Holiday Music Makers

Kyle Martineau

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Carols and Culture Lesson

Students will explore the history and cultural significance of popular winter holiday songs, fostering musical appreciation and understanding of lyrical themes.

Understanding the origins and meaning behind holiday songs enriches cultural literacy and allows students to connect with traditions on a deeper level. This lesson will help students appreciate music as a reflection of history and culture.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Through guided discussion and engaging activities, students will analyze holiday song lyrics.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Speakers, Sounds of the Season, Favorite Holiday Song Share, and Lyric Analysis Challenge

Prep

Review Materials and Set Up Technology

15 minutes

Review the Carols and Culture Lesson, Sounds of the Season slide deck, Favorite Holiday Song Share discussion prompt, and Lyric Analysis Challenge activity.
- Ensure projector/smartboard and speakers are working correctly.
- Prepare a list of 2-3 popular holiday songs to play as examples during the lesson introduction (e.g., "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "Deck the Halls").

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Holiday Jam?

5 minutes

Begin by playing a short instrumental snippet of a well-known holiday song.
- Ask students: "What holiday song just started playing? What's your favorite holiday song and why?"
- Briefly discuss their responses, connecting to the idea that music is a big part of holidays.

Step 2

Introduction to Holiday Music History

10 minutes

Use the Sounds of the Season slide deck to introduce the concept of holiday music and its cultural significance.
- Discuss how songs reflect history, traditions, and emotions.
- Play short clips of a few iconic holiday songs, highlighting different styles or eras.

Step 3

Small Group Discussion: Favorite Holiday Song Share

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups.
- Distribute the Favorite Holiday Song Share discussion prompt.
- Guide students to discuss their chosen holiday song's meaning and why it resonates with them.
- Circulate among groups to facilitate discussion and provide assistance.

Step 4

Activity: Lyric Analysis Challenge

10 minutes

Bring the class back together.
- Introduce the Lyric Analysis Challenge activity.
- As a class, choose one popular holiday song to analyze together, focusing on themes, imagery, and cultural references.
- Have students complete the activity individually or in pairs. Collect for assessment.

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Reflecting on Holiday Sounds

5 minutes

Ask students to share one new thing they learned about holiday music or one surprising lyric they discovered.
- Briefly recap the importance of music in cultural celebrations.

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Slide Deck

Holiday Music Makers: Sounds of the Season

Ever wonder why certain songs make you think of the holidays?

Today, we're going to explore the magic and meaning behind winter holiday music!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of holiday music. Ask them what their favorite holiday songs are to get them engaged.

What Makes a Song a "Holiday Song"?

Stories: Many songs tell tales of holiday traditions.
Feelings: They often evoke joy, warmth, and togetherness.
Tradition: Passed down through generations, connecting us to history.

Explain that music is more than just sounds; it tells stories and carries traditions from the past.

A Trip Through Time: The History of Holiday Music

Ancient Roots: Some holiday songs date back centuries!
Cultural Stories: Each song often has a unique story of its origin.
Evolution: Songs change and adapt over time, just like traditions.

Briefly discuss how some songs are very old and reflect the historical period they came from. Mention carols as an example.

Music Around the World: Cultural Significance

Global Celebrations: Different cultures have their own special holiday songs.
Shared Joy: Music helps people celebrate and feel connected.
Reflecting Values: Songs often express important cultural values and beliefs.

Emphasize how holiday music is different in various cultures around the world and how it brings people together.

Let's Listen: "Jingle Bells"

Did you know "Jingle Bells" was originally a Thanksgiving song?
What images come to mind when you hear it?
What makes this song so popular?

Provide an example of a popular holiday song and discuss its possible themes or origins. Ask students for their ideas.

Your Turn: Share Your Favorite Holiday Song!

What is a holiday song that is special to you?
Why is it your favorite?
What do you think the song is really about?

Transition to the discussion activity. Explain that students will get to share their own favorite holiday songs.

Discussion

Activity

Lyric Analysis Challenge

Instructions: Choose one popular winter holiday song (or use the one we discussed as a class) and analyze its lyrics using the questions below.

Song Title: ________________________________

Artist/Writer (if known): ________________________________

Main Theme/Message: What do you think is the main idea or message of this song?
Key Imagery: What specific words or phrases create strong pictures in your mind? List at least two examples and explain what image they create.

Example 1:

Example 2:
Cultural References: Does the song mention any specific traditions, symbols, or historical elements related to the holidays? What are they?
Emotions: What emotions does this song make you feel? How do the lyrics contribute to these feelings?
Personal Connection: Why do you think this song has remained popular? What makes it special for people during the holidays?