Subject:  Language Arts                                                            Grade:  First

Standard:  #3  Reading:  Application

Key Concept:  Different cultures have different ways of telling stories.

Generalization:  the type of story studied gives important information about a culture.

Background:  students have been studying a variety of stories to learn about different cultures.  Today we will study ____________. (Irish stories, African American Spirituals).

This lesson is tiered in content according to learning style.

Tier I:  Visual Learners

These students will read the words to "Molly Malone" (or "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" or whatever nationality song you wish to cover).  They will discuss the meaning of the song.  Then they will hear the music as they read the words.  They will discuss the story that the song tells.

Tier II: 

Auditory Learners

These students will listen to a recording of the song and will discuss the meaning of the song after they listen to it.  They will discuss the story as they hear it and then will discuss the elements of the music that add to their understanding.

Tier III:  Kinesthetic Learners

These students will learn a simple Irish dance (movement for the Spiritual) to help interpret or understand the song.

Assessment:  Understanding the culture through the lyrics of a song and the music that accompanies it is the focus of this lesson.  Teacher observation of groups and demonstration of understanding in accomplishing the task are the focal points of this assessment.

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1LL-FAD