Somos Pacifico: Embracing Cultural Identity
How can embracing our own cultural identity help us connect with and appreciate the cultures of others?
How to Use This Lesson
This is a Harmony Student Wellness lesson, a week-long, music-centered social-emotional learning lesson designed to be taught across multiple sessions, culminating in an arts-based project. This lesson can be taught in isolation or as part of the larger Harmony Student Wellness program. For more support on implementation, see the Implementation Guide on the program page.
Essential Question
How can embracing our own cultural identity help us connect with and appreciate the cultures of others?
Objectives
Mastery Objective:
- Students will be able to explore and appreciate their cultural identity and show respectful curiosity for others through music and discussion.
Day 1 - Students will:
- Listen to “Somos Pacifico” by ChocQuibTown
- Define culture
- Consider the connection between place and culture
Day 2 - Students will:
- Listen to “Boondocks” by Little Big Town and “Somos Pacifico” performed by LADAMA
- Explore feelings associated with hometowns or places they are from
- Celebrate place-based culture by writing a verse of a rap
Day 3 - Students will:
- Listen to “One World” by Taboo and The Magnificent 7
- Consider ways in which they can have a respectful curiosity about other cultures
- Identify similarities between their culture and other cultures
Day 4 - Students will:
- Listen to “Freak Flag” from Shrek the Musical
- Recognize opportunities for cooperation and friendship among people from different cultures
- Explore the idea “what makes us special makes us strong”
Arts-Based Activity - Students will:
- Reflect on ways to embrace their cultural identity and the identity of others
- Share their cultural identity and learn about the cultural identity of others by participating in a rap cypher
Background
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 a cypher.
Materials
Required for all lessons:
- Student Journals
- Art Supplies
Day 3: