Unlock Character and Conflict: Six Captivating Songs to Analyze with Disney’s Hamilton

As someone who had the incredible opportunity to see “Hamilton” on tour this summer, I can attest that the musical’s energy and storytelling are nothing short of revolutionary. It’s no surprise that “Hamilton” has captivated audiences worldwide, blending history with hip-hop, and drama with humor. Inspired by this masterpiece, I’m excited to introduce “Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character,” a resource that brings the excitement of “Hamilton” into the classroom while reinforcing middle and high school literacy standards aligned to TEKS and common core!

Why “Hamilton vs. Burr” Is the Room Where It Happens for ELA Teachers

This resource is a unique way to approach upper middle school and lower high school English Language Arts. By delving into the intricate dynamics between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, students get to explore plot, conflict, and character development in a way that’s both educational and exhilarating. 

I have hand-picked the best songs to show the relationship between these rivaling characters including:

1. Aaron Burr, Sir
2. My Shot
3. Wait for it
4. The Election of 1800
5. Your Obedient Servant
6. The World was Wide Enough

The Schuyler Sisters Would Approve: Cross-Curricular Learning

Why limit learning to one discipline when you can be as multi-talented as Hamilton himself? “Hamilton vs. Burr” harmoniously blends music, social studies, and literacy:

• Music: Students engage with the musical’s soundtrack, analyzing lyrics and understanding the role of music in storytelling.
• Social Studies: The historical context of Hamilton’s era comes alive, offering a real-world connection to the past.
• Literacy: Analyzing lyrics sharpens students’ literary skills, from figurative language identification to critical thinking.

How to Use This Resource: Don’t Miss Your Shot!

• Lyric Analysis: Have students read and annotate the lyrics of songs like “My Shot” and “Wait for It.” They’ll explore character motivations and narrative development. 
• Figurative Language: Encourage students to identify metaphors, similes, and other poetic devices. This fosters a deeper appreciation of the songs’ linguistic creativity.
• Character and Conflict: Use the provided questions to spark discussions on character dynamics, using a ‘Claim, Evidence, Reasoning’ framework for thorough analysis.
• Creative and Critical Thinking: Engage students in writing from Hamilton or Burr’s perspective or host debates on their decisions. This not only deepens understanding but also hones public speaking skills.

Your Classroom: The Room Where It Happens

Imagine starting a class with the iconic beats of “Hamilton,” transporting students back to the 18th century, yet keeping them rooted in contemporary learning styles. Each Google Slide in this resource is a step into history, a leap into literary analysis, and a stride toward critical thinking.

“Hamilton vs. Burr” is more than just a lesson plan; it’s an educational revolution, much like the musical itself. So, why throw away your shot at making learning dynamic, engaging, and relevant? Let’s raise a glass to freedom and education with “Hamilton vs. Burr: A Musical Journey through Conflict and Character.

Hamilton vs. Burr: A Literary Musical Journey through Conflict and Character (teacherspayteachers.com)

For more ELA resources to use in your middle school classroom check out this New Year’s lesson plan: Cheers To the New Year: Crafting Memorable Toasts (toobookedup.com)