$5 - $10 9th Grade Music Activities (by date, oldest first)

I am not throwing away my shot! Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character is an innovative resource designed for upper middle school and lower high school English Language Arts teachers. This engaging packet leverages the powerful narrative of the musical 'Hamilton' to delve into the intricate dynamics between two of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This literary analysis is an easy way to practice plot, conflict, and character development while enjoying some of the best songs from the Hamilton Musical soundtrack.

Key Highlights:

• Detailed Lyric Analysis: Students will read and annotate the lyrics of key songs, exploring the deep narrative and character development. Song lyrics include Aaron Burr, Sir, My Shot, Wait for It, The Election of 1800, Your Obedient Servant, and The World Was Wide Enough.
• Figurative Language Identification: Enhance literary comprehension by identifying figurative language, fostering a greater appreciation of the songs' poetic elements.
• Critical Character and Conflict Exploration: Thought-provoking questions on conflict, plot, and character are included, promoting analytical skills through a 'Claim, Evidence, Reasoning' framework.
• Cross-Curricular Engagement: Seamlessly integrating music and history with English literature, this resource offers a multi-dimensional learning experience.
• Interactive Google Slides Presentation: A comprehensive presentation with embedded songs enhances classroom engagement and interaction.
• Comprehensive Answer Key: Facilitates teaching and ensures effective learning outcomes.

Extension Opportunities:

• Creative Writing Prompts: Encourage students to write from the perspectives of Hamilton or Burr, deepening their understanding of these historical figures.
• Debate Sessions: Host debates on the decisions and actions of Hamilton and Burr, fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills.
• Research Projects: Students can undertake research projects on the historical accuracy of the musical, comparing it with actual historical events.

'Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character' is more than just a teaching resource; it's a gateway to exploring history, literature, and music in an immersive and captivating way. Prepare to bring the excitement of 'Hamilton' into your classroom and watch as your students develop a richer understanding of literary analysis, historical context, and character study.

Engage and Inspire Your Middle School ELA Students!

Dive into the festive season with our Christmas Hip Hop Lyrics Analysis resource, exclusively designed for grades 6-8 ELA classrooms. This unique, print-and-go package on TeachShare brings the vibrant world of hip hop into your classroom, featuring iconic tracks "Christmas Rappin'" by Kurtis Blow and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC.

What's Inside:

• Comprehensive Lyrics Annotation Guide: Students will delve into the lyrics, identifying key elements like setting, rhyme scheme, imagery, connotation, and repetition.
• Figurative Language Classification: A step-by-step guide to help students classify different types of figurative language used in the songs.
• Critical Thinking through Discourse: Utilize the innovative Agree, Disagree, Modify method for stimulating classroom discussions.
• Thematic and Plot Analysis: Students will explore the themes and plot elements, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Multiple Choice Quiz: Test their understanding with a 6-question multiple-choice quiz, tailored to middle school comprehension levels.

Why Choose This Resource?

• Culturally Relevant: Connects with students using the universal language of music, particularly hip hop.
• High Engagement: Keeps students interested and involved with contemporary and relatable content.
• Rigorously Designed: Meets educational standards while challenging students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ready to Use: No prep needed, just print and you're ready to teach!