Engaging Popular Music Lesson Plan (Grade 9 - 12)

Music companies hope teenagers blindly consume the music these companies have created. Yet some of this music negatively impacts the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of the listener. Discernment helps teenagers see how music impacts their values and identity and choose music to feel better and be better.

This resource will help educators teach their students discernment skills necessary to engage with popular music so that they are empowered to make healthy listening choices.

By the end of the 60 minute lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify emotions, themes, and values found within popular songs

2. Use discernment when choosing songs for their playlists

3. Connect listening choices to changes in their thoughts and feelings

Also included are listening activities and a homework assignment to reinforce the critical thinking skills taught.