Upper School Specials

ART
Grades 4-5:  The application of the major domains of learning continues to be reinforced through grades 4 and 5 on a higher level.  Creative expression is further enhanced through the development of critical thinking skills and the application of more complex two and three dimensional techniques and materials.  The Smart Board adds to the development of the students’ senses and the coherent experience of thinking and feeling.  Cultural, environmental and aesthetic connections become a part of the total art experience with the help of this technology.  Major objectives of the projects selected deal with applications to life and correlating arts concepts with other academic areas.  Students are also prepared to become active observers in museums and galleries. A knowledge of artists, art movements and the artist’s role in everyday life are always interwoven into units of work.  Provision for individual differences is a part of the learning environment.  Classroom discussion and teamwork are encouraged to further develop self-esteem and social values.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Advancements in proficiency with motor skills and movement concepts allow greater exploration with lifetime physical activities and conditioning exercises. Fifth grade incorporate vigorous activity to enhance physical development, social skills and foster participation in enjoyable physical activity outside the classroom. The main units include basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, floor hockey, gymnastics, and baseball.

The physical education program for grades 6 – 8 is designed to improve the pre-adolescent student's understanding of the connections between physical activity and lifetime wellness and building on social skills important to future participation and enjoyment. Movement is critical to proper growth and development at this age, and physical education class should assist students in developing a healthy body self-image/concept. Social and emotional development is highlighted through attention to social skills. The main units include basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, floor hockey, European handball, gymnastics, baseball, and aerobics.

Classes are held on the Haar athletic fields, which is the school’s outstanding outdoor athletic facility. A new state-of-the-art gymnasium, and home of the Hillel Lions, houses sports events and programs throughout the year.

 
MUSIC
Hillel Day School’s music program incorporates hearing, feeling, creating, sharing, reading and playing. The music program gives students an opportunity to explore and develop their music abilities. The music curriculum focuses on developing musical awareness and understanding through singing and ear training, rhythmic activities and movement, recorder instruction, creative activities, musical notation and classical composers.  The goal is for enjoyment and growth in all of their musical endeavors. Understanding the elements of music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm and pitch is included in all grade level lessons.

The music curriculum is intended to help students develop understanding and appreciation of music, as well as practical skills, so that they will be able to find in music a lifelong source of enjoyment and personal satisfaction. It is well documented that the intellectual and emotional development of children is enhanced through the study of music.  An interesting and challenging program in music not only develops practical artistic skills, but also enables students to sharpen their ability to reason and to think critically. A balanced music program is offered – one that includes both listening and music making and that appeals to a wide variety of students. Children will learn to love music and to experience it in the context of a rich and varied curriculum. 

Grades 4 and 5: Students will focus on the development of the ability to read music and learning about form and the use of tone color. In Grade 4, students will begin to read standard notation in the treble clef. They will also begin to use conducting patterns, and will aurally identify the instruments of the orchestra. In Grade 5, students will learn to use key signatures and to identify the major scale.   Students in Grades 4 to 5 will also be expected to work in both large and small groups. Students will also use their singing skills to perform for various community functions. 

TECHNOLOGY
Grades 4-5: Students continue to build upon the skills they learned in the earlier grades. There is more emphasis on keyboarding and they become more proficient at this skill. They use the MS WORD program and learn many of the tools associated with the program.   Students learn to use a web browser independently to navigate and use educational resources on the Internet to collect information. They learn to use photo editing tools and create multimedia presentations.