60 mins
Music Tells Our Story
What role might music play in a person’s life, identity, and community?
How to Use This Lesson
What is Life Songs? Life Songs is an intergenerational media project organized into a four lesson unit plan. Over the course of the unit, students participate in a group singalong, identify and discuss their favorite songs, prepare interview questions about another person’s favorite songs, and conduct and record an interview with an adult who shares how certain songs shaped their life. The unit culminates in students presenting a completed version of their Life Songs Interview. Through Life Songs, students acquire beneficial skills and experience in media production while participating in social and emotional learning activities.
Essential Question
What role might music play in a person’s life, identity, and community?
Objectives
Know (knowledge):
- The role of music in their classmate’s lives
- What different feelings a song can evoke
- How a song can help shape someone’s identity
- How songs can foster a community
Mastery Objective:
- Students will be able to identify the role music plays in their lives by participating in a group singalong and discussion, and asking and answering questions about the songs they like.
Background
In this lesson, students explore the role music plays in their lives by singing together, discussing songs they like, and examining how songs can express their identity and community.
A favorite song can say a lot about us. It can hold a special place in our heart because of the feelings it stirs up. When we hear a particular song, it can spark memories from a certain time. Songs can also play a significant role in shaping our identity. They can express who we are and connect us to who we spend our time with - creating a community connected by songs. The songs we know and love over the course of a lifetime can represent a musical version of our life story. Gathered together, we could think of them as our Life Songs.
Materials
- Audio or video recording of a chosen song as a supportive backing track
- A PDF or a printed lyric sheet of the chosen song’s lyrics for students to reference
Preparation
Before beginning, poll students about songs they know in advance of the singalong to allow adequate preparation, organize any necessary materials, and ensure maximum student participation in the singalong.
Connected Themes
Monthly Theme