Overview
In this module, students explore the many dimensions of identity—cultural, emotional, and individual—through music, visual art, writing, and movement. They reflect on the meaning of their names, express personal stories through color and design, and consider how artists like Erykah Badu celebrate individuality. Students examine how cultural identity shapes connection, use music to explore emotional awareness, and create personal logos and soundtracks to express who they are. Each lesson encourages self-expression while building empathy, emotional intelligence, and appreciation for others.
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.
Lesson 5:
This Is Me: Designing a Personal Logo
In this lesson, students will recognize the importance of self-expression and explore ways to showcase it through visual design. They will identify how organizations and people use logos to build relationships with audiences, then define color theory and analyze how color harmony guides artistic choices. Students will also define symbols and examine their varied meanings across different contexts. Finally, they will synthesize this learning by designing a personal logo that demonstrates their understanding of color theory and symbolism while expressing their authentic identity.
Lesson 6:
Needle Drops: Creating a Personal Soundtrack
In this lesson, students use music as a tool for identifying, managing, and embracing their emotions. They explore music’s ability to give voice to their feelings, influence their moods, and remind them of special memories. Through this process, students not only reflect on their own emotional experiences but also gain insight into the unique perspectives, experiences, and preferences of their peers.