This Lesson's Title:

The American Dream

creating an Animoto video that shows a well-developed opinion of the American Dream

This lesson was proposed by NNWP Consultant Cyndi Kirklin at the NNWP's iPods Across the Curriculum inservice class.

This writing prompt inspired by

"Little Boxes" sung by Malvina Reynolds

Click here to do a Google search for the lyrics.

Three-Sentence Overview of this Lesson:

Using music, video and readings, students will explore their views of the American Dream, and use a new understanding to create “animoto” videos that express a personal opinion or take on the dream. Students will develop and support their knowledge of the American Dream in a Socratic discussion format, and use the conclusions they draw from the multiple sources and discussion to create their own thesis. Creating visual, sound and concise word choice in 30 second videos, students will communicate their thesis and tone. Teachers: Click here to see the entire lesson plan.

6-Trait Overview for this Lesson:

Focusing on idea development as the focus trait for this lesson, student’s final “animoto” video will deliver their message (thesis) about either the state of the American Dream, or their personal vision/version of it. As a support trait, students will focus on word choice to purposefully pick words to convey message and tone concisely.