Lessons
Language Arts
Kids love music. They talk about bands, singers and rappers, and about songs, videos and websites. They wear t-shirts with imprints of their favorite artist. They write the names of those artists on their notebooks, binders, and even skin. Therefore, it's logical to integrate music into the curriculum. Using all, some or even one of these lessons plans, the kids connect literary work to instrumental music and song lyrics to expand the framework of the literal text. And, possibly more significantly, the students discover through unrelated, but natural fits, universal human themes in which they witness the common threads of humanity. When I decided to fully connect literature, music, lyrics, and their own writing into a complete unit, I found a truly rewarding and exciting project.
Click to hear the kids' music:
http://www.reverbnation.com/label/aboveandbeyond
Please note: Lessons plans can be used independently of each other.
Lesson
1: The Book that Saved the Band - Part 1
After reading a novel, the student will write poems (lyrics).
Lesson
2: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 2
Students form bands and write additional poems (lyrics) to complete
the story (song cycle).
Lesson
3: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 3
"The Band" will design and create an audio CD booklet.
Lesson
4: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 4
Composing and recording instrumental music that fits the particular
mood, plot or theme of one or more songs.
Lesson
5: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 5
Using their spoken or singing voice, students record the lyrics.
Lesson
6: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 6
Creating the final mix onto one CD (mastering).
Lesson
7: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 7
Intellectual property and copyright and protecting their creation.
Lesson
8: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 8
Photo shoot and CD release party.
Lesson
9: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 9
Public promotion (including Podcast or a Band Blog).
Lesson
10: The Book that Saved the Band -
Part 10
Create a multimedia presentation (video, slide show).
Home | Lessons | About the Authors | Contact