Lesson Plan
The Playlist of My Life
Students will curate a personal soundtrack that reflects their identity, memories, and aspirations, exploring the power of music as a form of self-expression.
This lesson helps students connect with music on a personal level, fostering self-reflection and understanding of how music shapes their lives and identities.
Audience
Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through guided reflection and creative expression, students will build their personal soundtrack.
Materials
Music's Emotional Canvas (slide-deck), My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet), and Sharing Our Musical Stories (discussion)
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Music's Emotional Canvas (slide-deck) to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet) for each student.
- Prepare for the Sharing Our Musical Stories (discussion) by thinking about your own personal soundtrack.
- Ensure access to music playback equipment (speakers, computer, etc.).
Step 1
Introduction: The Power of Music (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What's a song that always makes you feel a certain way?" Allow a few students to share.
- Introduce the concept of a personal soundtrack – a collection of songs that represent different aspects of their lives.
- Present the Music's Emotional Canvas (slide-deck) slides 1-3, discussing how music evokes emotions and memories.
Step 2
Exploring Identity through Music (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Transition to the idea of music as self-expression using Music's Emotional Canvas (slide-deck) slides 4-6.
- Distribute the My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet).
- Guide students through the first section of the worksheet, prompting them to think about songs that represent their past, present, and future selves.
Step 3
Curating Your Soundtrack (20 minutes)
20 minutes
- Encourage students to delve deeper into their musical choices using Music's Emotional Canvas (slide-deck) slides 7-9.
- Students will continue working on their My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet), selecting specific songs and explaining their significance. Encourage them to consider different genres and moods.
- Circulate around the room, offering guidance and prompting deeper reflection.
Step 4
Sharing and Reflection (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Facilitate the Sharing Our Musical Stories (discussion) using Music's Emotional Canvas (slide-deck) slide 10.
- Students will share one or two songs from their soundtrack and explain their choices to a small group or the whole class.
- Conclude by emphasizing the unique power of music in personal expression and connection.
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Slide Deck
Your Life's Soundtrack
What song speaks to you?
Music has the power to tell our story.
Today, we'll create a personal soundtrack that reflects who you are!
Welcome students and get them thinking about music. Ask: "What's a song that always makes you feel a certain way?" Allow a few students to share their responses and briefly explain why.
Music: A Language of Emotion
Music can make us:
- Happy
- Sad
- Excited
- Calm
- Brave
- ...and so much more!
Explain that music is more than just sounds; it's a language of emotion. Ask: "How can music make us feel happy, sad, or even brave?" Prompt students to think about different emotions.
Songs & Memories
A single song can bring back:
- Happy moments
- Important events
- People we care about
Music is a powerful memory keeper!
Discuss how certain songs can be tied to specific memories. Ask: "Can you think of a song that reminds you of a special moment or person?" Share a brief personal example if comfortable.
Your Musical Identity
Your favorite songs are like clues to your personality!
They can express:
- Your feelings
- Your beliefs
- Your unique style
Transition to the idea of music as a form of self-expression. Explain that the songs we choose often say something about who we are. Ask: "What does your favorite song say about you?"
Your Life's Soundtrack
Imagine your life as a movie...
What songs would be on its soundtrack?
We're going to create a playlist that tells your story using the My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet)!
Introduce the concept of a 'life soundtrack.' Explain that just like a movie has a soundtrack, our lives can too. This will be a collection of songs that represent them. Explain the My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet) will help them organize their ideas.
Soundtrack Categories
Think about songs for:
- Your Past: Memories, where you came from
- Your Present: Who you are now, what you feel
- Your Future: Your hopes, dreams, and goals
Explain the different categories they will be thinking about for their soundtrack: past, present, and future. Briefly elaborate on each category to ensure understanding.
No Wrong Answers!
Your soundtrack is yours.
Choose songs that genuinely resonate with you.
Consider different genres, artists, and moods!
Encourage students to think broadly about music. It doesn't have to be just popular songs. It could be instrumental, classical, folk, etc. Emphasize that there are no 'right' or 'wrong' songs.
Why This Song?
When choosing a song, ask yourself:
- What emotions does it evoke?
- What memories does it bring back?
- How does it represent you?
Suggest they think about the lyrics and the overall mood or message of a song. How does it connect to their life story?
Time to Create!
Now, let's get started on your personal playlist.
Use your My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet) to select your songs and explain your choices.
Give them time to work on their worksheets. Circulate and assist as needed. Offer prompts if students are stuck, such as "What song helps you focus?" or "What song reminds you of a challenge you overcame?"
Share Your Story!
We'll be sharing parts of our soundtracks.
Be ready to tell us about one or two songs that are special to you! Use the Sharing Our Musical Stories (discussion) to guide your thoughts.
Explain that they will have a chance to share. Reassure them that they only need to share what they are comfortable with. Direct them to the Sharing Our Musical Stories (discussion) prompts.
Worksheet
My Life's Soundtrack Planner
Music has a way of telling our story without words. This planner will help you create a personal soundtrack, a collection of songs that represent different parts of your life – your past, present, and future self.
Part 1: Your Musical Memory Lane (The Past)
Think about your earliest memories, important events, or even childhood feelings. What songs were playing? What songs bring those moments back?
-
Song Title:
Artist:
Why this song? (What memory or feeling does it connect to?)
-
Song Title:
Artist:
Why this song? (What memory or feeling does it connect to?)
Part 2: The Soundtrack of Now (The Present)
What songs reflect who you are right now? What are your current interests, feelings, or challenges? What song would describe your everyday life?
-
Song Title:
Artist:
Why this song? (How does it reflect your current self or feelings?)
-
Song Title:
Artist:
Why this song? (How does it reflect your current self or feelings?)
Part 3: Anticipating the Melody (The Future)
What songs inspire your dreams and aspirations? What kind of person do you want to become? What song would play as you achieve your goals?
-
Song Title:
Artist:
Why this song? (How does it relate to your hopes, dreams, or future self?)
-
Song Title:
Artist:
Why this song? (How does it relate to your hopes, dreams, or future self?)
Part 4: My Theme Song
If you had to pick one song that sums up your life so far, or how you feel about your future, what would it be?
My Theme Song Title:
Artist:
Why is this your theme song? (Explain its significance and connection to you.)
Discussion
Sharing Our Musical Stories
It's time to share the musical stories that make us unique! In this discussion, you'll have a chance to share a piece of your personal soundtrack and explain why it's meaningful to you.
Discussion Prompts:
Choose one or two of the following prompts to guide your sharing. Be ready to explain your choices to your classmates.
-
From Your Past: Share a song from the "Musical Memory Lane" section of your My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet). What memory or feeling does this song bring back for you?
-
From Your Present: Pick a song from "The Soundtrack of Now" on your My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet). How does this song reflect who you are or what you're feeling right now?
-
From Your Future: Share a song from "Anticipating the Melody" on your My Life's Soundtrack Planner (worksheet). What hopes or dreams does this song inspire for your future?
-
Your Theme Song: If you chose a theme song, share it and explain why it perfectly captures your essence or aspirations.
Discussion Guidelines:
- Listen Actively: Pay attention when others are sharing their stories.
- Be Respectful: Everyone's musical choices are personal and valid.
- Explain Your Why: Don't just name a song; tell us why it's important to you. This is where the real connection happens!
Reflection Questions (after sharing):
-
What was something new you learned about a classmate through their musical choices?
-
How did hearing other people's soundtracks make you think differently about music or self-expression?