Music Education — Grade 5

Freedom songs of the civil rights movement

Students will listen to freedom songs recorded during the civil rights movement, 1960–1965. Students will write about personal reactions to the music and lyrics. Through reading and pictures, students will briefly explore historical events where these songs were sung. Listening again, students will analyze and describe — musically — particular song(s).

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Music Education, Social Studies, and Dance Arts Education)

By Merritt Raum Flexman.

Native American music: Two North Carolina tribes

In this lesson plan, students will listen to songs from two North Carolina tribes. Students will learn about the music through listening, analyzing, singing, moving, and playing instruments.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Music Education and Social Studies)

By Merritt Raum Flexman.

Lesson plans on the web

Music from across America

To develop their listening skills, students use worksheets to record their impressions about the music they hear from across America. In addition to learning about musical instruments and the geographic and cultural context of music, children are encouraged to think about and express their personal responses to music. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–5 Music Education)

Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities