I’ve Got the Literacy Blues

Materials and Technology

Printouts

Websites

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

• “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry [O. Henry. (1994). The Best Short Stories of O. Henry. New York: Modern Library.]
  
  
• Materials for mural (e.g., chart paper, paint, crayons, markers, tape)
  
  

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PRINTOUTS

• The Blues Graphic Organizer
  
  
• Rubric for Graphic Organizer, Literary Theme, & Poetry Presentation
  
  
• Group Work Rubric
  
  
• Mural Rubric
  
  

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WEBSITES

• I’ve Got the Web Research Blues
• The Blues
• Understanding the 12-Bar Blues
• What Is the Blues?
• "If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” by Robert Johnson
• "Stones in My Passway” by Robert Johnson
• Online version of “The Gift of the Magi”

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PREPARATION

1.	The Blues, which features brief audio excerpts of various blues artists. Scroll down the page to each of the songs listed below and click on "Listen." Make certain all computers have RealOne Player or other software downloaded for listening to the audio files. If not, follow instructions for downloading at the RealOne Player Download Center. 1. "Lost Your Head Blues" (1926) Written and Performed by Bessie Smith 8. "When Will I Get To Be Called A Man" (1957) Written and Performed by Big Bill Broonzy 11. "Three O'Clock Blues" (1971) Performed by B.B. King Written by Riley B. King and Jules Bihari 14. "The Other Woman" (2000) Performed by Shemekia Copeland Written by John Hahn and Joseph Anthony Hudson 15. "Da Thrill is Gone from Here" (2002) Written and Performed by Chris Thomas King
2.	Preview the essays What is the Blues? and Understanding the 12-Bar Blues. These essays will give you background information on the topic of the blues that will be helpful as you use this lesson.
3.	Obtain copies of the short story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. If you cannot locate a print version, the story is also available online.
4.	Preview the handouts and rubrics for this lesson to become familiar with the learning expectations. If you are not as familiar with this topic, you may also preview the websites listed on I've Got the Web Research Blues. Bookmark I've Got the Web Research Blues on student computers.
5.	Gather supplies for creating a class mural. This may include chart paper, paint, crayons, markers, and tape.
6.	Make sure that students are already familiar with interpreting literature and themes prior to completing these lesson activities.

 

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