Objective

By the end of this lesson, Tahlia will have a deeper understanding of the historical context of the six wives of Henry VIII, their individual stories, and how these narratives are creatively expressed in the musical "Six." Additionally, she will explore her artistic side by creating a visual representation of one of the queens, enhancing her skills in English through writing, and engaging with music through a fun song analysis.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and drawing materials (pencils, markers, colored pencils)
• Access to "Six the Musical" soundtrack or clips (if available)
• Notebook or journal for writing
• Research materials (internet access or books about Henry VIII and his wives)

Before the lesson, ensure Tahlia has a basic understanding of who Henry VIII was and the significance of his six wives. A brief overview of the musical and its themes would also be beneficial.

Activities

• Character Analysis: Tahlia will choose one of the six wives and research her life, focusing on her background, marriage to Henry VIII, and her legacy. She will then write a short character sketch that highlights key events and traits.
• Art Project: Using her research, Tahlia will create a visual representation (drawing or collage) of her chosen queen. This can include symbols that represent her life and experiences.
• Song Analysis: Tahlia will listen to a song from "Six" that relates to her chosen queen and analyze the lyrics. She will write a short paragraph about how the song reflects the queen's story and emotions.
• Performance: Tahlia can choose to perform a short excerpt of her chosen queen's song, either by singing or acting out the key moments in her life, using her art project as a prop.

Talking Points

• "Henry VIII had six wives, each with a unique story. Can you name them and tell me one interesting fact about each?"
• "Think about what it means to be a queen during the Tudor period. What challenges do you think they faced?"
• "The musical 'Six' gives each wife a voice. Why do you think it's important for their stories to be told today?"
• "How does music help convey emotions in a story? Can you think of a song that makes you feel a certain way?"
• "Art can be a powerful way to express history. What symbols could represent your chosen queen?"
• "Let's explore the lyrics of the song together. What themes do you notice? How do they connect to the queen's life?"
• "Why do you think the musical chose a modern pop style for telling these historical stories?"
• "How can we relate the struggles of these queens to issues women face today?"
• "What do you think was the most significant impact of Henry VIII's marriages on English history?"
• "How does your chosen queen's story inspire you? Is there a lesson you can take from her life?"
• "If you could ask your chosen queen one question, what would it be and why?"
• "How does performing a song or scene help you understand the character better?"
• "What was your favorite part of the research process? Did you discover anything surprising?"
• "How can we use creativity to connect with history? Does it make learning more enjoyable?"
• "What emotions did you feel while creating your art project? How did it help you understand your queen?"
• "Finally, how do you think the stories of these queens will be remembered in the future?"