Musical Storytelling: Creating a Soundtrack

Ms. Garrow

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Musical Storytelling: Creating a Soundtrack

Understand mood and emotion in music

In this lesson, students will explore the connection between music and storytelling by creating a soundtrack for a short story. This activity will help them understand how music can convey mood and emotion, enhancing their comprehension and creative skills. By associating music with storytelling, students will develop a deeper appreciation for both art forms and improve their ability to express emotions through music.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand mood and emotion in music

Materials

Short story handout, Audio clips of different music genres, Worksheet: Story and Soundtrack, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction to Music and Mood

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on how music can convey different emotions and moods.
Play short audio clips of various music genres (e.g., happy, sad, suspenseful) and ask students to describe the mood of each clip.
Explain that they will be creating a soundtrack for a story to enhance its emotional impact.

Step 2

Storytelling Activity

15 mins

Distribute the short story handout to each student.
Read the story aloud to the class, pausing at key moments to discuss the emotions and mood.
Encourage students to think about what kind of music would fit each part of the story.

Step 3

Creating the Soundtrack

15 mins

Hand out the 'Story and Soundtrack' worksheet.
Instruct students to choose music clips that match different parts of the story and write down their choices on the worksheet.
Allow students to work individually or in pairs to discuss and select appropriate music.

Step 4

Closure and Sharing

5 mins

Invite a few students to share their soundtrack choices and explain why they selected each piece of music.
Conclude with a discussion on how music can enhance storytelling and the importance of mood in both music and stories.

Reading

Short Story Handout

A short story for students to use in the soundtrack activity.

Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a mysterious forest that no one dared to enter. One day, a brave young girl named Lily decided to explore the forest. As she walked deeper into the woods, she heard strange noises and saw shadows moving between the trees. Suddenly, she stumbled upon a hidden clearing filled with beautiful flowers and a sparkling stream. Lily felt a sense of peace and wonder as she sat by the stream, listening to the gentle flow of water. But as the sun began to set, the forest grew darker and the noises returned, urging Lily to find her way back home quickly.

Worksheet

Story and Soundtrack Worksheet

A worksheet for students to match music to story parts.

What music would you choose for the beginning of the story when Lily enters the forest?

Think about the mood of curiosity and mystery.

What music would fit the scene where Lily finds the clearing with flowers and a stream?

Consider music that conveys peace and wonder.

What music would you select for the moment when the forest becomes dark and Lily needs to hurry home?

Look for music that creates a sense of urgency and suspense.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to guide a discussion on music and storytelling.

How does music change the way we experience a story?

Encourage students to think about how different music can make the same story feel different.

Can you think of a movie or show where the music made a big impact on how you felt?

Ask students to share examples and discuss how the music influenced their emotions.

Why do you think it's important to match the right music with a story?

Discuss the role of music in enhancing the mood and emotion of a story.