EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY up to 25 pts. For the written, up to 25 points for the presentation
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What is the song about? What does the title have to do with the song?
What message is the song trying to convey to the listener?
What poetic sound devices can you find? Write the lines that you find each device in and explain.
What figurative devices (metaphor, simile, personification) can you find in the lyrics?
Write the lines and explain each one. Use three column notes
Are the lyrics written as lines of poetry? If not, how would you break the lines into lines of poetry?
Required Materials:
• Song lyrics to your favorite song-sent to the teacher and approved by the teacher
• A Dictionary
• Your three column chart made for the poetic device vocabulary
• The lyrics to your favorite song put onto a device and ready to share with the class
Step-By-Step Procedures:
1. Students send the lyrics of their favorite songs to the teacher for approval.
2. Write down what you believe the song is about and what makes it your favorite song.
3. Review poetic devices.
4. Be ready to explain the meaning of each line.
5. Each student will then make and fill in a three column chart with the poetic device terms; an explanation of each as well as one example of each.
6. The student will take home their three column chart, listen to their song and determine what poetic elements their song contains then jot them down to bring to class.
7. Have the students print lyrics of their song off as well as put their song onto a blank cdr ipod or phone.
8. In groups of four or five and explain to the other group members what elements their song contains using the lyrics as proof and providing specific examples.
9. Next the students will work together in their groups to determine the deeper meaning behind their songs-using the dictionary to look up words they may not know.
10. After the group work the student will prepare a short presentation to give to the class in which they will first read or play their lyrics then describe one poetic element in their song and choose one passage or verse and describe its meaning.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY up to 25 pts. For the written, up to 25 points for the presentation
TOP TEN SONGS I USE
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" Fireflies " by Owl City — As an example of how this prompts great discussion, some students have interpreted the "fireflies" as the little electronic lights that glow throughout our houses at night. Others suggest that the "fireflies" are memories that you cannot get
 out of your head.
" Firework " by Katy Perry — This is a brand new song that I am using this year. It talks about not letting yourself wallow in pity or succumb to your fears. It encourages you to ignite your internal flame and allow it to become infectious. The video for this has some powerful underlying stories that add to the song. Starts off with a few great similes.
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" Breakaway " by Kelly Clarskon
 " The Climb " by Miley Cyrus
" On the Brightside " by Never Shout Never
" For Good " from the Broadway musical Wicked — A great song about how others change you just by interacting with you. Some for good. Some for bad. Do you agree? Do you believe everything happens for a reason? This is great for the end of the year. Nice similes.
" Corner of the Sky " from the Broadway musical Pippen
— Everyone is searching for
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 their purpose in life. Everyone wants to fit in.
" Puff the Magic Dragon " by Peter, Paul, and Mary — Contrary to some, this song is not about drugs . There is also one additional verse in which Jackie Paper's child finds Puff. I could not find the verse on the Internet, but it is out there!
" I Hope You Dance " by Lee Ann Womack