Music and social studies are a natural fit. There’s a wealth of music that relates to history and social issues (Standard 9). MENC member Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay says teaching the historical background of a song adds meaning, provides a connection, and fosters learning and interest: “The slightest spark of commonality among your students and their personal experience or interest can make the difference.” 

Tips for learning the social studies curriculum

• Review state and county educational objectives.
• Look on state department of education Web sites for units and concepts for various grade levels. (Often private schools list this content on their Web sites too.)
• See if your school server has this information.
• Consult with classroom teachers and request copies of quarterly objectives and yearly goals.
• Attend grade-level meetings.
• Ask yourself, “How can I adapt this material to help my students see the whole picture—how the arts relate and are relevant?”
• Try serving on your school’s social studies committee.

Lindsay enjoys writing musical plays with her students about historical events. She also develops lesson plans around songs like “Ballad of the Underground Railroad,” “The Old Dominion,” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  See her lesson plan for the William Billings' Revolutionary War song "Chester."
 

How do students respond?

Lindsay says, “My students appreciate that I know what they are studying.”

By sharing photos, stories, and experiences about an area of study or from historical sites she’s visited, she

• fosters a deeper understanding of what students are learning,
• bonds with students in like experiences and reflections, and
• brings vibrancy to the classroom.

By participating in musicals, students leap forward in their learning:

• They participate in creative play.
• They embody a particular character and time period.
• They think as another person in another time.
• They become motivated to think and write about what happens after their dramatic experience ends.

Lindsay’s students frequently share their sequel and prequel stories, plays, and songs with her. “This is how you know what you have taught has made a difference. Not only was I able to capture their dramatic and musical energy, interest, and talent, but I excited them enough to encourage creativity in thinking, writing, and their imaginations!”
 

Can’t find any resources?

Lindsay recommends, “Use your creative genius to create and compose what you will need.” Some other tips--

• Help students create a musical, compose the songs, and perform the accompaniment.
• Invite local musicians to perform music of a specific era your students are studying.

And don’t forget to invite your administration, staff, and community to performances. Show others how music can be included in the school curriculum.

MENC and other resources

• Lessons in American Music by Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay—a collection of lesson plans, sheet music, and assessments covering William Billings, Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin, and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Visit www.rowmaneducation.com and search by title. (Volume II due out soon.)
• Liberty for All: A Musical Journey CD series with a Teacher’s Guide with lesson plans. Visit www.menc.org/lessons and search for “Liberty for All.”
• Library of Congress’s Teachers section has lesson plans, activities, and lots of resources. Visit www.loc.gov/teachers.
• The Songs for Teaching Web site has a section on “Using Music to Teach Social Studies, American History, and Government.” Visit www.songsforteaching.com/socialstudiessongs.htm.
• The Songs for Social Studies Web site has a package of 12 original songs available with curriculum and activities. Visit www.songsfor.com

Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay teaches at Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, VA, and leads the Crestwood After School Theater (CAST). She wrote the MENC book Lessons in American Music. She writes musical plays with her students, such as “James Madison: Little Man, Big Ideas,” “Last Days of Pompeii,” and “Orpheus and Eurydice.” 

Linda Brown, April 30, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)