Spotify for Desert Island Discs

 
A lovely, simple idea that combines music and language arts, while introducing new generations to the institution of British radio that started in 1942: Desert Island Discs.

Spotify, if you've not banned it in your schools, provides a legal means to look up almost any song you want and play it, immediately. In an age where young people can't do much without having older generations complain about it - not least listen to the music they want to - this would be an interesting way to get under their musical skin, and find out what eight discs (or rather, MP3s) they would take to a desert island with them. Get them to write down their motivations, but then, in a good old fashioned display of classroom presentation, students can interview each other without a script about their choices and listen to the music critically as a group.

Classroom activity or dinner party distraction? The choice is yours. As ever, let me know how it turns out.

Comments

[Heloukee.wordpress.com]

Thanks for sharing this fantastic idea Ewan - will definitely be trying it out (and will let you know how it goes)

[Dorothy Coe]

I like R4's idea of Inheritance Tracks too. Speakers choose one track that's been passed on to them from a parent, describing its significance, and another that they would like to pass on to their offspring. Perspective. Links. Values....
Could easily do in school.
If only Spotify wasn't banned.

[coolerchoice]

Thank you for sharing this,what a great idea