Day 1: Active listening and creative writing
Active listening - We will listen to a handful of existing popular holiday songs (All I Want For Christmas! Jingle Bells, The 12 Days of Christmas, and more!) We will have discussions and explore the following questions:
What gives these songs a “holiday” feel? Lyrics, melody, instrumentation, etc. Are there consistent things you notice across some of these songs?
How do these songs make us feel? What emotional connection do you have to these songs?
What do you like about the song, what don’t you like?
What is a common song form? Verse, chorus etc?
Writing and brainstorming to a prompt - Students will be given a holiday prompt - “tree, snow, gingerbread, etc” and will free associate from these words - what does it smell like, how does it taste, feel, etc? These sensory brainstorms will serve as the foundation for the lyrics and subsequent songs.
Assignment: Students will write a short one paragraph story using the writing prompt and brainstorm from class
Day 2: Writing lyrics and putting it all together
Students read their assignments out loud - discussion on what we felt, where did it bring us, how were our senses engaged?
Improvisation: Teacher facilitated improvization to create melodies
Putting it all together: using our brainstorm and writings from last week to write words and attach them to our melody. What is our chorus? What are our verses?
Continued facilitation of the creative songwriting process until one song has been completed. Song sheet music/backing track is sent midweek so students may practice their original song.
Assignment: Practice your original song!
Day 3: Writing lyrics and putting it all together, begin second song
Review: Students sing through their song
Writing and brainstorming to a prompt - more free association and writing from an initial prompt. This will serve as the inspiration for our second song.
Putting it all together and continued facilitation of the creative songwriting process
Sing and/or play through both songs before the end of class!
Lyric Sheet and backing track for the second song is sent out a few days post class so students may sing their songs with the entire family for the holidays!
Day 4: Singing through the completed songs and holiday crafts!
Review: Students sing through their songs, put final polishes on.
Holiday crafts and treats - we will use stamps, stencils, card stock, and embossing tools to have a holiday craft session complete with hot cocoa and other holiday treats!
Lyric Sheet and backing track for both songs sent out a few days post class so students may sing and share their songs with the entire family for the holidays!