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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a cell that describes and illustrates one song that is mentioned in From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
Student Instructions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.