Lesson 1: Introduction to "Colours of the Wind"
Time allocation: 45 minutes
Resources needed: Computer with internet access, projector, speakers, printed lyrics of "Colours of the Wind"
Introduction: (10 minutes)
  • Begin with a short discussion about what a well-known song is and why some songs become very popular.
  • Introduce "Colours of the Wind" by Vanessa Williams and play the song for the class.
Development: (25 minutes)
  • Discuss with the class where and when the song was released (1995, as part of Disney's Pocahontas soundtrack).
  • Explore why the song was popular (e.g., its message, its association with the Disney movie, its musical qualities).
Conclusion: (5 minutes)
  • Recap the key points discussed.
  • Ask children if they have any questions about the song.
Assessment:
  • Observe class participation and engagement during the discussion.
  • Check for understanding through questions and answers.
Lesson 2: Exploring Vanessa Williams's Contributions
Time allocation: 45 minutes
Resources needed: Computer with internet access, projector, printed biography of Vanessa Williams, chart paper, markers
Introduction: (10 minutes)
  • Introduce Vanessa Williams as an artist and discuss her various contributions to society and culture.
  • Show a short video or presentation about her life and career.
Development: (25 minutes)
  • Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with different aspects of Vanessa Williams's contributions (e.g., music, acting, philanthropy).
  • Each group will create a small poster or chart summarizing their findings.
Conclusion: (5 minutes)
  • Each group presents their poster to the class.
  • Discuss as a class the overall impact of Vanessa Williams.
Assessment:
  • Evaluate group posters and presentations for comprehension and creativity.
  • Monitor class discussion for understanding of Vanessa Williams's impact.
Lesson 3: Learning the Lyrics
Time allocation: 45 minutes
Resources needed: Printed lyrics of "Colours of the Wind", highlighters, audio recording of the song
Introduction: (5 minutes)
  • Briefly recap the previous lessons about the song and Vanessa Williams.
  • Explain that today they will begin learning the lyrics to perform the song.
Development: (30 minutes)
  • Hand out printed lyrics to each student and play the song once.
  • Go through the lyrics line by line, highlighting key phrases and words.
  • Practice singing along with the song in segments, focusing on pronunciation and melody.
Conclusion: (5 minutes)
  • Recap the main parts of the song learned today.
  • Assign a small section of the song for homework practice.
Assessment:
  • Observe participation and singing during the practice segments.
  • Check homework practice for effort and accuracy.
Lesson 4: Timeline of Vanessa Williams's Career
Time allocation: 45 minutes
Resources needed: Chart paper, markers, printed biography and career highlights of Vanessa Williams
Introduction: (10 minutes)
  • Discuss what a timeline is and why it is useful.
  • Briefly go over key points of Vanessa Williams's career.
Development: (30 minutes)
  • Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different period of Vanessa Williams's career.
  • Each group will create a section of the timeline, highlighting important events and achievements.
  • Groups will then combine their sections to create a complete timeline.
Conclusion: (5 minutes)
  • Review the completed timeline as a class.
  • Discuss any surprising or particularly interesting facts they learned.
Assessment:
  • Evaluate group sections for accuracy and completeness.
  • Monitor class discussion for engagement and understanding.
Lesson 5: Performance Practice
Time allocation: 45 minutes
Resources needed: Printed lyrics of "Colours of the Wind", audio recording of the song, microphone (optional)
Introduction: (5 minutes)
  • Briefly recap the lyrics learned in the previous lesson.
  • Explain that today's focus will be on practicing the song for a performance.
Development: (35 minutes)
  • Play the song and have the class sing along together.
  • Divide the class into smaller groups or pairs to practice specific sections of the song.
  • Rotate groups to ensure everyone practices the entire song.
Conclusion: (5 minutes)
  • Bring the class back together for a final run-through.
  • Assign any sections that need extra practice for homework.
Assessment:
  • Observe individual and group participation during practice.
  • Provide feedback on areas needing improvement.
Lesson 6: Final Performance and Reflection
Time allocation: 45 minutes
Resources needed: Printed lyrics of "Colours of the Wind", audio recording of the song, microphone (optional), video recorder (optional)
Introduction: (5 minutes)
  • Briefly review the song and the key points discussed in previous lessons.
  • Explain the plan for the final performance.
Development: (35 minutes)
  • Have the class perform "Colours of the Wind" together.
  • Optionally, record the performance for later review.
  • After the performance, have a class discussion reflecting on the experience of learning and performing the song.
Conclusion: (5 minutes)
  • Praise the class for their efforts and improvement.
  • Encourage students to think about what they learned from this project.
Assessment:
  • Evaluate the final performance for accuracy and enthusiasm.
  • Monitor the reflection discussion for insights and understanding.