Introduction to the Series of Lessons:

I had the opportunity to work on a song writing project with the 6th graders at Wacousta
Elementary School in Grand Ledge, Michigan. There are three separate sixth grade classes. The
previous year, while in 5th grade, the students had the opportunity to work on a cover of an a
cappella project covering and creating their own version of a popular song that had already been
covered by an cappella group. With the knowledge of song writing after taking a song writing
course at Michigan State University, I set up a series of lessons to help the sixth graders write
their own chorus (and possibly a verse) with their own rhyme scheme, chord progression, and
lyrics.

The students were placed into groups of 3, 4, or 5 by the help of my mentor teacher to ensure
quality work and as little student drama as possible. In classes, the students are already assigned
a parter to work with and discuss topics during class. We took the students and their partners and
paired them with another set of partners. The partners had been set earlier in the year and were
loosely made on the premise of academic ability, classroom management, and ability to work
well in a classroom environment.

The students were given two class periods of general instruction and setting up of the project,
three class times of working on different parts of the project according to instruction in the
packets they were given and followed up by exit tickets provided at the end of these three
classes, a recording day, and a showing of the videos/live performances of their song, plus a
reflection to follow-up on the project. In total, there were five days of active lesson preparation
and students working and two days of students recording, presenting and reflecting on their
project. Exit tickets were provided for the students on the three days of working on their own
group projects and reflection papers were provided after they had recorded their song. Every
group had to record a copy of their song and students were given the choice to show their final
project to the class through the recorded video or a live performance. Four groups decided to
present live out of the 23 groups between three classes.
The main goal of this project is to have the students think in a creative way and be able to
produce at least a chorus to an individual song. The students will have a packet that will lead
them step by step through the process. During the first lesson, the students will understand what
is expected of them during the song writing process and how to create their song with the help of
scaffolding and techniques to help them be more successful. The process being used is one
example of how someone can work through writing a song as there is no right or wrong way to
create. This is just an example of on way the students can begin to tackle the world of song
writing.

The goals through the song writing process are:

1.Create an original set of lyrics, chords, and rhymes that create a chorus of a song. (verse if
there is time)
2. Work well with a group and be able to compromise on creative activities.
3. Be able to perform a final product that includes a ukulele chord progression, melody line, and
some form of percussion.
4. Complete all written work and record the final product for assessment.