LESSON FIVE: “Cat’s In the Cradle”
LESSON DESCRIPTION
Students use details from the text to analyze the influence of setting on characters in Harry Chapin’s song, “Cat’s In the Cradle.”
GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS
R2C Use details from text to analyze the influence of setting on characters
Students write about a time in their lives when they went through a viewpoint change as a result of the passage of time. Scoring guide provided.
LESSON MATERIALS
§ Source of Literature
o “Cat’s In the Cradle” by Harry Chapin
§ Supplies
§ Handouts provided
o The "Cat's in the Cradle" lyrics
§ Words to know
o setting
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
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Questions for Students |
Write the guiding question for the lesson on the board.
How will my viewpoint change over my lifetime? |
1. Students relax, close their eyes, and listen. Play the recording of “Cat’s in the Cradle” for students with NO introduction other than to listen. Provide time for reflection before discussion begins.
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Questions for Students |
What do you think this song means? |
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Strategy |
Validate all reasonable responses. |
2. Give students a copy of the song lyrics.
3. Students listen to the song a second time with the lyrics in front of them. After the second playing of the song, lead a class discussion.
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Questions for Students |
Do you have a different explanation of the meaning of the song now? What made you change your mind? |
4. Discuss viewpoint and how it changes in the song. When the setting (in this case, time) changes in a story, a character’s viewpoint may also change. Note: Viewpoint is the way a person looks at a situation. Usually it is based on their experiences, beliefs, and knowledge. Guide students through the viewpoint changes in the song and have them mark the changes on their copy of the lyrics.
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Questions for Students
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When leading this discussion, encourage students to use specific details from the text to support their answers. How does the son’s viewpoint change in the song? What causes this change? How does the father’s viewpoint change in the song? What causes this change? |
5. As homework, students make a list of 10 belongings they value. Use the Special Belongings List handout.