Watching hairspray

History

• The child learned about the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for racial equality in the 1960s depicted in the movie.
• They gained an understanding of segregation and the importance of fighting for equal rights.
• They learned about the impact of music and dance in bringing people together during a time of social change.
• They learned about historical events and figures, such as the Baltimore protests and Martin Luther King Jr.

Music

• The child learned about different music genres, including rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and soul.
• They gained an appreciation for the power of music to convey messages and promote social change.
• They learned about the importance of music in theater and how it enhances storytelling.
• They learned about various musical elements like melody, harmony, and rhythm through the songs in the movie.

After watching "Hairspray," encourage the child to explore and learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and the history of music in the 1960s. They can research additional historical events and figures from that era, listen to music from various artists of the time, and even try to recreate some of the dance routines from the movie. They can also explore other musicals or movies that address social issues to further their understanding of the power of music in storytelling and promoting change.

Book Recommendations

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis: A historical fiction novel that explores the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of a young African American boy and his family.
• The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon: Set in 1968 Chicago, this book follows a young boy torn between his father, a Black Panther, and his older brother, who joins the Civil Rights Movement.
• Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound by Andrea Davis Pinkney: This nonfiction book takes readers on a journey through the history of Motown and its impact on American music and culture.