Activity Overview
Music is one thing that is universal among all people. It gives us certain feelings, brings back memories, and says things that maybe we don’t know how to say to others. Throughout the novel, Zoe’s father Marcus tells her the names of many songs that he loves and that remind him of her, encouraging her to listen to them. Zoe makes a playlist of the music, and it becomes a topic of conversation in their letters and brings them closer.
For this activity, students will choose one of the songs that Marcus told Zoe about and illustrate a part of that song. In the description, students will describe the song and why Zoe’s father may have chosen to share it with her. To differentiate, teachers can have students make a cell for more than one song. The example illustrates and describes two songs.
Examples of Songs Included in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
- “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
- “Hang On Little Tomato” by Pink Martini
- “Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men
- “Golden” by Jill Scott
- “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a cell that describes and illustrates one song that is mentioned in From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write the song title and the name of the artist in the heading at the top of the cell.
- Create an illustration that represents a part of the song using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of the song and why Zoe’s father may have shared it with her in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Music is one thing that is universal among all people. It gives us certain feelings, brings back memories, and says things that maybe we don’t know how to say to others. Throughout the novel, Zoe’s father Marcus tells her the names of many songs that he loves and that remind him of her, encouraging her to listen to them. Zoe makes a playlist of the music, and it becomes a topic of conversation in their letters and brings them closer.
For this activity, students will choose one of the songs that Marcus told Zoe about and illustrate a part of that song. In the description, students will describe the song and why Zoe’s father may have chosen to share it with her. To differentiate, teachers can have students make a cell for more than one song. The example illustrates and describes two songs.
Examples of Songs Included in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
- “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
- “Hang On Little Tomato” by Pink Martini
- “Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men
- “Golden” by Jill Scott
- “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a cell that describes and illustrates one song that is mentioned in From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write the song title and the name of the artist in the heading at the top of the cell.
- Create an illustration that represents a part of the song using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of the song and why Zoe’s father may have shared it with her in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Importance of Songs in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Spark classroom discussion with song-based reflection questions
Engage students by kicking off a lively class conversation about the feelings, memories, or messages each song might evoke for Zoe and her father. Encouraging reflection connects music to personal experience and deepens comprehension of the novel.
Guide students to connect a song’s themes to Zoe’s story
Prompt students to identify themes in their chosen song and discuss how those themes relate to Zoe’s journey. Making thematic connections helps students see the novel’s deeper messages and fosters analytical thinking.
Encourage students to share personal song choices and explain their meaning
Invite students to pick a favorite song from their own life, share it with the class, and explain why it’s meaningful. This activity builds classroom community and models empathy like Zoe’s father shows in the book.
Facilitate peer feedback on song illustrations and descriptions
Organize a gallery walk where students view each other’s work and leave positive notes or questions. Peer feedback encourages engagement and helps students appreciate diverse interpretations of music and story connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Importance of Songs in From the Desk of Zoe Washington
What is the significance of music and songs in 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington'?
Music and songs in From the Desk of Zoe Washington help Zoe connect with her father, Marcus. Sharing song titles and creating playlists become a meaningful way for them to communicate feelings, memories, and build their relationship across distance.
How can teachers use songs from 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington' in classroom lessons?
Teachers can have students choose a song mentioned in the book, illustrate a scene inspired by it, and write about why that song might be important to Zoe and her father. This activity encourages creativity, comprehension, and personal connection to the text.
Why does Zoe’s father share specific songs with her in the novel?
Zoe’s father shares songs that express his feelings, offer encouragement, and remind him of Zoe. These songs serve as a way for Marcus to communicate love and support, even when he cannot be there in person.
What are some example songs featured in 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington'?
Some example songs from the novel include “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, “Hang On Little Tomato” by Pink Martini, “Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men, “Golden” by Jill Scott, and “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill.
What is an easy classroom activity for teaching about music in 'From the Desk of Zoe Washington'?
Have students select a song mentioned in the book, illustrate a scene or feeling from that song, and write a few sentences about why Zoe’s father may have chosen to share it. This supports comprehension and creativity with minimal prep.
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington
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