Curated OER
Lyric Analysis: Reflection
The Woody Guthrie song,"I Ain’t Got No Home in This World Anymore" invites upper graders to engage in lyric analysis. They use the lyrics to answer five analysis questions to determine a social meaning to the song. A suggested...
Curated OER
This Land Is Your Land
Students explore the many faces of America through the video, "This Land Is Your Land." They discuss places they may have visited and record their responses. Students create symbols that respresent the riches of America.
Curated OER
Your Land, My Land, Woody's Land Too
Students become familiar with the song writer Woody Guthrie and his song, This Land Is Your Land. In this getting to know our land lesson, students understand the vocabulary of the song and some biographical information about Woody...
Curated OER
Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home
Young scholars examine the music of Woody Guthrie and how the political and economic climate influenced his work. They read and discuss online articles, define key vocabulary words, take a Political Orientation Survey, and write a...
Curated OER
Bob Dylan: No Direction Home
Students hold panel discussions on selected topics about the 1960s and their impact on modern-day events. As visual reinforcement, they watch the film about Bob Dylan and research the music of the period as well as his musical...
Curated OER
Your Land, My Land, Woody's Land, Too
Students are introduced to the folksinger, Woody Guthrie, and his legendary song This Land Is Your Land. After listening to the song, students engage in a discussion which emphasizes that Woody Guthrie wrote songs for everyone;...
Curated OER
Folk
Students read about Woody Guthrie and how folk music often tells of events of the time and can be effective protest music.
Curated OER
Let's Celebrate Our Land!
Students investigate Woody Guthrie's beliefs. In this citizenship lesson plan, students research and discuss the beliefs of Woody Guthrie and write down several facts that they learned.
Curated OER
Folk Art In Response to Folk Music
Students respond to the song, "This Land is Your Land" in writing and create an original painting in the style of folk art. They identify the characteristics of folk art and identify how the works of folk artists reflect the culture of...
PBS
Pbs: American Roots Music
If teaching a unit about the history of popular music in America, this PBS web site supporting their four-part TV broadcast of a few years ago would make a great resource. Includes lesson plans and oral histories too.
Other
Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives
The consummate resource for extensive information about folk singer Woody Guthrie. Includes a great biography with photos and quotes plus publications, special projects, and events.
Other
Woody Guthrie: "Belle Starr" Lyrics
Renowned folk singer Woody Guthrie composed this song that tells of Belle Starr and the outlaws in her life.
Other
Woody Guthrie: The People's Troubador
The story of Woody Guthrie, the folk musician who wrote the score for the 1930s and the Great Depression.
Other
Museum of Musical Instruments: Woody Guthrie
This interesting site features the life and music of Woody Guthrie. Explore this online exhibit showcasing one of America's great folk singers.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Woody Guthrie and the Grapes of Wrath
This lesson plan provides ideas for exploring Woodie Guthrie's music while reading John Steinbeck's book The Grapes of Wrath.
Library of Congress
Loc: Woody Guthrie and the Archive of American Folk Song
An archive Woody Guthrie's correspondence from 1940-50. Could provide insight into Woody's music. Contains a great biographical sketch and timeline. Also, a search aid for additional materials at the Library of Congress about him.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Woody Guthrie
"The original folk hero", Woody Guthrie was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. He wrote hundreds of songs that he turned into a way to show his social conscience and left-wing radical politics.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Pete Seeger
Covers expansive details on influential folk musician, Pete Seeger, a 1996 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes a timeline of key life events, recommended reading list, and essential songs.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Woody Guthrie
Learn about American songwriter Woody Guthrie. This resource features a biography, a discography, and a photo gallery.
Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: Primary Source Set Dust Bowl Migration
Set of primary documents, photos, audio and sheet music having to do with the movement of homeless families during the Great Depression. Teaching guide included.
Digital History
Digital History: Popular Culture During the Great Depression
A great description of the tension in popular culture during the Great Depression with a focus on tradition abutting modernism in the arts and architecture. Read about the new comic book and radio superheroes, and commonality in American...
Digital History
Digital History: Jobs Programs
The major aspect of the Great Depression was the rampant unemployment. Read about the many jobs programs that were part of the New Deal that provided employment for millions of needy Americans.
Other
Kansas State Univ.: Music and Race in 20th C. America
Short but interesting combination of music and race and its influence on American culture from the Kansas State University. Provides most important songs, artists, and lyrics. Unusual page.
Other
Amdocs:ludlow Massacre, 1913: Song by Woody Guthrie
Read the words of a Woody Guthrie song giving an account of the Ludlow Massacre during the Colorado coal strikes in 1913.