The Grandparent/Elder Project

Unit III: Lesson Four

What can be learned from a sound recording?

This lesson uses the song "Sunny California."

Real Audio is required to listen to and/or to download the song. The song may be recorded and the tape recording played in class.

1. Direct the students to the instructions for Studying Sound Recordings.
2. The students listen to the recording several times in order to understand all of the words.
3. The teacher may need to acquaint the students with the "ballad" form so that they are better able to understand this song. If students are acquainted with other ballads such as Barbara Allen, they may be more receptive to this song and the lesson.
4. The teacher explains that this woman's song is a type of ballad in which she tells the sad story of her move to California.
5. The teacher may find that providing a transcript of the song is useful. To accomplish this, a student or group of students can be assigned to listen to the song and create a transcript. The teacher should check and edit the transcript before copying and distributing it to the class.
6. After completing the lesson, the class should discuss what the words of the song reveal about family life during the Great Depression.