Search For Truth and Meaning Through Song and Poetry
Before Reading the Poem:
Listen to the audio of Aretha Franklin singing “Respect” twice. The first time simply listen all the way through. The second time write down words and images that you think of when you hear her sing. You should be able to connect these thoughts directly to a part of the song that you heard. If you need to listen more closely, you may listen to the audio one more time.
Read the Poem: Read the poem by Crystal Williams silently, then write down the words and phrases that jump out at you. https://poets.org/lesson-plan/teach-poem-voice-god-crystal-williams?mc_cid=fd317c8f44&mc_eid=24dfe81624
Listening to the Poem (either enlist volunteers to read the poem aloud or read it out loud yourself): Listen as the poem is read aloud twice, and write down any additional words and phrases that jump out at you.
Reflect:
Share the words and phrases you wrote to describe what you heard in the song and the words and phrases that you noticed in the poem. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?
Based on evidence from the poem, what are the many items to which Crystal Williams compares the voice of Aretha Franklin? How do you think the speaker in the poem feels about Franklin’s voice? How does the poem make you feel about her music? Is this the way you felt when you listened, or is it different?
Write a poem about your favorite vocalist using the unique descriptive words you identified in the warm-up.
Create!
Find a way to express yourself. Maybe you want to write about it, build a sculpture, act it out, or paint, draw, color your thoughts! Interpretative dance or puppet shows! Write a poem about your favorite vocalist, song, or poem --can you set it to music? Share a video of your reading or singing.
Share!
If you can capture your ideas in paint, in crayon, on film, or in another way, we would love to see what you've made! Post on the Share Ur Stuff (blog).
Can we find truth and meaning in poetry and song? Let's see!
These activities can be done alone or with a trusted adult, sibling, friend, or partner.
Warm-up:
Write down the name of your favorite vocalist. Think of the most unique words you can to describe their voice and write those down. Share your writing with someone IRl or on our Share Ur Stuff blog.