Click here to watch the video
I am following blogs of some very talented educators, and I saw this video posted on a colleague's website. As I was viewing it, it really touched me to see musicians from all over the world come together as one in their efforts to bring "change through music." I shared conversation with the person who posted this inspirational video, and I thought that it would be perfect to begin the year teaching my 5th graders about our class theme, perspectives: one's attitude toward something or in regards to something; a point of view. We will cover this throughout the year as we address how one's perspective might change through experiences.
I will have them view the video, listen to the lyrics of the song "Stand by Me," and reflect on the apparent diversity of the musicians, but also look deeper to gain insight on the importance of global unification: even though we are different in many ways, there are many commonalities that bring us together। I love how this video uses the common language of music to promote change in the stereotypes, prejudices, and oppression that not only plague the people of our very own city of Memphis, but also the people of the world.
These are the questions that I will my 5th graders to respond to:
What would the world be like if there wasn't diversity?
Why is it important to demonstrate the need to be accepting of others' differences?
How can you make a difference? In what ways can you positively influence others at school or in your community?
Make a connection to the video and relate it to something that you have experienced in your life.
