Using Rap as Poetry in the Classroom!

This is first stop in our web-quest to understanding how rap music and rap lyrics are very similar to poetry and literary elements. In this slide show you will have the opportunity to learn about some poetic devices and vocabulary associated with poetry. This is important for our unit because understanding this terms will be essential in order to relate them to musical lyrics! Answer the few questions below to develop your understanding of poetic terminology. 1. What is a ballad? Can you find of a poem that fits this description? Can you think of a song that fits this description?> 2. What is a verse? Is this the same as a verse in a song? 3.What is free verse? 4. What is a metaphor? Find a poem with a metaphor in it. Find a rap song with metaphor in it? What is the metaphor comparing in the poem and then in the song? 5. Figurative language is used everyday? Think of one example of figurative language used in everyday conversation. I hope you have learned a little about literary terms and devices from this slide show! Please continue on to the next stop on this web-quest.

This is a short example of poetry in rap. Listen carefully to the teacher and student in the video. What literary or poetic term could you relate to the rap the teacher and student performed? How does this show that literary device in action?

This website shows you some great examples of metaphors and similes. Choose one of the metaphors or similes given one this site and explain what the author was really trying to say. How are metaphors and similes similar to figurative language?

Here is a great article and small discussion on whether modern rap qualifies as poetry. Read the article and write a small paragraph reflecting on your own position. Determine whether this article is a primary source or a secondary source for critique.

This article provides some background information on rap music and its origin. Read this article and complete a "think-pair-share" on whether or not you believe rap music is a positive or negative influence on young adults.

Continue your think-pair-share with your partner on the following article and question. Many social activist believe that rap music does little more than glorify the very things that bring a society down. Do you agree with this? Read this article and then go online to review the lyrics to some of the most popular rap songs of the new millennium. There are arguably good songs and bad, why do the bad songs tend to me so much more popular? You should be prepared to contribute to this discussion in class, so be sure to take good notes.

This next article should spark a conversation for young men and women! Continue to work and develop your own opinion. Write 3-5 facts that support your position on whether or not rap music is a mostly positive or negative influence for young people.

This website will take you through an activity that will allow you to analyze a rap song in depth within regards to social concerns and issues.

Similar to the Analyzing Rap as Social Poetry site, you will get the opportunity to pretend you are a defense lawyer for your favorite rapper!

Reason for the madness- Here is a short article exploring why using rap music in the classroom can increase  student motivation. What do you think? Is using rap in the classroom helpful or pointless?