Secondary/Key Stage 3 Unit - Medieval Music
The McPheron brothers think they know nothing about young girls. Is that the case? Has their solitary life close to the earth handicapped them so far as human relations go, or has it, in fact, provided them with hidden advantages? What examples of parents abandoning children—either by desertion, emotional withdrawal, or death—can be found in this novel?
Medieval Plainchant – Lesson Plan
What do these incidents have in common? How does abandonment affect children, and how does it shape their lives and relationships? It is usually women who are portrayed as nurturers, but in this novel, men—Tom Guthrie and the McPheron brothers—provide shelter and comfort.
How do men differ from women in this respect? What do these men offer that a woman might not be able to? What does she mean by this? In what way are our times "crazier" than earlier eras? How does such "craziness" affect the lives of young people such as Victoria, Ike, and Bobby?
- Les Caractères (French Edition);
- Plainsong Lesson Plans for Teachers | theranchhands.com.
- Greece--a Jewish History;
What motives and feelings might have driven Tom to sleep with Judy when it was really Maggie he was interested in? Why might Maggie have seemed momentarily frightening or intimidating to him? Why do the Guthrie boys befriend Iva Stearns? What are they looking for in this tentative friendship? Do they find what they are seeking? The inhabitants of Holt and its surroundings are extremely laconic: What might cause this?
How would you describe Holt, Colorado? What are its limitations, its disadvantages, and what are its strengths? In what ways is it typical of any American small town, and in what ways is it different? What help does it provide for people who need healing, like the characters in this book? Plainsong depicts some unusual "family" groups. How might Kent Haruf define family? We hope they will provide you with new angles from which to approach and discuss this powerful tale of seven lonely lives set on the stark but beautiful High Plains of Colorado.
A pregnant teenage girl, kicked out by her mother and rejected by the father of her child, searches for a secure place in the world. And far out in the country, two elderly bachelor brothers work the family farm as they have their entire lives, all but isolated from life beyond their own community. From these separate strands emerges a vision of life—and of the community and landscape that bind them together—that is both luminous and enduring.
Plainsong is a story of the abandonment, grief, and stoicism that bring these people together, and it is a story of the kindness, hope, and dignity that redeem their lives.
Utterly true to the rhythms and patterns of life, Plainsong is an American classic: Plainchant has retained its popularity and usefulness from medieval times to the present day. Discuss some of the features of plainchant which may have accounted for its recent resurgence in popularity, resulting in its charting on the Billboard list.
READERS GUIDE
Students will understand and appreciate medieval plainchant. The three most often heard settings: They should compare and contrast these chant structures and styles with medieval plainchant. End by looking at chanting or music similar to chanting in current popular music, such as music by Enigma, Enya, Bobby McFerrin, or other New Age musicians. Also check out scat singing in jazz Ella Fitzgerald is an excellent example. Science Have students look into the scientific work done by Hildegard of Bingen and prepare a poster highlighting the results of this research.
Social Studies Have students check to see whether there were other women in medieval times who had accomplishments like Hildegard in various fields of endeavor. Discuss and compare them to Hildegard. Practical Living Discuss and test the uses of plainchant for relieving stress, meditating, studying, and calming babies and small children.
Plainsong Reader’s Guide
Student demonstrates extensive critical thinking skills and creativity in completing the assignment. Student completes all aspects of the task in an incisive and thorough manner. Student demonstrates broad critical thinking skills and creativity in completing the assignment. Student successfully completes all aspects of the task. Student demonstrates basic use of critical thinking skills and creativity in completing the assignment.
- Plainsong Lesson Plans for Teachers.
- Medieval Plainchant - Lesson Plan.
- theranchhands.com | Plainsong.
- Teaching Plainsong!
Student makes little or no use of critical thinking skills or creativity in completing the assignment. Student minimally completes the task, showing minimal interest or enthusiasm. Student shows little or no effort of having attempted to complete the task. The Life and Works of Hildegard www.