Learning Activity

Hearing the Hero

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

12

Overview

This activity allows students to use music as a part of understanding the tone of writing. The activity seeks to have students look at music as a form of literature. The activity can be used in conjunction with other fine arts classes including dance.  

This activity was developed as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 12

ELA21.12.1

Read, analyze, and evaluate complex literary and historical texts written from particular points of view or cultural experiences, with an emphasis on works of literature from the British Isles.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.12.1

Vocabulary

  • Analyze
  • Evaluate
  • Complex literary text
  • Complex historical texts
  • Points of view
  • Cultural perspectives
  • British Isles literature

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Necessary skills to read, analyze, and evaluate complex literary and historical texts.
  • Strategies to identify and describe various points of view and cultural perspectives.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Read complex texts.
  • Analyze elements within complex texts.
  • Evaluate text based on specific criteria provided by the teacher.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Texts written from various cultural perspectives and viewpoints can provide them with valuable information about the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of others in the present and in the past.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

The student will:

analyze how style and content contribute to the persuasiveness and beauty of a text.

Activity Details

After reading Beowulf segments, The Coming of Beowulf, The Battle with Grendel's Mother and the Death of Beowulf 

  • Students will listen to the recording of the MTSU Symphonic Band playing "Beowulf An Heroic Trilogy".
  • Divide students into small groups and have them to discuss how the parts of the music tell what is happening in the story.
  • Discuss how the author's style and content contribute to persuasiveness in writing and how the same is true for music.
  • Allow students to explain how the tone of the story is presented and developed through music.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Have students to write a reflection paper describing how both music and writing are persuasive. Students should cite examples from the text and the audio recording. The teacher will use student's finish writing pieces to determine mastery of the standard. 

Variation Tips

Schools with dance programs may include dance as a part of this activity.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Students who play an instrument can be beneficial in helping this activity become more engaging.

Discuss symphonic music and symphony with the class.

Digital Tools / Resources

MTSU Symphonic Band "Beowulf An Heroic Trilogy" Video Clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlDh0KP94wk

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

lvsdavis
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