Lyrics of Identity: Celebrating Diversity Through Art

5th Grade

Lesson
60 minutes

Lyrics of Identity: Celebrating Diversity Through Art

Eden Feenstra

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.2

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.4

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.1

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to explore themes of diversity and acceptance through the analysis of Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People." Students will engage with the song's lyrics to identify figurative language and themes, fostering discussions on identity and community. Through creative projects and collaborative activities, students will connect the song's messages to their personal experiences and broader societal contexts, enhancing their understanding of inclusion and empathy.

Learning goals

Students will explore themes of diversity and acceptance by analyzing the lyrics of "Everyday People" and discussing their personal connections. They will engage in collaborative discussions to enhance their understanding of figurative language and its impact on conveying meaning. Through creative projects, students will express their interpretations of the song's themes, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and identities.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5 - Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.2 - Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.7 - Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem).

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Introduce the lesson by giving a brief background on the band Sly and the Family Stone, highlighting their significance as a racially integrated, mixed-gender group. Play the music video of 'Everyday People' and ask students to observe the band, noting their diversity. This sets the context for exploring themes of diversity and acceptance. (10 minutes) Distribute printed copies of the song lyrics to each student. Play the song again, asking students to follow along and highlight one line that resonates with them. This activity encourages students to engage with the text and start thinking about the song's themes and figurative language. (10 minutes) In small table groups, students share the line they highlighted and discuss their thoughts and feelings about it. Each group collaborates to select one line that they feel best represents the song's message of diversity and acceptance. This activity promotes collaborative discussions, enhancing understanding through peer interaction. (15 minutes) Each group presents their chosen line to the entire class, with someone from the group explaining their decision-making process. Encourage students to read or sing their line. Facilitate a circle discussion where students share how their chosen line relates to their personal experiences and the essential questions. This reflection helps connect the song's themes to students' lives. (15 minutes) Introduce the 'Lyric Art Gallery' project, where students create visual art inspired by their chosen lyric line. Briefly explain how they can use multimedia elements to express themes of diversity and acceptance. This project-based activity encourages creative expression and prepares students for the exhibition. (10 minutes)
Deliverables
Preparation