Inspiring Artists and Musicians

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 5

1st Grade

Lesson 13 of 26

Objective


Explain how the author shows that Duke Ellington was a genius.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

The author states that “Because of Duke’s genius, his orchestra now had a musical mix like no other.”

How does the author show that Duke was a genius? Do you agree or disagree with the author?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • The author says that Duke’s parents “had other notions for their child.” What notions did they have? How did Duke feel about them?

  • Why did Duke change his mind about the piano?

  • How does Duke’s love of music inspire him? Give two specific examples.

  • How does Duke Ellington’s life change in 1927?

  • What does it mean to improvise? What did Duke and his orchestra sound like when they improvised? Give specific examples.

  • Why was Duke successful? Give two specific examples. 

Vocabulary


improvise

v.

to make or do something without planning it beforehand

compose

v.

to write or create a work of art

genius

n.

a person who has exceptional talent or brilliance

successful

adj.

accomplishing a goal

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Common Core Standards


  • L.1.1.j — Produce and expand complete simple and compound declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences in response to prompts.
  • RI.1.3 — Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
  • RI.1.8 — Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
  • SL.1.1 — Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups

Supporting Standards

L.1.4
L.1.6
RI.1.1
RI.1.4
RI.1.7
RI.1.10
SL.1.2
SL.1.5
SL.1.6
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Lesson 12

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Lesson 14

Lesson Map

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