fayzahyahya.weebly.com€¦ · web viewpoetry unit: loss. grade: 11. th. fayzah. yahya. 04...

Poetry Unit: LossGrade: 11th

Fayzah Yahya04 December 2013

Rationale

I have chosen the theme of “loss” in song lyrics because it is a universal theme that

everyone has experienced or will experience during their lifetime. Almost everyone can share a

story of loss whether it was losing a friend, loved one, cousin, relative, neighbor, colleague, pet,

coworker, or family member. Also, loss can occur in different ways, forms, places, and

circumstances. One person’s father may have died in a war, while another person’s best friend

got murdered on their way home from school. The experiences vary from person to person but

one element stays the same which is the grief that comes afterwards. It is said that a person goes

through five stages of grief after the loss of someone close to him or her. The first stage begins

with denial then the stages of anger, bargaining, grieving, and acceptance come afterwards.

People don’t always go through the stages in sequence. Sometimes they bounce back and forth

between a couple of stages for a long time. In some cases, completing the cycle can take months.

Therefore, the theme of loss is universal and as sensitive and upsetting as it is, it must be

examined in a classroom with students.

The theme of “loss” relates to teens in the 11th grade because most of them, if not all,

have experienced loss at least once in their lifetime. Students find it difficult to talk about their

experiences with the loss of a loved one. Some may have experienced loss when they were kids

while others may have had a recent experience. That is why it is important to include this theme

somewhere during the school year. Students would appreciate reading about how others are

struggling with loss, especially celebrities they listen to and look up to. By exposing students to

the topic and completing worksheets and activities with it, students would hopefully open up

about their experiences by the end of the unit. With such a sensitive and personal topic, students

will have the chance to share their experiences as well as their grief together. This will create

sense of empathy amongst the students.

The students for whom this unit is designed for are juniors in a Detroit high school. They

are almost an equal mix of males and females. Students are racially diverse with 60% being

African American, 20% being Latino, 10% being Caucasian and 10% other. Academically

speaking, the students are capable learners but they don’t find school interesting and would

rather mess around. Some are on a higher level while some will need extra help and guidance.

However, with only one or two exceptions, the class is below reading level by two grades.

Because of this level learning ability, the students will require more easy to read material to be

used with the unit. The students are somewhat socially adjusted with a few who like to refuse to

complete assignments and pay attention at all. It could be that the ones acting up are depressed,

struggling with friends, having a hard time learning the material, having problems at home, or

suffering from health issues or a tragedy. These students will need additional help and patience

from the class and teacher.

In terms of social status, a majority of the class is in the working class. Two students

seem to be living under the poverty level and don’t realize the importance of an education for

their future. One of these students lost their his father when he was a child to a car accident and

his mother is the one who provides for him. Another student in the class can’t help but pick

fights with everyone about anything. He is depressed and angry all the time. According to

rumors, his best friend who dropped out of school got shot while hanging around an abandoned

house in Detroit with his friends. The rest of the class seems to have both parents providing for

them.

Moreover, students in the class have a wide range of interests. While some have taken up

hobbies with sports, music, art, others would rather hang out with friends or not come to school

at all. Most of the males in the class like to listen to rap and hip-hop music in the hallway, during

lunch and even during their classes. The singers they look up are Tupac, Eminem, Lil Wayne,

and other mainstream singers. As for sports, two boys are on the basketball team. They are into

this sport and hope to make it far and become professional athletes. Many of the males enjoy

hanging out and talking about their adventures in different places such as the fights they had seen

or about girls. As for the females, many of them are into their personal appearance. One female

is into art so she draws often during classes especially when the lecture is boring. She likes to

draw dark figures and words that describe her mood of sadness. Another female always seems

depressed because her father is a soldier who was deployed in Afghanistan. She is afraid of the

day that she would receive a phone call of his death. Nonetheless, all the students are at that

point in their lives where drama is happening at a daily basis and many conflicts are occurring.

Many students are struggling with other students, with their parents, with their teachers, with

society and most importantly with themselves. They have to make choices everyday such

whether they want to continue school or just dropout. Whether they want to pay attention in class

or mess around. Whether they want to complete class work or listen to music on their phones.

Whether they want to pass the class or just show up, do nothing, and wait till they can drop out.

A big factor at this age is starting to decide what to do with one’s future plans. The students are

struggling with their future and what choices they want to make. Therefore the teacher of this

struggling class will need to use interesting material in order to attract the students’ attention and

interest.

In terms of concerns, some students are concerned about their grades and actually

graduating and attending a college but others just want to get an “A,” graduate and start working.

One girl is concerned with her father’s life, another student is concerned about his mother

working all the time to provide for him and a few students are concerned with hanging with their

buddies and keeping them satisfied.

The selections I have chosen are “Wake me up when September Ends” by Green Day,

“Gone Too Soon” by Michael Jackson, “I’ll be missing you” by Puff Daddy, “I Wish” by R

Kelly, and “Difficult” by Eminem. These selections fit into the unit because each song is a

tribute from the singer to a loved one who passed away. Additionally, the singers are known

amongst students and will appeal to them. Green Day write about his father’s death, Michael

Jackson writes about a friend’s death, Puff Daddy writes about his friend’s death, R Kelly writes

about his friend’s death, and Eminem also writes about his friend’s death. Each singer describes

the person in which the song was written about and most of them remember the times they had

together. The selections are meant to trigger sympathy from the students and to assure them that

they are not alone when it comes to experiencing the death of a loved one.

The first selection is “Wake me up when September Ends” by Green Day. Green Day

lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote this about his father, who died of cancer on September

1st, 1982. At his father's funeral, Billie cried, ran home and locked himself in his room. When

his mother got home and knocked on the door to Billie's room, Billie simply said, "Wake me up

when September ends," hence the title. The story behind this song is sad and will appeal to those

students who have lost their father. This song is about wisdom and acceptance. "Drenched in my

pain again, becoming who we are" - the realization of the fact that everything we go through, all

the pain and losses, all the hardships we meet along the way are meant to make us stronger and

shape our personalities. With this selection, I will ask students to predict what the song is about

by viewing the cover and title only. Students will then complete their vocabulary and questions;

then move onto the concluding activities which is are illustrate a cover for the song and create a

short movie.

The second selection is “Gone Too Soon” by Michael Jackson. Jackson's version of

"Gone Too Soon" was dedicated to the memory of Jackson's friend Ryan White, a teenager

from Kokomo, Indiana who came to national attention, after being expelled from his school for

having HIV/AIDS. Michael uses a lot of figurative language to describe how White passed away.

With this selection, I will introduce and explain the song. Then, I will ask students to follow the

task sheet and complete the lesson in collaborative groups. They will answer content,

interpretation and application questions then do a Copy-change of the song in six groups. When

the groups have completed their changed song, they will present it to the class and choose four

pictures to go with it. They will explain why they chose the images.

The third selection is “I’ll be missing you” by Puff Daddy. Puff Daddy’s tribute to his

friend the Notorious B.I.G. was written, recorded, and released less than three months after

Biggie’s death, and became one of the top-selling rap singles ever. In this selection, Puff Daddy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokomo,_Indiana

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_White

talks about his memories with his friend and how much he misses him. He is grieving for his

friend and trying to accept the fact that he is gone. With this selection, I plan number students off

into six groups and give each group a bag of the lyrics to decipher and put together like a puzzle.

Students will then complete their vocabulary and questions; then move onto the concluding

activities which are to illustrate the song or make a collage.

The fourth selection is “I Wish” by R Kelly. The song is dedicated to his mother Sadie

who died in 1993 as well as friends that had passed away. In this song, R Kelly describes all the

memories, all the times he had while his friend was still alive and his feelings before and after

the tragedy. He admits that his inner feelings are not what he shows and that he wishes to hold

his mother and friend again. This song will teach students that fame, money and luxury can never

take the place of a friend or loved one. With this selection, the students will work in

collaborative groups to do a choral reading. Students will practice with poems first, then they

will work together in groups to do a choral reading in which they will perform in the class.

The fifth selection is “Difficult” by Eminem. This song is dedicated to DeShaun Dupree

Holton, better known by his stage name Proof. He was an American rapper and actor

from Detroit, Michigan. He was a close childhood friend of rapper Eminem, who lived on the

same block. In 2006, Proof was shot and killed during an altercation at the CCC nightclub in

Detroit. In this song, Eminem describes Proof and the good times he had with him. Eminem feels

regret over not telling Proof that he loved him. With this selection, I’ll show students the article

which talks about Proof’s death and they will need to complete the five W’s worksheet on it.

Students will then answer content, interpretation and application questions. With the concluding

activity, students will choose between a music video and an interview.

Objectives1. Students will view and discuss articles on the death of a loved one.2. Students will discuss the nature of loss.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminem

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapping

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stage_name

3. Students will complete and discuss a set of sheets about loss, grief, and write about their experience with loss.

4. Students will answer and discuss questions about the song’s cover and title.5. Students will define vocabulary.6. Students will listen to the song.7. Students will complete and discuss content, interpretation, and application questions after

reading the song, “Wake me up when September Ends.”8. Students will complete the following activity:

a. Illustrating cover page for songb. Short movie

9. Students will view the music video of the song “Gone Too Soon” then read it in collaborative learning groups.

10. Students will discuss content, interpretation and application questions among themselves. 11. Students in each collaborative group will copy and change the song “Gone Too Soon.”12. Students will choose a picture to go with their newly made song. 13. Students will decipher a jigsaw puzzle of the lyrics of the song.14. Students will listen and view the song.15. Students will define vocabulary.16. Students will complete and discuss content, interpretation, and application questions after

reading the song, “I’ll be Missing You.”17. Students will complete the following activity:

a. Illustrating songsb. Collage

18. Students will compare and contrast a musical choral selection with a choral reading.19. Students will practice several choral readings using a handout as an assist.20. Students will work in small collaborative groups to orchestrate the song “I Wish” for

choral reading.21. Students will design role plays to accompany their choral readings.22. Students will present choral readings and role plays to the whole class. 23. Students will view and discuss the article on Proof’s death; and complete the five W’s

worksheet.24. Students will define vocabulary.25. Students will listen to the song.26. Students will complete and discuss content, interpretation, and application questions after

reading the song, “Difficult.”27. Students will choose one activity from the following two activities:

a. Music videob. Interview

28. Students will complete the culminating activity.

Copies of Song Lyrics

“Wake Me Up When September Ends”

“Gone Too Soon”

“I’ll be Missing You”

“I Wish”

“Difficult”

"Wake me up when September Ends"

GREEN DAY

Summer has come and passedThe innocent can never last

wake me up when September ends

like my father's come to pass

seven years has gone so fastwake me up when September ends

here comes the rain againfalling from the stars

drenched in my pain againbecoming who we are

as my memory restsbut never forgets what I lost


summer has come and passedthe innocent can never last


ring out the bells againlike we did when spring began


here comes the rain againfalling from the stars

drenched in my pain againbecoming who we are

as my memory restsbut never forgets what I lost


Summer has come and passedThe innocent can never last


like my father's come to passtwenty years has gone so fast

wake me up when September endswake me up when September endswake me up when September ends

Gone Too Soon Michael Jackson

Like a cometBlazing 'cross the evening sky

Gone too soon

Like a rainbowFading in the twinkling of an eye

Gone too soon

Shiny and sparklyAnd splendidly bright

Here one dayGone one night

Like the loss of sunlightOn a cloudy afternoon

Gone too soon

Like a castleBuilt upon a sandy beach

Gone too soon

Like a perfect flowerThat is just beyond your reach

Gone too soon

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delightHere one day

Gone one night

Like a sunsetDying with the rising of the moon

Gone too soon

Gone too soon

"I'll Be Missing You"(Puff Daddy feat. 112, Faith Evans)

Seems like yesterday we used to rock the showI laced the track, you locked the flow

So far from hangin on the block for doughNotorious, they got to know that

Life ain't always what it seem to be (uh-uh)Words can't express what you mean to meEven though you're gone, we still a team

Through your family, I'll fulfill your dream (that's right)In the future, can't wait to see

If you open up the gates for meReminisce some time, the night they took my friend (uh-huh)

Try to black it out, but it plays againWhen it's real, feelings hard to conceal

Can't imagine all the pain I feelGive anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)

I know you still living your life, after death

Every step I take, every move I makeEvery single day, every time I pray

I'll be missing youThinkin of the day, when you went awayWhat a life to take, what a bond to break

I'll be missing you

[Puff] I miss you Big

[Verse Two: Puff Daddy]

It's kinda hard with you not around (yeah)Know you in heaven smilin down (eheh)

Watchin us while we pray for youEvery day we pray for youTil the day we meet again

In my heart is where I'll keep you friendMemories give me the strength I need (uh-huh) to proceed

Strength I need to believeMy thoughts Big I just can't define (can't define)

Wish I could turn back the hands of timeUs in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks

You and me taking flicksMakin hits, stages they receive you on

I still can't believe you're gone (can't believe you're gone)Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)

I know you still living you're life, after death

[Faith Evans] Somebody tell me why

On that morningWhen this life is over

I knowI'll see your face

Every night I pray, every step I takeEvery move I make, every single dayEvery night I pray, every step I take

[Puff] Every day that passesEvery move I make, every single day

[Puff] Is a day that I get closer

[Puff] To seeing you againEvery night I pray, every step I take

[Puff] We miss you Big... and we won't stopEvery move I make, every single day

[Puff] Cause we can't stop... that's rightEvery night I pray, every step I take

Every move I make, every single day[Puff] We miss you Big

[music fades out]












I'll be missing you





















[music fades out]












I'll be missing you





















[music fades out]












I'll be missing you





















[music fades out]












I'll be missing you





















[music fades out]




Life ain't always what it seem to be (uh-uh)

Words can't express what you mean to meEven though you're gone, we still a team








I'll be missing you















[Puff] Every day that passes

Every move I make, every single day[Puff] Is a day that I get closer





[music fades out]




Life ain't always what it seem to be (uh-uh)

Words can't express what you mean to meEven though you're gone, we still a team








I'll be missing you















[Puff] Every day that passes

Every move I make, every single day[Puff] Is a day that I get closer





[music fades out]

“I Wish”

R KellyI wish, I wish, I wish

To every cityI wish, I wish, I wish

Every hoodI wish, I wish, I wish

And every blockI wish, I wish, I wish

Ghetto America!

Rollin' through the hoodJust stopped by to say what's up

And let you knowThat your baby boy ain't doing so tough

And even though you passedGoing on four long years

Still waking up late at night crying tearsJust thinking about those days

You used to talk to meSmilin' while I'm sippin' on this Hennessy

And remember we bragged on how rich we would beTo get up out this hood was like a fantasy

And now you hear my songs the radio is playin'Oh I can't believe my ears

And what everybody's sayin'And boy I'll tell you

Folks don't know the halfI would give it all upJust to take one ride

(With you)How I used to kick it on the front porch

(With you)And how I used to lay back and smoke weed

(With you)And all the little basement party joints we'd do

Now I'm just missing youHow I wish

[2]I wish that I could hold you nowI wish that I could touch you now

I wish that I could talk to youBe with you somehow

I know you're in a better placeEven though I can't see your face

I know you're smiling down on meSaying everything's okay

And if I make it out this thug lifeI'll see you again someday

I wish, I wish, I wishI wish, I wish, I wish

[Verse 2]Now ever since this money come

It's been nothing but stressSometimes I wish I could just trade in my successY'all look at me and say boy you've been blessedBut y'all don't see the inside of my unhappiness

Man I swear this shit gets heavy like a tonThat's why you hear me shootin'

http://rapgenius.com/1842490/R-kelly-i-wish/Man-i-swear-this-shit-gets-heavy-like-a-ton-thats-why-you-hear-me-shootin-this-real-shit-off-like-a-gun


http://rapgenius.com/1842488/R-kelly-i-wish/Yall-look-at-me-and-say-boy-youve-been-blessed-but-yall-dont-see-the-inside-of-my-unhappiness

http://rapgenius.com/1842488/R-kelly-i-wish/Yall-look-at-me-and-say-boy-youve-been-blessed-but-yall-dont-see-the-inside-of-my-unhappiness

http://rapgenius.com/1842484/R-kelly-i-wish/Sometimes-i-wish-i-could-just-trade-in-my-success

http://rapgenius.com/1829810/R-kelly-i-wish/Now-ever-since-this-money-come-its-been-nothing-but-stress

http://rapgenius.com/1829810/R-kelly-i-wish/Now-ever-since-this-money-come-its-been-nothing-but-stress

http://rapgenius.com/1829807/R-kelly-i-wish/And-if-i-make-it-out-this-thug-life-ill-see-you-again-someday-i-wish-i-wish-i-wish-i-wish-i-wish-i-wish



http://rapgenius.com/1829806/R-kelly-i-wish/I-know-youre-in-a-better-place-even-though-i-cant-see-your-face-i-know-youre-smiling-down-on-me-saying-everythings-okay



http://rapgenius.com/1829805/R-kelly-i-wish/I-wish-that-i-could-hold-you-now-i-wish-that-i-could-touch-you-now-i-wish-that-i-could-talk-to-you-be-with-you-somehow



http://rapgenius.com/1829801/R-kelly-i-wish/How-i-used-to-kick-it-on-the-front-porch-with-you-and-how-i-used-to-lay-back-and-smoke-weed-with-you-and-all-the-little-basement-party-joints-wed-do-now-im-just-missing-you-how-i-wish



http://rapgenius.com/1829800/R-kelly-i-wish/I-would-give-it-all-up-just-to-take-one-ride-with-you



http://rapgenius.com/1829799/R-kelly-i-wish/And-what-everybodys-sayin-and-boy-ill-tell-you-folks-dont-know-the-half



http://rapgenius.com/1829798/R-kelly-i-wish/And-now-you-hear-my-songs-the-radio-is-playin-oh-i-cant-believe-my-ears

http://rapgenius.com/1829798/R-kelly-i-wish/And-now-you-hear-my-songs-the-radio-is-playin-oh-i-cant-believe-my-ears

http://rapgenius.com/1640228/R-kelly-i-wish/And-remember-we-bragged-on-how-rich-we-would-be-to-get-up-out-this-hood-was-like-a-fantasy

http://rapgenius.com/1640228/R-kelly-i-wish/And-remember-we-bragged-on-how-rich-we-would-be-to-get-up-out-this-hood-was-like-a-fantasy

http://rapgenius.com/1829796/R-kelly-i-wish/And-even-though-you-passed-going-on-four-long-years-still-waking-up-late-at-night-crying-tears-just-thinking-about-those-days-you-used-to-talk-to-me-smilin-while-im-sippin-on-this-hennessy



http://rapgenius.com/1829794/R-kelly-i-wish/Rollin-through-the-hood-just-stopped-by-to-say-whats-up-and-let-you-know-that-your-baby-boy-aint-doing-so-tough



This real shit off like a gunHmm I wonder how my friends would treat me now

If I wasn't iced up with a Bentley and a houseThat's why fake ass niggas get fake ass digits

And fake ass players get a real player hatin' 'emHoney Love goes platinum and y'all ass come around

But y'all don't wanna raise the roofUntil my shit is going down

[Repeat 1](With you)

How I used to hoop off in them tournaments(With you)

And how I used to club hop on weekends(With you)

Your family called the morning of the tragic endDamn, my condolences

Voices in my head be telling me to come to churchSaying the Lord is the only way for you to stop the hurt

Dreaming of windows black tinted like a hearseWhen waking up to life sometimes seems worse

And all I ever wanted is to be a better manAnd I try to keep it real with my homies landFor me to save the world I don't understand

How did I become the leader of a billion fans?(With you)

How I used to street perform on Friday(With you)

And how I used to go to church on Easter Sunday(With you)

Instead of you all throwing them stones at meSomebody pray for me

[Repeat: x3]I wish that I could hold you nowI wish that I could touch you now

I wish that I could talk to youBe with you somehow

I know you're in a better placeEven though I can't see your face

I know you're smiling down on meSaying everything's okay

“Difficult” Eminem

[Verse 1]They ask me am I okay, they ask me if I'm happy

Are they asking me that because of the shit that's been thrown at me

http://rapgenius.com/85073/Eminem-difficult/They-ask-me-am-i-okay-they-ask-me-if-im-happy-are-they-asking-me-that-because-of-the-shit-thats-been-thrown-at-me

http://rapgenius.com/85073/Eminem-difficult/They-ask-me-am-i-okay-they-ask-me-if-im-happy-are-they-asking-me-that-because-of-the-shit-thats-been-thrown-at-me

http://rapgenius.com/1326741/Eminem-difficult/Verse-1

http://rapgenius.com/2010978/R-kelly-i-wish/Instead-of-you-all-throwing-them-stones-at-me-somebody-pray-for-me

http://rapgenius.com/2010978/R-kelly-i-wish/Instead-of-you-all-throwing-them-stones-at-me-somebody-pray-for-me

http://rapgenius.com/2010965/R-kelly-i-wish/And-all-i-ever-wanted-is-to-be-a-better-man-and-i-try-to-keep-it-real-with-my-homies-land-for-me-to-save-the-world-i-dont-understand-how-did-i-become-the-leader-of-a-billion-fans



http://rapgenius.com/2010959/R-kelly-i-wish/Dreaming-of-windows-black-tinted-like-a-hearse-when-waking-up-to-life-sometimes-seems-worse

http://rapgenius.com/2010959/R-kelly-i-wish/Dreaming-of-windows-black-tinted-like-a-hearse-when-waking-up-to-life-sometimes-seems-worse

http://rapgenius.com/2010952/R-kelly-i-wish/Voices-in-my-head-be-telling-me-to-come-to-church-saying-the-lord-is-the-only-way-for-you-to-stop-the-hurt

http://rapgenius.com/2010952/R-kelly-i-wish/Voices-in-my-head-be-telling-me-to-come-to-church-saying-the-lord-is-the-only-way-for-you-to-stop-the-hurt

http://rapgenius.com/1827137/R-kelly-i-wish/How-i-used-to-hoop-off-in-them-tournaments

http://rapgenius.com/2010869/R-kelly-i-wish/Hmm-i-wonder-how-my-friends-would-treat-me-now-if-i-wasnt-iced-up-with-a-bentley-and-a-house

http://rapgenius.com/2010869/R-kelly-i-wish/Hmm-i-wonder-how-my-friends-would-treat-me-now-if-i-wasnt-iced-up-with-a-bentley-and-a-house


Or am I just a little snappy and they genuinely careDoody, most of my life it's just been me and you there

And I continuously stare at pictures of youI never gotta say I love you as much as I wanted to but I do

Yeah I say it now and you can't hear me, what the fuck good doesThat do me now, but somehow I know you're near me in presence

Oh, I went and dropped some presents off for Easter to themTwo little beautiful boys of yours to try to ease their minds a little

And dog you'll never believe thisBut Sharonda actually talks to me now

Jesus and everyone else is just tryna pick up the piecesMan how you touch so many fucking lives and just leave usThey say grievance has a way of affecting everyone different

If it's true how the fuck am I supposed to get over you, difficult as it sounds

[Verse 2]Doody, that's what we call each other, I don't know where it came from

But it just stuck with us, we was always brothersNever thought about each other's skin colours

'Til one day we was walking up the block in the summerIt was like 90 degrees I was catching a sun burn

Tryna walk under the trees just to give me some comfortI'm moaning I just wanna get home when I look over and your shirt is off

I'm like you gonna fry and you're like, "No I won't, I'm black stupidBlack people they got melatonin

In their skin don't burn," meanwhile my face is glowing and I feltLike I'm on fire and the entire time you're just laughing at me

And snapping at me with your shirt, bastardAnd I still have to get you back for that shit

And by the way them Playboy rings, my mother stole from youWell Nate finally got 'em back shit

It musta been at least 16 years ago, well I put 'em in your cask-owwMoving past it, it still ain't registered yet

But you can bet your legacy they'll never forgetThe Motor City, Motown, hip hop vet, Hip Hop Shop, dreads

It don't stop there, yeah, as difficult as it sounds

[Verse 3]And this might sound a little strange but I'mma tell it

I found that jacket that you left at my wedding and I picked it up to smell itI wrapped it up in plastic until I put it in glass

And hang up in the hallway so I can always look at itAnd as for all me and D12 we feel like fuck rap

It feels like our general just fucking died in our lapWe shut off all our pagers, all our cell numbers is changed

Our two-ways are in the trash so some cats will have to find a new wayAnd I know the dreams will die with you today

http://rapgenius.com/87038/Eminem-difficult/And-i-know-the-dreams-will-die-with-you-today-but-the-truth-is-there-all-still-here-and-you-aint

http://rapgenius.com/87355/Eminem-difficult/We-shut-off-all-our-pagers-all-our-cell-numbers-is-changed-our-two-ways-are-in-the-trash-so-some-cats-will-have-to-find-a-new-way

http://rapgenius.com/87355/Eminem-difficult/We-shut-off-all-our-pagers-all-our-cell-numbers-is-changed-our-two-ways-are-in-the-trash-so-some-cats-will-have-to-find-a-new-way

http://rapgenius.com/86893/Eminem-difficult/It-feels-like-our-general-just-fucking-died-in-our-lap

http://rapgenius.com/86892/Eminem-difficult/And-as-for-all-me-and-d12-we-feel-like-fuck-rap

http://rapgenius.com/85725/Eminem-difficult/I-found-that-jacket-that-you-left-at-my-wedding-and-i-picked-it-up-to-smell-it-i-wrapped-it-up-in-plastic-until-i-put-it-in-glass-and-hang-up-in-the-hallway-so-i-can-always-look-at-it



http://rapgenius.com/87354/Eminem-difficult/And-this-might-sound-a-little-strange-but-imma-tell-it

http://rapgenius.com/90177/Eminem-difficult/It-dont-stop-there

http://rapgenius.com/85278/Eminem-difficult/Dreads

http://rapgenius.com/85129/Eminem-difficult/Hip-hop-shop

http://rapgenius.com/893718/Eminem-difficult/Hip-hop-vet

http://rapgenius.com/85276/Eminem-difficult/Motown

http://rapgenius.com/85275/Eminem-difficult/The-motor-city

http://rapgenius.com/87198/Eminem-difficult/But-you-can-bet-your-legacy-theyll-never-forget

http://rapgenius.com/87196/Eminem-difficult/Moving-past-it-it-still-aint-registered-yet

http://rapgenius.com/85128/Eminem-difficult/Cask-oww

http://rapgenius.com/439130/Eminem-difficult/It-musta-been-at-least-16-years-ago

http://rapgenius.com/1520418/Eminem-difficult/Finally-got-em-back-shit

http://rapgenius.com/85279/Eminem-difficult/Nate

http://rapgenius.com/87351/Eminem-difficult/My-mother-stole-from-you

http://rapgenius.com/87209/Eminem-difficult/Playboy-rings

http://rapgenius.com/893713/Eminem-difficult/And-i-still-have-to-get-you-back-for-that-shit

http://rapgenius.com/87036/Eminem-difficult/In-their-skin-dont-burn-meanwhile-my-face-is-glowing-and-i-felt-like-im-on-fire-and-the-entire-time-youre-just-laughing-at-me-and-snapping-at-me-with-your-shirt-bastard



http://rapgenius.com/87035/Eminem-difficult/Melatonin

http://rapgenius.com/87201/Eminem-difficult/Til-one-day-we-was-walking-up-the-block-in-the-summer-it-was-like-90-degrees-i-was-catching-a-sun-burn-tryna-walk-under-the-trees-just-to-give-me-some-comfort-im-moaning-i-just-wanna-get-home-when-i-look-over-and-your-shirt-is-off-im-like-you-gonna-fry-and-youre-like-no-i-wont-im-black-stupid-black-people-they-got



http://rapgenius.com/85722/Eminem-difficult/Never-thought-about-each-others-skin-colours

http://rapgenius.com/90782/Eminem-difficult/But-it-just-stuck-with-us-we-was-always-brothers

http://rapgenius.com/86833/Eminem-difficult/Doody-thats-what-we-call-each-other-i-dont-know-where-it-came-from

http://rapgenius.com/1386572/Eminem-difficult/Verse-2

http://rapgenius.com/87350/Eminem-difficult/Jesus-and-everyone-else-is-just-tryna-pick-up-the-pieces-man-how-you-touch-so-many-fucking-lives-and-just-leave-us-they-say-grievance-has-a-way-of-affecting-everyone-different-if-its-true-how-the-fuck-am-i-supposed-to-get-over-you-difficult-as-it-sounds



http://rapgenius.com/85126/Eminem-difficult/And-dog-youll-never-believe-this-but-sharonda-actually-talks-to-me-now

http://rapgenius.com/85126/Eminem-difficult/And-dog-youll-never-believe-this-but-sharonda-actually-talks-to-me-now

http://rapgenius.com/85077/Eminem-difficult/Oh-i-went-and-dropped-some-presents-off-for-easter-to-them-two-little-beautiful-boys-of-yours-to-try-to-ease-their-minds-a-little

http://rapgenius.com/85077/Eminem-difficult/Oh-i-went-and-dropped-some-presents-off-for-easter-to-them-two-little-beautiful-boys-of-yours-to-try-to-ease-their-minds-a-little

http://rapgenius.com/85076/Eminem-difficult/I-never-gotta-say-i-love-you-as-much-as-i-wanted-to-but-i-do-yeah-i-say-it-now-and-you-cant-hear-me-what-the-fuck-good-does-that-do-me-now-but-somehow-i-know-youre-near-me-in-presence



http://rapgenius.com/439127/Eminem-difficult/And-i-continuously-stare-at-pictures-of-you

http://rapgenius.com/85174/Eminem-difficult/Doody-most-of-my-life-its-just-been-me-and-you-there

http://rapgenius.com/85957/Eminem-difficult/Or-am-i-just-a-little-snappy-and-they-genuinely-care

But the truth is there all still here and you ain'tPurple Gang, you gotta keep pressing on

Don't ever give up the dream dog, I got love for you allAnd Doody, it's true you bought people together who never

Woulda been in the same room if it wasn't for youYou were the peacemaker Doody, I know sometimes you were moody

But you hated confrontation and truly hated the feudingBut you were down for yours whenever it came to scrapping

If it had to happen, it had to happen, believe meI know you're the one who taught me to throw them bows back on Dresden

From making cars to paintballing and getting arrestedTo sitting across from each other in cells laughing and jesting

They tried to hit us for five years for that, no questionI guess them hookers and bums that we shot up

Didn't show up for court so we got off on a technicality, left sweatingMe, you and what's his face, I forgot his fucking name

Shame he even came to your funeral, he betrayed our teamAnd if I see him again I'mma punch him in the fucking faceAnd that's on Hallie Jade, Whitney Lane and Alaina's name

I let the pistol bang once just to leak a shot in the airFor you and pour some liquor out for you with Obie in the parking lot

Of 54 just before we were supposed to get in carsTo come and see you, once more difficult as it sounds

List of Supplementary Materials

1. Introductory activitya. Articlesb. Loss worksheets

http://rapgenius.com/90780/Eminem-difficult/Once-more-difficult-as-it-sounds

http://rapgenius.com/87364/Eminem-difficult/I-let-the-pistol-bang-once-just-to-leak-a-shot-in-the-air-for-you-and-pour-some-liquor-out-for-you-with-obie-in-the-parking-lot-of-54-just-before-we-were-supposed-to-get-in-cars-to-come-and-see-you



http://rapgenius.com/85304/Eminem-difficult/And-thats-on-hallie-jade-whitney-lane-and-alainas-name

http://rapgenius.com/96464/Eminem-difficult/Me-you-and-whats-his-face-i-forgot-his-fucking-name-shame-he-even-came-to-your-funeral-he-betrayed-our-team-and-if-i-see-him-again-imma-punch-him-in-the-fucking-face



http://rapgenius.com/87358/Eminem-difficult/I-guess-them-hookers-and-bums-that-we-shot-up-didnt-show-up-for-court-so-we-got-off-on-a-technicality-left-sweating

http://rapgenius.com/87358/Eminem-difficult/I-guess-them-hookers-and-bums-that-we-shot-up-didnt-show-up-for-court-so-we-got-off-on-a-technicality-left-sweating

http://rapgenius.com/85131/Eminem-difficult/From-making-cars-to-paintballing-and-getting-arrested-to-sitting-across-from-each-other-in-cells-laughing-and-jesting-they-tried-to-hit-us-for-five-years-for-that-no-question



http://rapgenius.com/85130/Eminem-difficult/I-know-youre-the-one-who-taught-me-to-throw-them-bows-back-on-dresden

http://rapgenius.com/87193/Eminem-difficult/But-you-were-down-for-yours-whenever-it-came-to-scrapping-if-it-had-to-happen-it-had-to-happen-believe-me

http://rapgenius.com/87193/Eminem-difficult/But-you-were-down-for-yours-whenever-it-came-to-scrapping-if-it-had-to-happen-it-had-to-happen-believe-me

http://rapgenius.com/85281/Eminem-difficult/You-were-the-peacemaker-doody-i-know-sometimes-you-were-moody-but-you-hated-confrontation-and-truly-hated-the-feuding

http://rapgenius.com/85281/Eminem-difficult/You-were-the-peacemaker-doody-i-know-sometimes-you-were-moody-but-you-hated-confrontation-and-truly-hated-the-feuding

http://rapgenius.com/374999/Eminem-difficult/And-doody-its-true-you-bought-people-together-who-never-woulda-been-in-the-same-room-if-it-wasnt-for-you

http://rapgenius.com/374999/Eminem-difficult/And-doody-its-true-you-bought-people-together-who-never-woulda-been-in-the-same-room-if-it-wasnt-for-you

http://rapgenius.com/85161/Eminem-difficult/Purple-gang

http://rapgenius.com/87038/Eminem-difficult/And-i-know-the-dreams-will-die-with-you-today-but-the-truth-is-there-all-still-here-and-you-aint

2. “Wake me up When September Ends” a. Song

i. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVO8sUrs-Pw b. Cover and title page

3. “Gone Too Soon”a. Song

i. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNamirwTaY

4. “I’ll be Missing you”a. Song

i. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Lcn7IFdAU b. Six bags with song lyrics

5. “I Wish”a. Song

i. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8CXUzepL6k b. Poems

6. “Difficult”a. Song

i. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf-TxBU79VY b. Five W’s Worksheetc. Article

Introductory Activity for Entire Unit

Objectives:

1. Students will view and discuss articles on the death of a loved one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf-TxBU79VY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8CXUzepL6k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Lcn7IFdAU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNamirwTaY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVO8sUrs-Pw

2. Students will discuss the nature of loss.3. Students will complete and discuss a set of sheets about loss, grief, and write about their

experience with loss.

Activities:

1. Articlesa. Students will be placed into six groups.b. Each group will be given an article that deals with loss.c. Each group will have 20 minutes to read the article and answer the following

questions.i. What is the title of the article?

ii. Who is the article about? Who died?iii. What happened?iv. What are the feelings that exist as a result of the death of the person?v. How did you feel after reading this article?

vi. Have you ever experienced a loss of someone in your life? If so, how did you feel?

d. Each group will then present and explain their article to the class.

2. Web description of lossa. Teacher will write the word “loss” on the board and ask students to give words

and phrases that describe the nature of loss.i. What is loss?

ii. What are the feelings that come as a result of experiencing loss?iii. What are synonyms of loss?iv. What are the effects of loss? v. What are the reactions of people when they experience loss?

b. As the students give their ideas, the teacher will create a web on the board.c. Teacher will then tell the students that they will be examining songs about loss.

3. Loss and Grief worksheetsa. Students will discuss and complete the sheets on grief and loss. b. Students will write about their experience with loss.

LESSON PLAN 1

Selection: “Wake me up when September Ends”

Objectives:

1. Students will answer and discuss questions about the song’s cover and title.2. Students will define vocabulary.3. Students will listen to the song.4. Students will complete and discuss content, interpretation, and application questions after

reading the song, “Wake me up when September Ends.”5. Students will complete the following activity:

b. Illustrating cover page for songc. Short movie

Introductory Activity:

1. Students will view the cover and title then they will answer these questions:

a. What do you think the song is about?b. Who do you think the singer is sad about?c. What might be the story behind the song?d. What do you think is the mood of the song? Of the singer?e. Why is the singer looking up? What might that mean?

2. Students will listen to the song.

Vocabulary:

DrenchedInnocent

Plan to use Questions

Students will work with partners after being numbered off.

Name___________________________________________________Date______________

Content /Interpretation/Application Questions

“Wake me up when September Ends”

1. What does Billie urge the reader to do in the last line of almost every stanza?

2. What does it mean that the “innocent can never last?”

3. Who is the “innocent?”Why?

4. Why do you think Billie chooses the month of September? Explain.

5. What other person or event might this song work good to describe?

6. The second stanza introduces the character to which the song is for; who is it?

7. Why would Billie choose summer instead of any other season? Explain.

8. How many years have passed since his “father’s come to pass?”

9. Why is the rain falling from the stars instead of clouds? Explain.

10. What would you change the word “stars” into? Why.

11. Why would the rain come “again?” Explain.

12. Why do you think Billie “becomes who we are” after being drenched in pain?

13. Have you ever become who you are as a result of something negative that happened? If so, explain.

14. What is the pain that Billie is suffering from?

15. What does it mean when a memory “rests?”

16. Is there ever a time when a person can completely forget about losing someone? Why or why not?

17. Do you believe Billie has forgotten about his loss? How do you know?

18. Why would Billie repeat the same stanzas more than once like the stanza, “summer has come and passed…?” Explain.

19. What happened when spring began?

20. What does spring symbolize to Billie? What does it symbolize to you?

21. What does a ringing bell mean? What does that have to do with spring?

22. Why do you think Billie repeats the line “wake me up when September ends” three times at the end?

23. What is the overall mood of the song? Explain.

24. Did a major event take place in your life in September? Explain.

Concluding Activities

Each student will illustrate a cover page for the song.

a. Poster must be creative, unique, and colorfulb. A paragraph should be written explaining why the student illustrated the

cover page the way they did.

AND

Short movie

a. Students will be numbered off into groupsb. Each group will need to film a short movie depicting the story behind

the song and how the song came to be.

COLLABORATIVE LESSON(With Teacher’s Questions)

LESSON PLAN 2

Objectives:

1. Students will view the music video of the song “Gone Too Soon” then read it in collaborative learning groups.

2. Students will discuss content, interpretation and application questions among themselves.

3. Students in each collaborative group will copy and change the song “Gone Too Soon.”

4. Students will choose a picture to go with their newly made song.

Enjoying Poetry: A Collaborative Learning Activity

1. Select a chairperson to lead your discussion.

2. Select a recorder to take notes on your discussion.

3. Either the chairperson or the recorder should share your notes with the whole class following your discussion.

4. The entire group should participate in your concluding activity.

5. NOW READ THE QUESTIONS AND BEGIN TO DISCUSS.

Discuss the Following Questions

1. What phrase does Michael keep repeating at the end of each stanza?

2. Why would Michael keep repeating the phrase “gone too soon?” How does that affect the structure and mood of the song? Explain

3. Why does Michael compare Ryan with a comet?

4. Why do you think a comet is a great representation of the passing away of Ryan? Explain.

5. What does Michael compare Ryan within the next stanza?

6. Why does Michael compare Ryan with a rainbow?

7. How does the third stanza further describe the rainbow? Explain

8. What does Michael compare Ryan to in the fourth stanza?

9. Why does Michael compare Ryan with the loss of sunlight? Explain.

10. Why would a “castle built upon a sandy beach” be a representation of death? Explain.

11. Would you agree that perfect flowers are “beyond your reach?” Why?

12. What three verbs does Michael use within the stanza before the last?

13. How do these verbs represent Ryan? Explain.

14. What does Michael compare Ryan to in the end?

15. Explain how a sunset can represent death?

16. Why do you think Michael uses so many similes to describe the passing away of Ryan?

17. In your opinion, which simile is the most meaningful? Why?

18. How do these descriptions make the song more meaningful as opposed to regular words? Explain.

19. What is the mood of the song? Explain.

20. Would you use this song to describe a loved one that had passed away? Why or why not?

21. What could be another title for this song? Should there be another title or is “Gone Too Soon” the best one out there? Explain.

Now Do Your Concluding Activity

A. Copy-change the song “Gone Too Soon”

a. Copy the song and change the lyrics using the same wording.b. Make sure to follow the number of lines and stanzas.c. You may keep or change the title.

B. Choose a photo or draw a picture that represents what your song is all about.

C. Present your song to the class bya. Reading it together in unisonb. Performing it using music, props and costumes. c. Explaining your drawing or photo choice.

LESSON PLAN 3

Selection: “I’ll be Missing You”

Objectives:

1. Students will decipher a jigsaw puzzle of the lyrics of the song.2. Students will listen and view the song.3. Students will define vocabulary.4. Students will complete and discuss content, interpretation, and application questions

after reading the song, “I’ll be Missing You.”5. Students will complete the following activity:

b. Illustrating songsc. Collage


1. Students will be numbered off into six groups.2. Each group will be given a bag of the song’s lyrics which are mixed up.3. Each group will have ten minutes to rearrange the lyrics of the poem.4. After ten minutes, each group will share their song lyrics order.5. The song will then be played to see who got it right.

Vocabulary:

Notorious ReminisceConceal


Students will work in the groups they were assigned to during the introductory activity.

Name___________________________________________________Date______________



1. What “seems like yesterday?”

2. Why does Puff daddy mean that it seems like “yesterday?” What does that say about time?

3. Why do you think life is not always what it seems to be? Explain.

4. Why does Puff Daddy mean by “words can’t express what you mean to me?”

5. Do you think words can express feelings? Why or why not?

6. Puff Daddy promises to fulfill “your dream” through what?

7. What does Puff Daddy refer to that “plays again” even though he tries to black it out? Explain.

8. Do you agree that feelings are hard to conceal? Explain.

9. What would Puff Daddy give to hear half his/her breathe? What does this say about how he feels deep inside?

10. Would you give anything to hear half the breath of your loved one that passed away? Why or why not.

11. Why would Puff Daddy say that the person who passed away is “still living…after death”?

12. What four descriptors show the intensity in which Puff Daddy misses his loved ones? One is “every step.”

13. Can you think of a descriptor such as the ones Puff Daddy uses? What would you say, every…?

14. How does Puff Daddy knowing that the people he lost are smiling down help him carry on?

15. Do you believe that people who passed away are smiling down and watching you? Why or why not.

16. Where will Puff Daddy keep his friend till they meet?

17. Why would memories give Puff Daddy strength? Explain.

18. Why can’t Puff Daddy define his thoughts?

19. Do you think it is hard to define one’s thoughts? Why or why not.

20. Why does Puff Daddy want to turn back the hands of time?

21. Why does Puff Daddy end the song with the repetition of a stanza?

22. Do you think it is important to remember those who passed away? Or should one forget and move on? Explain.

23. What is the mood of the song? Explain.

24. Would you use this song to describe the passing away of your loved one? Why or why not.

Concluding Activity

1. Illustrating songs

a. Students will choose a song about loss in addition to “I’ll be Missing You.”b. Both songs will be illustrated with:

i. Personal drawingsii. Magazine/online pictures

c. Using:i. Transparencies

ii. Power pointsiii. Movie Makeriv. Preziv. Poster

OR

2. Collage

a. Students will compile pictures, images, symbols and signs that portray the various themes and feelings found in the song.

b. The collage will need to be made on a large poster board.

COLLABORATIVE LESSON(No Teacher’s Questions)

LESSON PLAN 4

Objectives:

1. Students will compare and contrast a musical choral selection with a choral reading.

2. Students will practice several choral readings using a handout as an assist.

3. Students will work in small collaborative groups to orchestrate the song “I Wish” for choral reading.

4. Students will design role plays to accompany their choral readings.

5. Students will present choral readings and role plays to the whole class.

Task Sheet for a Choral Reading Lesson

1. Play a musical choral selection for students.

2. Compare a choral reading to a musical selection.

3. Have students practice reading this poem chorally (in unison)a. “My Sorrow” by Karina Herrera

4. Distribute handout “Things to Consider in Planning a Choral Reading”

5. Use the handout to practice orchestrating these poems for choral reading.a. “My Sorrow” by Karina Herrerab. “Sometimes” by Colleen Ranney

6. Divide students into small groups and have each group orchestrate the song “I Wish” by R Kelly for choral reading:

7. Students should plan a role play to accompany the choral reading.

8. Students should be sure to use the handout, “Things to Consider in Planning a Choral Reading,” and a DIRECTIONS SHEET.

9. Once all groups have finished, students will present choral readings and role plays for the entire class.

Collaborative Learning Activity for a Song

(All groups doing same things)

Directions sheet for chairperson and recorder

CHAIRPERSON

http://www.colleenranney.com/

The chairperson will:

1. Be sure that the group follows each step on the TASK SHEET and finishes in the time allotted.

2. Be sure that all group members are involved, participate and do their fair share of the work.

3. Be sure that all group members are treated with respect.

4. Be sure that the recorder takes notes on each step listed on the TASK SHEET.

5. Be sure that the choral reading/skit is CREATIVE, ORGANIZED, INFORMATIVE, and UNIQUE.

6. Be sure to introduce the Recorder before he/she shares the report from your group on the major events of the section.

RECORDER

The Recorder will:

1. Take notes on each step given on the TASK SHEET.

2. Be sure to get all comments from all students and present them clearly in your notes.

3. Write any notes which the group thinks are necessary for the CHORAL READING/SKIT

4. Present the group’s report to the entire class at the appropriate time.

Things to Consider in Planning a Choral Reading

1. The overall meaning of the selectiona. Be sure to think about all the questions which we’ve just discussed

2. How you wish to convey the meaning.

Forcefully

Gently

Matter-of-factly

Humorously, etc.

3. Which part of the selection should be read by

Everyone

A solo voice

A trio

Girls only

Boys only

High voices

Low voices

4. Which part of the selection should be read

Slowly

Quickly

Moderately

Choppily

Smoothly

5. If you wish, add sound effects, movement, and role-playing.

6. Try positioning the members of your group in different places in the room.

7. Practice doing the choral reading in a variety of ways until you are satisfied that you have created a work of art.

LESSON PLAN 5

Selection: “Difficult”

Objectives:

1. Students will view and discuss the article on Proof’s death; and complete the five W’s worksheet.

3. Students will define vocabulary.4. Students will listen to the song.5. Students will complete and discuss content, interpretation, and application questions after

reading the song, “Difficult.”6. Students will choose one activity from the following two activities:

a. Music videob. Interview


Vocabulary:

Confrontation FeudingJesting


Students will work alone.

Name___________________________________________________Date______________


“Difficult”

1. What might the title be referring to?

2. How does Eminem feel about people asking him if he’s happy?

3. How would you feel if people asked you if you were happy? Do you believe people care? Explain.

4. Who is Doody? What is he to Eminem?

5. Have you had a friend who was always there for you and with you? Explain.

6. What does Eminem say he never got to do?

7. Do you think it’s important to say “I love you” to those we care about? Why or why not.

8. Why would Eminem think his friend is near him? Explain.

9. Have you ever felt like the person who passed away is near you even though they are away? How?

10. Who did Eminem’s friend leave behind?

11. Who might Sharonda be?

12. What pieces is everyone trying to pick up? Explain.

13. How do you think grievance is affecting Eminem?

14. Do you also believe grievance affects everyone differently? Why or why not.

15. How does or would grievance affect you? Explain.

16. What memory does Eminem recall of him and Proof?

17. Why would Eminem say he will get Proof back for laughing at him? What does this say about Eminem’s thoughts for the future?

18. What other memories and incidents does Eminem recall and talk to Proof about?

19. What places will never forget Proof’s legacy? What does this say about his character?

20. What does Eminem pick up to smell?

21. How does smelling the scent of a loved one make a person feel?

22. Have you ever kept the clothing that belonged to a loved one who passed away just to smell it? Does it help?

23. What happened to D12 after Proof’s death?

24. What might this say about Proof and his importance to the group? Explain.

25. What did Proof do to people? Give a simile describing who Proof was as a person. For example, he was the glue that kept everyone together.

26. What did Proof teach Eminem?

27. Why Is it difficult for Eminem to go see Proof?

28. Would you use this song for a loved one who passed away? Why or why not.

29. What is the mood of the song?

30. Do you think Eminem can ever forget Proof? Why or why not?

Concluding Activity

Choose one of the following

Music Video

1. Students will be asked to choose their own groups of no more than four people.2. Each group will record a music video for the song.3. The music video will be presented to the class.

OR

Interview

Students who opt for this activity will need to write and perform an interview with Eminem.

i. Two students per group: the interviewer and the one playing Eminemii. Research on Eminem’s life and his friend Proof.

iii. Costumes and props highly encouraged.iv. Interviewer must have questions ready to ask Eminem

1. Questions must be from real life events in Eminem’s life and must be about the times he had with proof.

2. Person playing Eminem must have accurate answers.

Overall Culminating Activity for Entire Unit

Song Anthology and CD/DVD:

1. All students will write their own songs about loss a. Requirements

i. Must be between 2-4 minutes. No more, no less.ii. Music must be included.

iii. No foul language allowed. iv. Music video is optional but highly encouraged.v. Must be recorded on a CD and turned in with a lyrics sheet.

vi. If music video is made, DVD must be turned in with lyrics sheet.

2. All songs will be complied into one CD.3. All song lyrics will be compiled into an anthology.4. Each student will get a copy of the song anthology and CD/DVD.

Performance

1. Students can choose to perform their songs in class or play their CD/DVD. 2. Before the performance, students will introduce their song title and give a brief

description of who it is written for.

From “Don’t Take My Grief Away”

by Doug Manning

A cut finger—

Is numb before it bleeds,

It bleeds before it hurts,

It hurts until it begins to heal,

It forms a scab and itches until finally,

The scab is gone and

A smaller scar is left where

Once there was a wound.

Grief is the deepest wound you

Have ever had.

Like a cut finger,

It goes through stages and

Leaves a scar.

My Sorrow© Karina Herrera

Life is dead without you. Feel an empty hole inside.

Can’t be me with you not near.With a frown I cry.

Tears run down my face.Needles go through my heart.

Felt a pain rushing in the day you went away.

Want to run away, and hide.Leave this all behind.

Know that words won’t bring you back.Still I have to try.

Can’t breathCan’t see

Can’t live my lifeCan’t bare the feeling I have inside.

Want to yell, and let it all out.Instead I keep it all inside.

Hoping I won’t start to cry when I see you in my mind.Felt a numbness coming in when I heard that you were gone.

Can’t stop the constant think of youOne day we’ll meet again.

We’ll leave the world behind.Until we meet another time my life is nothing, but in sorrow.

Sometimes© Colleen Ranney

Sometimes I catch a glimpse,In softened waves of blue

My child, my heart …when I see a smileI can’t help but think of you

Sometimes these waves fill oceans.And feelings string on every shore

A collections of each memoryAnd every way I wish for more

Sometimes I watch for answersBecause each day I call to you

I ask for faith and courageAnd strength …to help me through

Sometimes I ask for braveryLike dolphins in the deep

Because time moves oh so slowlyAnd some times the road is steep

Sometimes I want to screamThis was not what I had planned

Why you ever sufferedA mom can’t understand

Sometimes I hear your laughterAnd remember you at play

But My Child I always miss youNot sometimes, but everyday

http://www.colleenranney.com/

“Wake me up when

September Ends”

By Green Day

“Gone Too Soon”

By Michael Jackson


By Puff Daddy

“I Wish”

By R Kelly

“Difficult”

By Eminem

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