Combine math, language arts, music, and dance with an activity focused on "America" from West Side Story. After listening to the song, learners compare the film to Romeo and Juliet, analyze the song's meter, design choreography, plan monologues, and perform in front of their peers.

Concepts

fractions, romeo and juliet, west side story, poetic structure, musical theater, choreography, time signatures, venn diagrams, music theory

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Implement the activity after watching West Side Story as a class

Classroom Considerations

• Requires part of a script from West Side Story and an excerpt from Romeo and Juliet, as well as the music to "America"

Pros

• Provide a variety of ways to bring West Side Story to the classroom
• Adaptable for multiple grade levels

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.8.1 RL.9-10.1 RL.11-12.1