Grade 6 Arts, Music & PE Curriculum Supplement

About This Supplement

This 36-week curriculum supplement for 6th grade in Visual Art, Music, and Physical Education is designed to bridge elementary and middle school learning. It emphasizes independent application, critical analysis, and the development of more sophisticated technical skills and expressive capabilities. It aligns with the general principles and content areas found in the standards of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, fostering deeper understanding and personal engagement in each discipline.

Sixth grade represents an important transition year, as students develop greater abstract thinking abilities, pursue more specialized interests, and prepare for the departmentalized structure of middle school arts and physical education programs.

Curriculum Assumptions

Time Allocation: Each category (Visual Art, Music, Physical Education) will have approximately 90 minutes of dedicated instruction per week.
Supplemental Focus: This is a supplement that builds upon or enhances a core curriculum, offering additional depth and resources.
Resources Required: The curriculum assumes access to a classroom, gymnasium/outdoor space, and basic art and music supplies.

Curriculum Overview

Visual Art

Apply art elements and principles in complex projects, develop personal artistic voice, and explore art for social commentary and community engagement.

Overarching Themes

Advanced Application of Elements of Art and Principles of Design in Complex Projects
Developing a Personal Artistic Voice and Critical Self-Reflection
In-depth Exploration of Art History, Global Art, and Contemporary Art
Using Art for Social Commentary, Advocacy, and Community Engagement

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Drawing and Realistic Rendering

Weeks 7-12: Painting Techniques and Expressive Storytelling

Weeks 13-18: Sculpture, Ceramics, and Environmental Art

Weeks 19-24: Printmaking, Graphic Design, and Digital Media

Weeks 25-30: Art History, World Cultures, and Art Criticism

Weeks 31-36: Art for Social Change, Personal Voice, and Exhibition

Music

Deepen music literacy skills, understand complex musical structures, explore global music traditions, and develop creative composition abilities.

Overarching Themes

Advanced Music Literacy and Performance (Reading, Writing, Interpreting)
Deeper Understanding of Music Theory, Form, and Analysis
Comprehensive Exploration of Global Music Traditions, History, and Influence
Cultivating Independent Musicianship, Creative Expression, and Collaborative Performance

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Rhythmic and Melodic Proficiency

Weeks 7-12: Scales, Modes, and Chord Progressions

Weeks 13-18: Form, Texture, and Orchestration

Weeks 19-24: Music History and Cultural Movements

Weeks 25-30: World Music Traditions and Ethnomusicology

Weeks 31-36: Advanced Composition, Improvisation, and Collaborative Performance

Physical Education

Refine motor skills for efficiency and power, develop personalized fitness goals, apply team strategies, and demonstrate leadership in physical activities.

Overarching Themes

Mastering a Diverse Range of Motor Skills with Refined Technique and Strategic Application
Developing Comprehensive Personal Fitness Plans for Lifelong Health
Applying Advanced Game Strategies, Teamwork, and Leadership in Competitive and Cooperative Settings
Practicing Exemplary Sportsmanship, Ethical Decision-Making, and Conflict Resolution

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Movement Efficiency and Agility

Weeks 7-12: Advanced Balance, Body Control, and Gymnastics/Dance

Weeks 13-18: Manipulative Skills (Precision, Power, and Game Application)

Weeks 19-24: Manipulative Skills (Striking with Implements and Defensive Tactics)

Weeks 25-30: Comprehensive Fitness Planning and Personal Well-being

Weeks 31-36: Sport-Specific Application, Leadership, and Lifelong Activity

Visual Art Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Drawing and Realistic Rendering

Focus: Masterful use of proportion and scale; drawing from life with complex lighting (chiaroscuro); introduction to foreshortening; figure drawing with attention to skeletal/muscular structure (simplified).

Activities:

Drawing complex still life arrangements under varied lighting conditions, focusing on realistic rendering of light and shadow.
Creating self-portraits or portraits with more detailed facial features and expressive qualities.
Introduction to drawing the human figure in motion, focusing on gesture and basic proportions.
Exploring different drawing mediums (e.g., pen and ink, conté crayon) for varied effects.

Resources:

Books:

Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson (adapted concepts for teacher)
Figure Drawing for All It's Worth by Andrew Loomis (simplified concepts for teacher)

Supplies:

Sketchbooks, charcoal pencils, conté crayons, pen and ink, drawing paper, blending stumps, various objects for complex still life.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on advanced shading techniques and foreshortening.
Examples of old master drawings (e.g., Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt).

Weeks 7-12: Painting Techniques and Expressive Storytelling

Focus: Advanced color mixing (value, intensity, hue manipulation); painting complex textures and reflective surfaces; developing narrative paintings that tell stories or convey messages.

Activities:

Creating a narrative painting based on a personal experience, a historical event, or a fictional story.
Painting still life arrangements that include reflective surfaces (e.g., glass, metal) or varied textures (e.g., fabric, wood, fur).
Experimenting with different painting styles (e.g., impasto, glazing, pointillism) to achieve desired effects.
Creating a series of paintings that explore a theme or concept.

Resources:

Books:

Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland (for older students/teacher reflection)
The Masterpiece by Emma Damon (storytelling through art)

Supplies:

Acrylic paints, oil pastels, canvases or heavy paper, various brushes, palette knives, water containers.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on advanced acrylic/oil painting techniques.
Examples of narrative art from various cultures and periods (e.g., historical paintings, murals).

Weeks 13-18: Sculpture, Ceramics, and Environmental Art

Focus: Designing and constructing complex 3D forms with structural integrity and aesthetic appeal; introduction to basic ceramic techniques (if kiln available); exploring environmental art and land art concepts.

Activities:

Creating more intricate coil, slab, or pinch pot ceramic pieces (if kiln/materials available).
Building relief sculptures or wall hangings from mixed media.
Designing and creating an "environmental sculpture" using natural materials found outdoors (e.g., sticks, stones, leaves), documenting with photography.
Creating abstract or non-objective sculptures that explore form, space, and balance.

Resources:

Books:

Clay Lab for Kids: 52 Projects to Make, Model, and Mold with Air-Dry, Polymer, and Traditional Clays by Emily Ullrich

Supplies:

Air-dry clay or traditional clay (if kiln access), modeling tools, armatures (wire, cardboard), various found objects, natural materials, strong adhesives, camera for documentation.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on more advanced hand-building ceramic techniques.
Examples of environmental art and land artists (e.g., Andy Goldsworthy).

Weeks 19-24: Printmaking, Graphic Design, and Digital Media

Focus: Advanced relief and intaglio printmaking (drypoint - simplified, with safe materials); silkscreen printing principles; advanced digital image manipulation and graphic design principles (layout, typography, branding).

Activities:

Creating multi-block or reduction relief prints with careful registration.
Designing a print series around a chosen theme.
Introduction to basic graphic design projects (e.g., designing a band poster, a product label, a magazine cover) using digital tools.
Exploring digital photography and basic photo editing to enhance images.

Resources:

Books:

A History of Art in 21 Cats by Nia Gould (art history fun)

Supplies:

Linoleum blocks, carving tools, brayers, printing ink, printing paper, acetate/clear plastic for drypoint, digital devices (computers, tablets) with graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express, GIMP, Photopea).

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating advanced printmaking techniques.
Tutorials for graphic design software and principles.
Examples of historical and contemporary graphic design.

Weeks 25-30: Art History, World Cultures, and Art Criticism in Depth

Focus: In-depth study of specific art movements (e.g., Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Modernism) and their cultural/historical contexts; critical analysis of art from diverse global cultures; applying formal art criticism to a wider range of artworks.

Activities:

Conducting research projects on specific art movements or influential artists, presenting findings to the class.
Analyzing artworks using a formal art criticism framework (describe, analyze, interpret, judge), considering historical context and intent.
Creating art in response to a specific historical period or cultural tradition, demonstrating understanding of its characteristics.
Debating and discussing controversial artworks or artistic interpretations.

Resources:

Books:

The Story of Art by E.H. Gombrich (simplified versions for students)
Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World by Rachel Ignotofsky

Supplies:

Access to art history books, online databases (e.g., museum collections, Google Arts & Culture), projector for image analysis.

Multimedia/Online:

Virtual museum tours with in-depth explanations.
Documentaries on art history and specific artists.

Weeks 31-36: Art for Social Change, Personal Voice, and Exhibition

Focus: Understanding art as a tool for social commentary, activism, and community building; developing a strong personal artistic voice and style; preparing a professional-level portfolio; curating and presenting a major art exhibition or public art project.

Activities:

Creating artwork that addresses a social issue or advocates for a cause important to the student.
Designing and executing a collaborative mural or public art project for the school (if feasible).
Students develop a cohesive art portfolio showcasing their growth and artistic voice, including artist statements.
Planning, curating, promoting, and hosting a final 6th-grade art exhibition for the entire school community or parents.
Peer critique sessions, offering constructive feedback and engaging in respectful dialogue about art.

Resources:

Books:

The Girl Who Used Her Wits by Jane Yolen (can inspire creative problem-solving and advocacy)

Supplies:

All previously used art materials, portfolio cases, exhibition display materials, promotional materials for exhibition.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos showcasing art activism and community art projects.
Examples of student art portfolios and exhibitions.

Music Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Rhythmic and Melodic Proficiency

Focus: Mastery of all common rhythmic notation (including dotted notes, sixteenths, triplets, syncopation); sight-reading complex rhythmic and melodic patterns; understanding and performing simple compound meters.

Activities:

Intensive rhythmic dictation and sight-reading exercises.
Performing multi-part rhythmic pieces with independent parts.
Playing melodic exercises and songs with more challenging intervals and rhythms on pitched instruments.
Transcribing simple melodic phrases by ear and notating them.

Resources:

Books:

Music Theory for Dummies (simplified concepts for teacher)

Supplies:

Rhythm instruments, pitched instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels, recorders if introduced), staff paper, music stands.

Multimedia/Online:

Advanced online rhythm and melodic sight-reading trainers.
Music notation software (e.g., Noteflight Basic, Flat.io free tier) for composition.

Weeks 7-12: Scales, Modes, and Chord Progressions

Focus: Understanding major and minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic minor - simplified); introduction to modes (e.g., Dorian, Mixolydian - simplified); identifying and building primary and secondary chords (triads); analyzing common chord progressions.

Activities:

Playing and singing various major and minor scales and modes.
Identifying and building chords on a keyboard or guitar (if available).
Analyzing the chord progressions of popular songs.
Composing short pieces that use specific scales or chord progressions.

Resources:

Books:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory (simplified concepts for teacher)

Supplies:

Classroom keyboard/piano, guitars (optional), pitched instruments, lead sheets/chord charts.

Multimedia/Online:

Online music theory resources (e.g., Teoria.com for ear training and exercises).
Videos explaining scales, modes, and chord construction.

Weeks 13-18: Form, Texture, and Orchestration

Focus: In-depth analysis of musical forms (sonata, rondo, theme and variations, fugue - simplified); identifying various musical textures (monophony, homophony, polyphony, heterophony); understanding basic orchestration principles (how instruments combine).

Activities:

Listening to orchestral pieces and identifying sections, themes, and how instruments interact.
Creating "arrangements" of simple melodies for different classroom instrument combinations.
Discussing how texture and form contribute to the overall mood and message of a piece.
Introduction to basic conducting gestures for dynamics and phrasing.

Resources:

Books:

Classical Kids: The Lives and Works of the Great Composers by Robert Levine

Supplies:

Recordings of various orchestral and chamber music, scores (simplified if possible).

Multimedia/Online:

Digital Concert Hall by Berlin Philharmonic (educational videos).
"Making Music" series by Leonard Bernstein.

Weeks 19-24: Music History and Cultural Movements

Focus: Detailed study of Western music history periods (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, Contemporary); understanding major composers and their impact; connecting music to broader historical and cultural movements.

Activities:

Research projects on specific composers or musical periods, with presentations including listening examples.
Creating "musical timelines" that show the evolution of music alongside historical events.
Discussing how social, political, and technological changes influenced musical development.
Analyzing how a composer's life experiences shaped their music.

Resources:

Books:

Music: A Young Person's Guide by Leonard Bernstein

Supplies:

Extensive music recordings, biographies, historical texts, maps.

Multimedia/Online:

Classical Kids: composer stories and listening guides.
PBS LearningMedia: music history resources.

Weeks 25-30: World Music Traditions and Ethnomusicology

Focus: In-depth exploration of specific non-Western musical traditions (e.g., Gamelan, Bollywood, Celtic, Flamenco, various African traditions) with a focus on instrumentation, vocal styles, and cultural context; understanding ethnomusicology (the study of music in its cultural context).

Activities:

Participating in hands-on workshops with world music instruments (if available) or creating facsimiles.
Analyzing the social functions of music in different cultures (e.g., rituals, celebrations, storytelling).
Guest speakers from diverse musical backgrounds (in person or virtual).
Researching the impact of cultural exchange on global music.

Resources:

Books:

Sing, Sing a Song: A Book of Songs About Our World by Janeen Brian

Supplies:

Diverse world music recordings, videos of traditional performances, maps, globe.

Multimedia/Online:

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (extensive collection).
National Geographic Music.
Videos demonstrating various cultural dances and music.

Weeks 31-36: Advanced Composition, Improvisation, and Collaborative Performance

Focus: Composing multi-section pieces using learned theory concepts; improvising over complex chord changes and forms; leading and conducting larger ensembles; preparing and executing a culminating musical performance or creative project.

Activities:

Students compose a piece (rhythmic, melodic, or both) for a small ensemble using notation software or traditional methods.
Extended improvisation sessions, building on melodic and harmonic structures.
Students take on leadership roles in rehearsals, conducting sections, and providing feedback.
Preparing and presenting a formal concert, musical play, or multimedia music presentation.
Peer and self-evaluation of musical performances and compositions.

Resources:

Books:

Composition for the Elementary Grades (teacher resource)

Supplies:

Classroom instruments, digital music software, recording equipment, performance space, costumes/props (for a play).

Multimedia/Online:

BandLab (free online DAW for composition).
Videos of middle school ensembles for inspiration.

Physical Education Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Movement Efficiency and Agility

Focus: Optimizing movement patterns for efficiency and power; advanced agility drills (e.g., cone drills, ladder drills, reactive drills); complex decision-making during movement (e.g., reacting to opponents).

Activities:

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) with various locomotor movements.
Partner and small-group agility drills emphasizing quick reactions and changes of direction.
Games that require complex dodging, fleeing, and chasing strategies (e.g., flag football, ultimate frisbee).
Analyzing and refining individual running and jumping techniques.

Resources:

Books:

The Young Athlete's Handbook: The Essential Guide for Active Kids by Michael Yessis

Supplies:

Cones, agility ladders, jump ropes, stopwatches, hurdles (low).

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating advanced agility and speed drills for youth.

Weeks 7-12: Advanced Balance, Body Control, and Gymnastics/Dance

Focus: Mastery of complex static and dynamic balances; advanced gymnastic skills (e.g., handstand progressions, round-offs, dive rolls - with spotting); developing and performing choreographed dance sequences; understanding concepts of force and leverage.

Activities:

Creating and performing challenging individual or partner balance routines.
Progressing through gymnastic skill development (e.g., headstand/handstand progression, cartwheel refinement, basic rolls with increased control).
Learning and performing more complex dance routines from various styles (e.g., hip hop, folk dance, creative movement).
Exploring basic parkour-inspired movements in a safe environment.

Resources:

Books:

A Kid's Guide to Gymnastics by Mary Beth Bennett

Supplies:

Mats, low balance beams, springboards, music.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating intermediate gymnastic skills with proper form.
Dance tutorials for various styles.

Weeks 13-18: Manipulative Skills (Precision, Power, and Game Application)

Focus: Consistent and accurate throwing/passing to moving targets under pressure; advanced catching/receiving skills; kicking with power and precision in game scenarios; strategic dribbling in offensive plays.

Activities:

Basketball: full-court dribbling drills, passing drills with defensive pressure, shooting from various ranges.
Soccer: dribbling for control, passing to open teammates, shooting on goal with accuracy, offensive formations.
Handball/Team Handball: throwing for accuracy, catching, basic team strategies.
Rugby (modified): passing, evasion, basic tackling (touch/flag).

Resources:

Books:

The Everything Kids' Soccer Book by Deborah W. Crisfield

Supplies:

Various balls (basketballs, soccer balls, handballs, footballs), cones, targets, goals, pinnies.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on advanced skills and strategies in team sports.

Weeks 19-24: Manipulative Skills (Striking with Implements and Defensive Tactics)

Focus: Masterful striking with racquets/bats for accuracy, power, and placement; advanced defensive strategies (e.g., zone defense, man-to-man, blocking, screening, intercepting); applying offensive and defensive strategies in combined play.

Activities:

Baseball/Softball: Batting against live pitching (softball), fielding complex plays (double plays), base running strategies.
Tennis/Badminton/Pickleball: Forehand/backhand volleys, overhead serves, smashes, strategic court positioning.
Volleyball: Overhand serving, passing, setting, spiking (modified for height), blocking.
Floor Hockey: Stickhandling, passing, shooting, offensive and defensive formations.

Resources:

Books:

Tennis for Kids by Venus Williams

Supplies:

Baseball/softball equipment, tennis/badminton/pickleball racquets, balls/shuttlecocks, volleyballs, nets, floor hockey sticks, pucks/balls, goals.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos demonstrating advanced striking and defensive techniques in sports.

Weeks 25-30: Comprehensive Fitness Planning and Personal Well-being

Focus: Designing and implementing a comprehensive personal fitness plan (FITT principle: Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type); understanding exercise physiology basics (e.g., aerobic/anaerobic); exploring various dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, social); understanding injury prevention and first aid basics.

Activities:

Students create individualized fitness plans, setting measurable goals for each fitness component.
Participating in and leading dynamic warm-ups and cool-downs.
Discussions and activities on mental health, stress management through physical activity, and healthy relationships.
Basic first aid scenarios and discussion of safety in physical activities.

Resources:

Books:

The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Older Girls by Valorie Schaefer (with parent guidance for boys as well, for general health topics)

Supplies:

Fitness assessment tools, journals for tracking, resistance bands, light weights (optional), educational materials on health and wellness.

Multimedia/Online:

Resources from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) on adolescent physical activity.
Videos on injury prevention and proper exercise form.

Weeks 31-36: Sport-Specific Application, Leadership, and Lifelong Activity

Focus: In-depth application of skills and strategies in full-sided or near full-sided versions of popular sports; leading teams, officiating games, and coaching peers; promoting and participating in diverse lifetime physical activities; understanding the role of physical activity in community health.

Activities:

Full-sided games in chosen sports (e.g., basketball, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee) with student-led teams, coaching, and officiating.
Students design and lead a physical activity unit or game for younger students.
Researching and presenting on different career paths in health, fitness, or sports.
Organizing a "field day" or "sports festival" for the school.
Reflecting on their physical education journey from K-6 and creating a "personal fitness manifesto" for the future.

Resources:

Books:

Sportmanship for Kids by Christine H. Ammer

Supplies:

Full range of sports equipment, uniforms/pinnies, whistles, scoreboards, cones, first aid kit.

Multimedia/Online:

Videos on advanced sports strategies and coaching.
Resources on various lifetime physical activities and community sports programs.

Middle School Transition Strategies

Navigating Departmentalized Structure

Preparing sixth graders for the specialized approach of middle school arts and physical education:

Subject-Specific Vocabulary: Introduce specialized terminology and concepts in each discipline
Portfolio Development: Create organized documentation of creative work and physical achievements
Time Management: Develop strategies for managing projects and practicing independently
Teacher Relationships: Learn to work with multiple instructors with different teaching styles

Developing Specialization

Supporting students as they begin to identify and develop specific interests:

Visual Arts Focus Areas

Encourage exploration of drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, ceramics, or photography as potential specializations. Support deeper research and practice in areas of interest.

Music Pathways

Help students determine interests in instrumental music, vocal performance, music technology, or composition as they prepare for potential band, orchestra, chorus, or other middle school music options.

Physical Education Directions

Support students in identifying preferences for team sports, individual activities, fitness pursuits, or dance/movement as they transition to middle school PE and potential athletic programs.

Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment Strategies

The 6th grade curriculum employs a diverse range of assessment strategies to evaluate student progress:

Portfolio Assessment
Systematic collection of student work showing progress over time
Performance Tasks
Authentic demonstrations of knowledge and skills in real-world contexts
Self-Assessment
Students reflect on their own learning and set personal goals
Peer Critique
Structured feedback from peers using established criteria
Project-Based Assessment
Evaluation of complex, multi-stage projects with clear rubrics

Expected Progress Indicators

By the end of 6th grade, students should demonstrate these key indicators of readiness for middle school arts and physical education:

Visual Arts Benchmarks

• Create artwork that demonstrates advanced understanding of elements and principles
• Articulate personal artistic choices and influences using appropriate vocabulary
• Analyze and interpret artwork from diverse cultures and historical periods
• Develop a cohesive portfolio that shows technical skill and personal voice

Music Benchmarks

• Perform complex rhythmic and melodic patterns with accuracy
• Demonstrate understanding of basic music theory concepts
• Create original compositions using learned musical elements
• Compare and contrast music from different cultural and historical contexts

Physical Education Benchmarks

• Execute complex motor skills with proper technique in dynamic settings
• Apply offensive and defensive strategies in game situations
• Design and implement a personal fitness plan with appropriate goals
• Demonstrate leadership and positive sportsmanship in group activities

Advanced Resources

Digital Resources

Sixth Grade Reading List

Advanced books for sixth graders interested in arts and physical education:

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards (adapted version)
Filmmaking for Teens by Troy Lanier & Clay Nichols
Lives of the Musicians by Kathleen Krull
Music and How it Works by DK Publishing
The Sports Book by DK Publishing
Leonardo's Notebooks by H. Anna Suh (selected pages)
The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay (design thinking)
The Omnivore's Dilemma (Young Readers Edition) by Michael Pollan (nutrition)

Advanced Extensions

Middle School Shadowing: Arrange to observe middle school arts and PE classes
Community Service Art: Design and create art or performances for local nursing homes or community centers
Summer Programs: Research specialized summer camps in visual arts, music, or sports
Youth Organizations: Connect with community theater, youth orchestras, or recreational sports leagues
Online Portfolio: Create a simple digital portfolio to showcase artistic and physical achievements

Parent & Homeschool Support

How Parents Can Support Arts & Physical Education

Creating a Supportive Environment

Designate a dedicated space for art creation with proper lighting and storage
Create a simple practice area for physical activities that can be easily set up
Set aside consistent time in the family schedule for arts and physical activity
Display student artwork prominently in the home to show value and pride
Provide access to a variety of art materials, instruments, and sports equipment

Weekly Planning Strategies

Break 90-minute sessions into smaller chunks if needed (30+30+30)
Alternate between technique practice and creative exploration
Incorporate mini-field trips to museums, concerts, or sporting events
Schedule collaborative projects with other homeschool families
Include regular reflection and portfolio development time

Finding Community Resources

Connect with local arts centers, music schools, and sports leagues
Explore community education programs through libraries and recreation centers
Investigate virtual classes and workshops for specialized instruction
Arrange group activities with other homeschooling families
Research artist/musician/athlete mentorship opportunities

Assessment Tips for Parents

Document progress through photos, videos, and audio recordings
Keep a structured portfolio with dated samples across all disciplines
Use rubrics provided in the curriculum for objective assessment
Encourage student self-assessment through regular reflection
Consider periodic review with a specialist teacher if possible

Helpful Reminders for Sixth Grade Parents

• Balance is key: Sixth graders are developing personal interests while still needing broad exposure.
• Growth mindset: Emphasize that skills improve with practice rather than focusing on innate talent.
• Provide constructive feedback: Be specific about what works well and offer suggestions rather than criticism.
• Honor the process: Value exploration and experimentation as much as finished products.
• Celebrate progress: Recognize improvement and effort, not just achievement.

Grade 6 Arts, Music & Physical Education

About This Supplement

Curriculum Assumptions

Curriculum Overview

Visual Art

Overarching Themes

Music

Overarching Themes

Physical Education

Overarching Themes

Visual Art Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Drawing and Realistic Rendering

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 7-12: Painting Techniques and Expressive Storytelling

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 13-18: Sculpture, Ceramics, and Environmental Art

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 19-24: Printmaking, Graphic Design, and Digital Media

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 25-30: Art History, World Cultures, and Art Criticism in Depth

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 31-36: Art for Social Change, Personal Voice, and Exhibition

Activities:

Resources:

Music Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Rhythmic and Melodic Proficiency

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 7-12: Scales, Modes, and Chord Progressions

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 13-18: Form, Texture, and Orchestration

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 19-24: Music History and Cultural Movements

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 25-30: World Music Traditions and Ethnomusicology

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 31-36: Advanced Composition, Improvisation, and Collaborative Performance

Activities:

Resources:

Physical Education Detailed Curriculum

Weeks 1-6: Advanced Movement Efficiency and Agility

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 7-12: Advanced Balance, Body Control, and Gymnastics/Dance

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 13-18: Manipulative Skills (Precision, Power, and Game Application)

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 19-24: Manipulative Skills (Striking with Implements and Defensive Tactics)

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 25-30: Comprehensive Fitness Planning and Personal Well-being

Activities:

Resources:

Weeks 31-36: Sport-Specific Application, Leadership, and Lifelong Activity

Activities:

Resources:

Middle School Transition Strategies

Navigating Departmentalized Structure

Developing Specialization

Visual Arts Focus Areas

Music Pathways

Physical Education Directions

Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment Strategies

Expected Progress Indicators

Visual Arts Benchmarks

Music Benchmarks

Physical Education Benchmarks

Advanced Resources