8th Grade Writing Songs

Dive into the world of argumentative writing with a fresh, culturally relevant approach! This comprehensive resource uses the popular song "The Boy is Mine" by Brandy and Monica to introduce middle school students to the key elements of a strong argument.

Learning Objectives:

• Trace an argument using song lyrics.
• Identify the essential components of an argumentative essay.

What's Inside:

• A 60-minute lesson plan aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1, and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.
• A 12-slide PowerPoint presentation.
• Chunked and labeled song lyrics for clarity and ease of tracing arguments.
• Vocabulary words: argument, counterargument, and rebuttal.
• Engaging writing activities, including a Do Now, lyric annotation, and a tracing argument graphic organizer.

Usage Scenario: Perfect for middle school ELA teachers and interventionists, this resource is both engaging and educational. Start with a Do Now activity, delve into vocabulary, and introduce students to the iconic artists. After watching the music video, students will actively engage with the lyrics, tracing the arguments of each singer. By the end of the lesson, students will form and share their opinions on which singer presented the strongest argument. The PowerPoint also includes additional discourse questions for extended engagement.

Highlights!

• Print & Go: This resource is ready to be used with minimal preparation.
• High Engagement: Incorporate what students love (music) with what they need to master (argumentative writing).
• Culturally Relevant: Connect with students using a song they recognize and enjoy.

Elevate your teaching game with this innovative resource. Ideal for middle school grades, it aligns with key educational standards, ensuring your students are on the right track while having fun!

Curriculum connections: Music, Language, Visual Art   Grades: 6-8 What is Included: Songza Assignment (rough copy and final assignment with writing/art), Lesson Ideas, a rubric.   About this Assignment:   This is a great back to school lesson to use with students in September. It provides students with a chance to reflect on their music preferences while learning about musical terms, and about an online music streaming site. It is a chance for your students to curate their own playlists. This activity is suitable for grade 6-8 students. This activity also gives teachers a chance to get to know the music preferences of their students to help create future lessons based on their interests. This lesson could be adapted to be used with other online music streaming websites. The lesson also encourages students to start to discuss music in ways beyond “I like this song”. They can start to learn about the categories in Songza such as genre and decade. There is a short writing piece included so that students can express why they selected the songs they did for their own Songza Playlists. This assignment can be adapted and used to suit the needs of your students.