Lesson Plan

Lesson 5: Coded Spirituals, Metaphor in African Spirituals

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

If a picture is worth a thousand words, song lyrics also can communicate many meanings. Using the lyrics of spirituals, young historians analyze them for coded messages about freedom. Resources include a chart to help individuals track their findings and prompts to write their own freedom songs using a popular tune.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Supplement instruction of poetry using the group of analytical activities
Classroom Considerations
  • Fifth in a six-part series on slavery and music
  • Learners must be able to listen to the music, either online or through the mentioned two-CD set
Pros
  • Assessment activity is integrative and creative
  • Chart with a key makes the resource easy to use
Cons
  • None