Lesson Plan
Playlist Plan
Students will curate a three-song playlist linked to motivation strategies and explain how each selection supports perseverance and self-regulation.
This lesson empowers learners to connect personal music preferences with goal-setting and self-control strategies, boosting intrinsic motivation and resilience.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion, music sampling, creation, and peer sharing.
Materials
- Power of Music Slides, - Playlist Share Sheet, - Music Snippet Station, - Perseverance Playlist Script, and - Audio playback device (speakers or computer)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review Power of Music Slides and familiarize yourself with discussion prompts in the Perseverance Playlist Script
- Queue up 4–5 thirty-second song clips at the Music Snippet Station
- Print one copy of the Playlist Share Sheet per student
- Test audio equipment and ensure stations are ready for group rotations
Step 1
Discussion: Motivation Triggers
5 minutes
- Project the first slide from Power of Music Slides
- Define "motivation," "perseverance," and "self-regulation"
- Use prompts from the Perseverance Playlist Script to ask: “What activities show you’re determined?”
- Record student ideas on the board
Step 2
Music Snippets Exploration
8 minutes
- Divide class into small groups and rotate through the Music Snippet Station
- At each station, play a 30-second clip and have students note how it makes them feel and why
- Encourage linking emotional responses to perseverance strategies (e.g., energizing, calming)
Step 3
Independent Playlist Creation
10 minutes
- Distribute the Playlist Share Sheet
- Students select three songs (from snippets or own choices) and write them down
- For each song, they describe which motivation strategy it supports and why (using sentence starters from the script)
Step 4
Peer Sharing & Reflection
7 minutes
- Pair students to share their three-song playlists and rationales
- Each pair picks one example to share with the whole class
- Conclude by highlighting how music can be a personal tool for boosting perseverance
Slide Deck
Motivation, Perseverance, and Self-Regulation
• Motivation: the desire or reason to act
• Perseverance: sticking with a task despite challenges
• Self-Regulation: managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to reach goals
Introduce key terms to establish a common language. Ask students for their own examples to build engagement.
Why Music?
• Music can energize or calm us
• It triggers emotions that influence our focus and determination
• We can use songs as personal tools to stay on track
Explain how music can shift our mood and energy. Invite a quick volunteer share: “When you hear your favorite song, what do you feel?”
Music Snippet Stations
- Form small groups and rotate through stations
- Listen to a 30-second clip at each station
- Write down:
- How the clip makes you feel
- Why it might boost your determination
Walk through the station setup. Emphasize noting feelings and linking to perseverance strategies.
Reflection Prompts
• What emotion did you notice most?
• Which part of the song felt most motivating or calming?
• How could this feeling help you keep going when work is hard?
Guide students to reflect deeply, using these prompts in their notes for later playlist creation.
Playlist Creation Tips
Use these starters for each song:
• “This song motivates me by ...”
• “When I feel ..., this song helps me ...”
• “I choose this because it reminds me to ...”
Prepare students for independent work by modeling a song choice. Use the sentence starters below.
Project Guide
Playlist Share Sheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________________
| Song # | Title & Artist | Motivation Strategy | Rationale: Why This Song Helps Me |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 |
Reflection: How will you use this playlist the next time you need perseverance?
Activity
Music Snippet Station Setup and Rotation
Purpose: Students listen to 30-second song clips and note emotional responses tied to perseverance strategies.
Materials per Station
- 30-second audio clip loaded and cued on a device
- Headphones (optional) or speakers
- Station sign with clip title or number
- Student recording sheet or sticky notes
- Pens or pencils
Station Setup (Teacher)
- Label four to five areas around the room as Station 1, Station 2, etc.
- At each station, place a device queued to play a different 30-second music snippet.
- Provide each station with recording sheets or sticky notes.
- Set a timer for each rotation (about 1½–2 minutes per station).
Student Instructions
- Form small groups of 3–4 students. Each group starts at a different station.
- At the signal, press play on the clip and listen carefully.
- On your recording sheet, write:
- How did this clip make you feel?
- Which part (beat, lyric, melody) felt most motivating or calming?
- Why might this feeling help you stick with a tough task?
- How did this clip make you feel?
- When the timer rings, rotate as a group to the next station until you’ve visited each one.
Reflection Questions (at final station)
- Which clip energized you the most?
- Which clip calmed you down?
- How could you use a similar song to stay motivated when you face challenges?
When rotations end, gather as a class and prepare to use your observations for creating your personal playlists.
Script
Perseverance Playlist Script
Total Time: 30 minutes
Materials: Power of Music Slides, Music Snippet Station, Playlist Share Sheet
1. Discussion: Motivation Triggers (5 minutes)
[Display Slide 1 of the Power of Music Slides]
“Good morning, everyone! Today we’re exploring three big ideas: motivation, perseverance, and self-regulation.
First, let’s read these definitions together:
• Motivation is the desire or reason to act.
• Perseverance is sticking with a task even when it’s hard.
• Self-regulation is managing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to reach a goal.
What kinds of activities show you’re determined or persevering? Turn to a partner and share one example now. Ready? Go!”
[Pause 30 seconds for Think-Pair-Share]
“Who would like to share an example with the class?”
[Take 2–3 responses. Write ideas on the board.]
“Great! Now, how does self-regulation help you in those situations? For instance, when you start to feel frustrated, what can you do to keep going?”
[Listen for ideas: deep breathing, positive self-talk, breaking tasks into steps. Jot key words on the board.]
“Awesome thinking! We’re off to a strong start.”
2. Music Snippets Exploration (8 minutes)
“I’d like you to see how music can trigger those same feelings we just talked about. We’ll use our Music Snippet Station. Each station has a 30-second clip. Your job is to notice how each clip makes you feel and why it might boost your determination.”
“Here’s how it works:
- Form groups of 3–4 and take turns at Station 1, 2, 3, etc.
- When you arrive, press play and listen closely.
- On your recording sheet, write:
• How did this clip make you feel?
• Which part (beat, lyric, melody) felt most motivating or calming?
• Why might this feeling help you stick with a tough task? - After 2 minutes, I’ll ring the bell and you’ll rotate.”
“Let’s get started! Stations, begin now.”
[Circulate to keep groups on time. Ring bell after 2 minutes, repeat until all stations visited.]
“When rotations end, return to your seats and get ready to create your own playlist.”
3. Independent Playlist Creation (10 minutes)
“Take a Playlist Share Sheet and a pencil. You’ll choose three songs—either from our snippets or any song you love—and explain how each one supports your perseverance.”
“Use these sentence starters for each song:
• “This song motivates me by …”
• “When I feel …, this song helps me …”
• “I choose this because it reminds me to …”
To show you, here’s my example for Song #1:
“‘Eye of the Tiger’ motivates me by pumping me up with its strong beat. When I feel tired, this song helps me keep going. I choose this because it reminds me to rise up and never give up, just like the lyrics say.”
“Now it’s your turn. You have about ten minutes—go!”
[Circulate, offering help and praise as students write.]
4. Peer Sharing & Reflection (7 minutes)
“Okay, time’s up! Close your sheet and turn to a partner. Share one of your song choices and your rationale. Listen carefully—then swap roles.”
[Pause for pairs to discuss: 2 minutes.]
“Now, let’s hear from a few pairs. Share your song title and one sentence about why it boosts your perseverance.”
[Call on 3–4 pairs.]
“Fantastic examples! Notice how music can be a personal tool for focus, energy, or calm.
Reflection: When you face a tough task, pick a song from your playlist to help you stay motivated and in control. Keep this sheet handy and use your playlist whenever you need a boost. Thank you for your hard work today!”