Objective

By the end of this lesson, Tahlia will have a deeper understanding of the historical context and significance of the six wives of Henry VIII, as well as how their stories are represented in the musical "Six." She will be able to discuss the lives of these women and their impact on history in a fun and engaging way.

Materials and Prep

• Pencil and paper for note-taking
• Access to a computer or tablet for research
• Optional: Headphones to listen to the "Six" soundtrack
• Prepare a brief overview of Henry VIII and his six wives
• Familiarize yourself with the main themes of the musical "Six"

Activities

• Character Exploration:

  Tahlia will choose one of the six wives and research her life, key events, and her ultimate fate. She will create a character profile that includes important dates, relationships, and her personal story.

• Song Analysis:

  After listening to one or two songs from the "Six" soundtrack, Tahlia will analyze the lyrics and discuss how they relate to the historical context of each wife. What themes do the songs convey? How do they reflect the personalities of the wives?

• Creative Presentation:

  Tahlia will create a short presentation (can be a poster or digital) that showcases her chosen wife. This can include images, quotes from the musical, and interesting facts. She can present this to a family member or record herself for a fun twist!

• Group Discussion:

  Engage in a discussion about how the lives of these women were shaped by their historical context. Tahlia can share her findings and thoughts on how their stories are still relevant today.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that Henry VIII had six wives? Each one had a unique story that shaped English history!"
• "Let's dive into the life of your chosen wife. What were her biggest challenges?"
• "How do you think the experiences of these women influenced their personalities and decisions?"
• "In the musical 'Six,' each wife gets to tell her story. Why do you think it's important for them to have a voice?"
• "What themes do you notice in the songs? How do they reflect the struggles of the wives?"
• "How do you think society viewed these women during their time? Has that perception changed today?"
• "If you could ask one of the wives a question, what would it be and why?"
• "What do you think the musical teaches us about female empowerment?"
• "How do the wives' stories connect to modern issues women face today?"
• "Can you think of any other historical figures who have been overlooked but deserve a spotlight?"
• "What was your favorite part of the research process? Did you learn something surprising?"
• "How would you feel if you were in the shoes of one of the wives?"
• "What message do you think the creators of 'Six' wanted to convey through the musical?"
• "How does music help tell stories of historical figures in a way that textbooks might not?"
• "What do you think is the most important lesson we can learn from the lives of these women?"