To Be A Drum
From Storyline Online
7 min1st2nd3rd4th5thReading & Writing (ELA)Social StudiesMusic
Summary
A father tells his children the story of African American history as a rhythm that began in Africa and beats on through their lives. A poetic celebration of heritage and resilience. Read by James Earl Jones.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
A father tells his children the story of African American history as a rhythm that began in Africa and beats on through their lives.
- What does it mean to 'be a drum' in this story?
- How does the father connect the past to his children?
- How can music carry a people's history?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: rhythm, heritage, history.
Try it: Tap a rhythm that feels like 'you,' then describe it in words.