Lesson Plan
Positivity Playlist Adventure Lesson Plan
Guide middle school students to create personalized playlists that encapsulate moments of joy and inspiration while exploring music’s role in shaping mood.
This lesson helps students understand how music can influence emotions, empowering them to express their experiences creatively and positively.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Structured creative engagement and guided discussion.
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan to understand objectives and structure.
- Familiarize yourself with the Slide Deck for Positivity Playlist Adventure for visual guidance.
- Check the Activity Guide for Playlist Creation to prepare for the interactive session.
- Ensure all digital materials are accessible and ready for display.
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Introduce the concept of a positivity playlist and explain its purpose.
- Ask students to think about songs that make them feel happy or inspired.
- Briefly discuss the connection between music and emotions.
Step 2
Personal Playlist Creation
30 minutes
- Instruct students to list moments in their lives when they felt joy or inspiration.
- Guide them to select songs that represent those moments and compile a personalized playlist.
- Encourage students to share their song choices and the stories behind them in small groups.
- Walk around the classroom to provide support and ask questions about their selections.
Step 3
Reflection and Group Discussion
10 minutes
- Bring the class together and have a few students share insights about their playlists.
- Facilitate a discussion on how different songs influence mood and why music is a powerful form of expression.
- Summarize key points and reinforce the learning objectives.
Slide Deck
Welcome to Positivity Playlist Adventure!
In today's session, we will explore how music can bring joy and inspire us.
Let's create a personalized playlist that reflects your happiest moments.
Introduce the slide deck and set the tone for the adventure. Welcome students and briefly share the purpose of today's session.
Why a Positivity Playlist?
Music affects our emotions.
- It can uplift us.
- Bring back memories.
- Inspire creativity.
Think about songs that make you feel happy or inspired.
Provide an overview of the session and what students will do. Explain the connection between music and mood.
Step 1: Warm-Up & Reflection
• Reflect on a moment when you felt really happy or inspired.
• What song comes to mind when you remember that moment?
Keep these moments in mind for the next activity.
Guide students on the warm-up activity. Ask them to reflect on moments of joy in their lives.
Step 2: Personal Playlist Creation
• List key moments of joy or inspiration from your life.
• Choose songs that represent these moments.
• Compile your personalized playlist.
Share your favorite selections in small groups later.
Explain the main activity where students create their own playlist. Encourage creativity and personal connection.
Step 3: Group Discussion & Sharing
• Discuss how different songs make you feel.
• Share the story behind one song from your playlist.
• Learn how music shapes our moods and memories.
Facilitate a group discussion. Ask for volunteers to share their playlists and discuss the emotional connections with each song.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
• Today, we learned how music can boost our mood and capture our special moments.
• Keep exploring and updating your playlist with more inspiring songs.
Thank you for participating in our Positivity Playlist Adventure!
Summarize the key points of the lesson. Reinforce the understanding of music's impact on emotions and thank students for their participation.
Activity
Activity Guide for Playlist Creation
Welcome to the Positivity Playlist Adventure! In this activity, you will create a personalized playlist that captures moments of joy and inspiration in your life. Follow the steps below and use the provided prompts to craft a playlist that reflects your personal experiences with music.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Moments of Joy
Before you begin selecting songs, take a moment to think about times in your life when you felt truly happy or inspired. This could be a memory, a special event, or even a quiet moment of personal reflection.
Prompt: What is one moment in your life where you felt a surge of joy or inspiration? Describe that moment and the emotions you experienced.
Step 2: Choose the Songs
Now, with your memorable moment in mind, think about a song (or songs) that brings you back to that feeling. Consider the rhythm, lyrics, and overall vibe of the track. Select at least three songs that best represent these positive moments.
Questions to Consider:
- Which song immediately makes you smile or feel uplifted?
- Is there a lyric or melody that ties directly into your memory?
- How does this song make you feel when you listen to it?
Space for Song Selection:
Step 3: Create Your Playlist
Using your chosen songs, compile them into a playlist. You can include a title for your playlist that reflects the theme of the moments you've chosen. Write down your playlist title and list the songs along with a brief note on why each song is special to you.
Playlist Creation Template:
-
Playlist Title:
-
Song 1:
- Why did you choose this song?
- Why did you choose this song?
-
Song 2:
- What makes this song meaningful?
- What makes this song meaningful?
-
Song 3:
- How does this song connect to your joyful moment?
- How does this song connect to your joyful moment?
Feel free to add more songs if you want to extend your playlist!
Step 4: Share and Discuss
After you have finalized your playlist, you will have the opportunity to share your favorite song or the story behind your playlist with your peers. Be ready to explain:
- How the song reflects your chosen moment.
- What emotion or memory the song brings to mind.
- Why music is a powerful tool for capturing happy memories.
Small Group Discussion Prompt: Describe the story behind one song in your playlist and explain how it made you feel when you first heard it.
Teacher's Tips
- Encourage students to think beyond mainstream songs; they can choose any music that resonates with them.
- Remind students that there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to expressing personal experiences through music.
- Walk around the classroom during the activity to assist with ideas and ensure all students are engaged.
Enjoy crafting your Positivity Playlist and let your favorite tunes remind you of your happiest and most inspiring moments!