The Appalachian Mountains and the culture of Appalachia / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of the Appalachian Mountains, the culture of Appalachia, and how these elements have influenced art, music, and history in the region. The student will create a piece of art inspired by Appalachian culture, write a short story, and learn about significant historical events and musical traditions from the area.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper and colored pencils or crayons for art activities
  • Notebook or journal for writing activities
  • Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)
  • Familiarity with basic Appalachian culture, music, and history (optional)

Activities

  1. Art Creation:

    The student will create a piece of art inspired by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains or traditional Appalachian crafts. They can draw, paint, or create a collage using materials they have at home.

  2. Story Writing:

    The student will write a short story or a poem that incorporates elements of Appalachian culture, such as family traditions, local wildlife, or folklore. Encourage them to use their imagination and include descriptive language.

  3. Music Exploration:

    Listen to some traditional Appalachian music, such as bluegrass or folk songs. Discuss the instruments used and the themes of the songs. The student can even try to learn a simple song on an instrument they have at home!

  4. History Discussion:

    Research a significant event in Appalachian history, such as the coal mining industry or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The student can create a timeline or a poster to present what they learned.

Talking Points

  • "The Appalachian Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. They are home to many plants and animals, and they have beautiful landscapes!"
  • "Appalachia has a rich culture, including music, art, and stories that have been passed down for generations. Have you heard of bluegrass music?"
  • "Many people in Appalachia are known for their crafts, like quilting and woodworking. These crafts tell stories about the people and their history!"
  • "The history of Appalachia includes important events like the coal mining boom, which changed the lives of many families. Can you imagine what it was like to work in a coal mine?"
  • "Folklore and legends are a big part of Appalachian culture. Stories about creatures like the 'Wampus Cat' are told to entertain and teach lessons. What kind of stories do you like?"