Scope and Sequence - The Chicago Guide for Teaching and ...

Sixth graders
Sixth graders are energetic and
social and place a high value on peer
relationships. They may have trouble
making decisions and need clear
instruction and positive reinforcement.
They are starting to become more selfconscious
about the way they look and
sound. Many boys’ voices start to change
during sixth grade. Boys who used to
project their voices when singing may
now sing softly or make it clear that they
want no part of singing. They often
don’t want to sing alone because they are
afraid their voices will “crack” and the
girls will laugh. Consequently, girls who
were once cooperative about singing can
be influenced by peer pressure and start
to withdraw, too. But these students
also love to perform for others and can
be motivated through formal musical
productions or more casual assembly
performances. When they are all in it
together and are performing for others,
their outlooks and attitudes tend to
improve.
Seventh graders
Seventh graders may experience
emotional highs and lows, and sometimes
start to show signs of rebellion. At this
time students also begin wanting to
communicate sincerely with adults,
38 the developing student: grades 6 to 8
The Developing
Music Student grades 6 to 8
What Are Students Like at This Learning Level?
Middle school students are going through many changes, both physically and
emotionally, as they work through puberty and toward adulthood. The first traces of
their adult personalitites are beginning to surface, which means they are becoming
more interested in the larger world, including a wide range of music and musical
styles. Improvisation and independence can flourish during these years, but group
activities are very important because these students value peer relationships highly.
The following is a quick look at the behaviors you are likely to encounter.
so opening up a mutually respectful
dialogue can help build trust. Those
swinging emotions can also become an
asset as students relate to the emotional
aspects of music. Boys’ voices continue
to change and it may be necessary to
move students to different sections when
singing (baritone, bass, etc.). Students
in this grade often want to sing songs
they have heard on the radio. If possible
and appropriate, let students sing their
own selections. They are more apt to
cooperate if they feel the teacher values
their opinion. But don’t turn class into
a radio sing-along; continue singing
and listening to songs from other
cultures, and compare and contrast
musical styles.
Eighth graders
Eighth graders need focused tasks
to help them understand larger
concepts, but they are also willing to
make mistakes and try again. They are
less conscious about being “wrong”
or making mistakes than they were a
year earlier. This is their newfound
maturity. It may also be a symptom of
being among the oldest kids in school.
In addition to singing and playing
instruments, allow these students to
create and improvise music. This will
give them a great sense of achievement.