Specialist Curriculum

Debbie Sullivan, Music Teacher
617.349.6577 x235

The K-4 music curriculum at Graham and Parks is based on Conversational Solfege, a method developed by Dr. John Feierabend. Folk songs from various cultures, Classical, and Jazz music are primary source materials. Students learn to use their singing (head) voices and perform at annual concerts. In addition to singing and dancing they play musical games, and experiment with percussion and barred instruments.

The ultimate goal is for all students to become “tuneful, beat-ful, and artful “Tuneful” students have tunes in their heads and learn to coordinate their voices to sing those tunes. “Beat-ful” students feel the pulse of music and how that pulse is grouped into either 2s or 3s. “Artful” students are moved by music in the many ways that music elicits a “feeling” response. 

In the spring semesters, fourth grade students play recorders and learn the basics of reading music.

After attending a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert they feel more prepared to consider which instrument they will choose for the fifth grade year.

All fifth grade students select an instrument from the string, brass, or woodwind family. Fifth graders have music twice a week with a specialist on their chosen instrument. The goal is for students to continue with their instrument through Middle and High School.

Mission Statement
The mission of PK-8 physical education in the Cambridge Public Schools is to use physical activity to teach students the physical, cognitive (intellectual), and social skills necessary to develop and sustain a healthy lifestyle. This mission is achieved through the delivery of a planned, sequential, K-12 curriculum that draws its content and program goals from the MADOE&SE comprehensive health frameworks and the NASPE standards.

Teachers
Susan Harris 
617.349.6577 x123
Susan has been a Physical Education teacher in Cambridge over 20 years. Madelyn earned her B.A.S from Eastern Connecticut State University and M.A.S from Emporia State University.

Madelyn Regan 
617.349.6577 x124

Grading Rubric / Participation Expectations
Be Safe
Aim High
Respect
Play Fair
Be Prepared

Curriculum 
Preschool >>
1st Grade >>
2nd Grade >>
3rd Grade >>
4th Grade >>
5th Grade >>

Learn More
IHT Assessment Rubrics: SEL & PE
Swimming
Ballroom Dance
CycleKids
Turkey Trot