Overview
This collection of lessons is suitable for the upper elementary classroom. With popular music as the entry point, students compare superheroes with Greek mythological heroes, discover poetic devices in writing, consider what it means to be a good citizen. The collection also includes age-appropriate history lessons on the Great Migration, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.
Lessons
lesson:
Heroes and Mortals in “Something Just Like This”
Who are the gods and superheroes referenced in “Something Just Like This,” and what are the connections between them?
lesson:
“Blowin’ in the Wind” as a Rallying Cry
How does the song “Blowin’ in the Wind” use poetic devices to communicate an open-ended yet powerful message about the human condition, without ever losing its historical specificity?
lesson:
Everyday Heroes: Beyoncé and United Nations World Humanitarian Day
How might Beyoncé's song “I Was Here” inspire people to serve their community and make a positive impact on the world?
lesson:
The Gospel Origins of “Chain of Fools”
Essential Question: How did Aretha Franklin’s foundation in Gospel music influence her recording of “Chain of Fools,” helping to establish a Soul sound and bringing black culture into mainstream America?
lesson:
The Beatles and American Segregation
How did the Beatles take a stand against segregation while touring America? And what did it mean for popular music culture?
lesson:
The Music of the Civil Rights Movement
How did popular music reflect the values of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and help the movement convey its message?