JC
“Music ignites all areas of child development… particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills.” (UNICEF)
- MUSIC FOCUS: MASSIVE ATTACK.
- ACTIVITY FOCUS: WRITE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A BABY OR ANIMAL.
ACTIVITY 1
Watch the video for Massive Attack’s ‘Teardrop’.
ACTIVITY 2
Let’s look at Massive Attack’s use of metaphor…
1. “Teardrop on the fire.”
How much impact would a teardrop have on a fire? How could this metaphor help us understand how the baby is feeling? Make a list of feelings the baby might be experiencing. Why might the baby be feeling those particular emotions?
2. “Black flowers blossom”
What does the colour black often represent? How might it feel to see black flowers blossoming (growing/getting bigger)? How could this metaphor help us understand how the baby is feeling? Make a list of feelings the baby might be experiencing. Why might the baby be feeling those particular emotions?
ACTIVITY 3
Now, come up with your own original metaphor. The character in your writing is going to be experiencing similar feelings to the ones you’ve explored already in this class. What image might create a sense of being overwhelmed or scared or unsure? Brainstorm ideas before choosing one to develop.
Now, pick one metaphor to refine. Think about its size and colour – maybe these details will want sharpening.
ACTIVITY 4
EITHER…
Write a description or story from the baby’s point of view. Use at least one interesting metaphor that will help the reader understand how the baby is feeling.
OR…
Write a description or story from the point of view of an animal or bird. In real life, the animal or bird would be as voiceless as the baby. Describe the world as the animal sees it. Use at least one interesting metaphor that will help the reader understand how the animal or bird is feeling.
OR…
Write a poem from the point of view of the baby or an animal/bird. Use at least one interesting metaphor that will help the reader understand how the animal or bird is feeling.
Please do send your own writing in. We want to publish the most exciting writing and offer advice.
Fancy some more creative writing? Read the opening chapter to Sound of Pen’s ‘FTRE’ story, then have a go at starting your own book.