Overview
In this module, students begin to develop responsible decision-making skills by exploring how their choices impact their safety, relationships, and sense of self. They learn to think critically, stay safe online and offline, and practice kindness as a guiding value. Through music and art, students consider the consequences of their actions, the value of curiosity, and the importance of making thoughtful, informed decisions that align with their values.
Lesson Plans
Lesson 1:
Who Are You? Sharing the Story of Your Name
In this lesson, students will reflect on the importance of names in showing respect, building community, and expressing identity. They will explore naming traditions from around the world, investigate the meaning or story behind their own name, and analyze the origins of unique, non-traditional, and stage names. Through a visual art activity, students will express aspects of their identity using colors, shapes, and lines in a creative visual representation.
Lesson 2:
How to Study Rock and Roll: Developing Music Appreciation Skills
In this lesson, students will explore strategies to build music appreciation skills. Students begin by practicing close listening, noticing elements of a song including mood, tempo, and instrumentation. Students then consider how the historical context of a song might impact their understanding of it. Students also explore lyrics as a form of literature and analyze components of live performance. The lesson will culminate in a final exercise of using these skills to write a one-line music review in which they express appreciation for music that they initially did not enjoy. This lesson lays a foundation for students to have productive and respectful conversations about music this year.
Lesson 3:
One in a Billion: Expressing Your Individuality with Erykah Badu
In this lesson, students will define individuality and explore the many elements that shape their own sense of self, including personality, interests, values, and style. They will reflect on strategies for embracing who they are and examine how Erykah Badu expresses her individuality through both fashion and artistic choices. Students will consider the different ways individuality can be communicated and how it can evolve over time.
Lesson 4:
Somos Pacifico: Embracing Cultural Identity
In this lesson, students will investigate the importance of embracing cultural identity. They will explore ways to share their own cultural identities and appreciate those of others. Students will learn the definition of culture, practice respectful curiosity, and recognize opportunities for cooperation and friendship with people from different backgrounds. The lesson concludes with the opportunity to share a brief rap verse about cultural identity in cypher.