The image is a promotional graphic for an educational resource designed to teach argumentative writing using music. The background has a textured, dark appearance resembling a blackboard or cracked stone, contributing to a strong visual impact. At the top, in glowing orange letters, the words "CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE" are prominently displayed, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in the resource. Below this, a text box with a neon glow effect states "12 SLIDES PPT!" which highlights the number of PowerPoint slides included. The phrase "PRINT AND GO!" is also showcased in the same style, suggesting ease of use for teachers. In the center, a split image of Brandy and Monica from the music video for "The Boy is Mine" is featured, symbolizing the argumentative nature of the song's lyrics. A musical play bar with play, pause, and skip buttons is placed below the artists' images, reinforcing the musical theme of the resource. An orange tape piece appears at the top right of the image, giving the impression of a poster being taped to a wall.
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Amplifying Argumentative Writing with Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: A Lesson in Lyrics

Posted on by Ashly George

I was in AWE when I came across a teacher on TikTok using The Boy is Mine to teach argumentative writing. As educators, we’re always seeking innovative ways to engage our students. Launching an argumentative writing unit in your middle school ELA class can be transformed from routine to riveting with the use of a powerful tool: music. The catchy tune “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy and Monica is not just a throwback hit, it’s a gateway to understanding the intricacies of argumentation wrapped in culturally relevant pedagogy.

Argumentative Writing Essentials

Argumentative writing involves presenting a claim, supporting it with evidence, acknowledging counterarguments, and providing a conclusion. It’s a skill that enables students to think critically, articulate their positions, and engage in respectful debates. A well-crafted argumentative essay contains a clear thesis, logical reasoning, credible support, and a strong rebuttal to opposing views.

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Culturally relevant pedagogy recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning. It’s about bridging the gap between students’ home and school lives and using cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and performance styles to make learning more applicable and accessible to them.

The Power of Music in the Classroom

Incorporating music, especially songs that students recognize and enjoy, enhances engagement and creates a more vibrant learning environment. Music can serve as an emotional and intellectual stimulus that not only makes the lesson more interesting but also helps to solidify learning through the connection of lyrics to academic concepts.

Leveraging “The Boy is Mine” in Argumentative Writing

Imagine a classroom abuzz with the opening strains of “The Boy is Mine.” The song is a perfect example of an argument set to melody. Each singer presents a claim to the same love interest and supports it with reasons and evidence. Here’s how you can turn this into a comprehensive learning experience:

  • Do Now Activity: Begin with a warm-up that has students reflect on a time they had to argue their side of a story.
  • Introduce Vocabulary: Define the terms ‘argument,’ ‘counterargument,’ and ‘rebuttal.’ These will be the building blocks of understanding the song’s structure.
  • Artists and Lyrics: Introduce students to Brandy and Monica, ensuring cultural relevance by discussing their significance in music history. Then, present the chunked and labeled song lyrics for analysis.
  • Music Video and Discussion: Watch the music video to provide a visual and auditory stimulus. Follow this with a class discussion on the arguments presented by each artist.
  • Tracing the Argument: Students engage with the lyrics, tracing the argument of each singer using a graphic organizer, identifying the claim, supporting evidence, and counterarguments.
  • Writing and Sharing: Culminate the lesson with students forming and sharing their opinions on which singer presented the strongest argument. Encourage them to use the vocabulary and structures learned.
  • Extended Engagement: Utilize additional discourse questions in the PowerPoint presentation to further the conversation and deepen understanding.

The Package

This resource comes with everything needed for a 60-minute lesson aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1, W.7.1, and W.6.1 standards. A 12-slide PowerPoint presentation accompanies the lesson plan, along with engaging writing activities. It’s a print-and-go tool designed for high engagement and cultural relevance, ideal for middle school ELA teachers and interventionists.

Conclusion

Teaching argumentative writing using “The Boy is Mine” is more than just an exercise in lyric interpretation; it’s an effective strategy for immersing students in the art of argument while validating their cultural identities. This approach embodies the best practices of culturally relevant pedagogy and promises to make your argumentative writing unit a hit. Ready to elevate your teaching game? Dive into this innovative resource and watch as your classroom resonates with the sound of critical thinking and spirited debates. Check out the full resource here and prepare for a chorus of learning.

Click here The Boy is Mine Tracing an argument with PowerPoint & Graphic Organizer (teacherspayteachers.com)

Other lyric based ELA resources: Disney’s Hamilton: Six Captivating Songs to Analyze Conflict (toobookedup.com)