively communicate with peers, teachers, and other school staff.  

  • Introduction to Wellness - This course will explore how social emotional learning meets character development emphasizing teaching the ”Whole Child”. Highlighting the importance of how one’s ability to feel, understand and use emotions are key to making healthy choices. Emphasis will be on emotions and emotional intelligence, including effective communication skills. Students will learn effective coping strategies including mindfulness and be able to determine which work best for them personally. Topics such as kindness, bully prevention, friendship and developing healthy relationships will be discussed.

  • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) - This class provides sixth grade students with experiences involving science, technology, engineering, art and math. Exploratory STEAM introduces keyboard typing skills (speed and consistency), introduction to HTML coding on Codesters.com, creating tension toys, experimenting with buoyancy and fluid dynamics, designing and modeling using SketchUp or Minecraft, and introduces building robots with VEX Robotics.

  • MUSIC - Exploratory music teaches students basic concepts of music, including pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics and tempo.  It also teaches signs, symbols and terms found in music and how to read a musical program (such as is found at a classical music event). Students are also exposed to major classical composers and their works. The emphasis is on having fun and learning for the innate joy of accomplishment and knowledge. 

  • INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH LANGUAGE - This course teaches the basic foundations of Spanish.