Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Presidents Song

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Remember learning to spell “encyclopedia” by singing along with Jiminy Cricket? How about using a singing exercise to learn the names of the presidents? “The Presidents Song,” includes the names, in order, from Washington to Coolidge....
Lesson Plan
National History Day

Poetry from the Trenches of World War I

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Often, the real-life experiences of soldiers gets lost back home when the war seems so far away. Scholars investigate the personal side of World War I in the trenches of Europe to complete a collaborative social studies activity. When...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Poetry for the Common Good

For Teachers K - 2nd
Learners identify examples of philanthropy in poetry or song. In this philanthropy instructional activity, students examine several poems such as Give by Carrie A. Thomas and identify concepts of philanthropy in the poem. Learners...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Anonymous Patriots: Songs of the Revolution

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed
Give your class a deeper understanding of the context and meaning behind early American song lyrics. By reading the lyrics to "Yankee Doodle" and  "Revolutionary Tea," high schoolers will practice analysis by examining the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Poets Got Them Blues

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Contemplate what music learners listen to and why they listen. Can they find poetry within music lyrics? Specifically hone in on blues lyrics and ruminate upon the social issues prevalent in the themes. Particular song lyrics coincide...
PPT
Curated OER

Western Medieval European Poetry and Literature

For Teachers 11th - 12th
One of the Common Core standards requires learners to make connections between literature or media of the past and the present. Provided here, are key elements found in medieval poetry and literature that are connected to several more...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Write a Song About American History

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the historic background of the song, The Battle of New Orleans. Working in pairs, students research other historic events and write their own songs based on them.
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Education World

Black History Month Rap

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Young scholars write a rap or hip-hop lyric about the life of a famous Black American. They explore famous Black Americans in history and explore how the rap form compares to other forms of poetic expression.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Guantanamera: A Poem and a Song

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students compare revolutionary actions of Jose Marti and Pete Seeger. For this Cuban folk song lesson, students listen to the song "Guantanamera" and discuss the content. Students read articles on the poet and the songwriter and create a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cowboys

For Teachers 9th - 11th
Young scholars analyze cowboy literature. In this United States history and literacy lesson, students listen to a variety of cowboy songs and poetry, view the video "Rediscovering America: The Real American Cowboy," and view related...
Lesson Plan
Friends of Fort McHenry

Sensory “Star Spangled Banner”

For Teachers 4th - 8th Standards
Music can help us to access memories and events in a meaningful way, and Francis Scott Key used specific words to convey what he had seen and felt when writing what would become America's national anthem. Help your class connect to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Connecting Poetry with Philanthropy

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Learners use their knowledge of philanthropy and poetic conventions to write original poetry about philanthropic giving. In this philanthropy lesson, students write poetry based on philanthropy using poetic conventions. Learners...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Weather Songs: Hurricane

For Students 11th - Higher Ed
In this hurricane activity, students read a poem about the sad aftermath of a hurricane. These appear to be song lyrics with an unknown tune. This is suitable for older students and adults.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

THE PEN VS. THE SWORD: LYRICAL RESPONSES TO A NATION AT WAR

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students brainstorm lists of songs that were written in response to American wars; consider the patterns in the lists they create.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

25 Greatest Protest Songs - Lesson 2

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explain the potential consequences of protest. They discuss selected historical conflicts and examine the role of the individual in protest.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Early Industrialization

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders analyze primary source documents emphasizing young people in factory labor (mill workers during 1840-1860). They study hours of labor, ages of laborers, reasons for working, and working conditions. They write a poem or song.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders read lyrics for "My Hometown" and complete a worksheet to identify setting and tone in the song. In this Romanticism lesson, 12th graders read Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth and discuss...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Stand Up and Sing

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students journal and respond to the question," How does society respond to change?" They create original lyrics to their own song that reflects the context of the Progressive Era.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jazz Talk

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students analyze the origins of jazz music by examining work songs, spirituals, blues, and gospel songs as well as works of poetry from African American artists. They create their own poems from either the narrative, dramatic, or lyric...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Langston Hughes and the Blues

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the connections between Langson Hughes and blues music. For this African American culture lesson, students compare and contrast blues music with poetry and short stories by Langston Hughes.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You've Got to be Taught to Hate and Fear

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore themes of prejudice and acceptance. In this character education lesson plan, students listen and respond to several fiction books, poems, and lyrics with a similar theme. Students locate articles with the main idea of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

MG Industrial Revolution

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders identify advancements made during the Industrial Revolution. Through listening to songs and reading other passages, 8th graders explore the working conditions of children during the Industrial Revolution. They examine...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Spooky Notes

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders move to, sing, compose, and interpret various musical techniques through the use of "America", Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers", and a song called "Skin and Bones". Emphasis is placed upon identifying names and values...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

P.O.W.: Products of War

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders are introduced to concepts of war through musical lyrics. They demonstrate and understanding of the role of segregation in US military policy and practice.

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