Lyrics as Poetry | Literary Devices & Themes in Ed Sheeran's Castle on the Hill
In this one-time class, students will close read, analyze, discuss and practice literary techniques and themes in 'Castle on the Hill' by Ed Sheeran, using both the lyrics and the music video as anchor texts.
Meg Connolly, Certified ELA Teacher
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(37)
Rising Star
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
📣 Get $5 off your first class with me: Coupon code CONNOYFGCA5 Have you ever noticed that some pop songs have the same literary techniques and themes as novels you read in school? Indeed, some pop songs are well worth analyzing and discussing! In this class, we will analyze the song 'Castle on the Hill' by Ed Sheeran. We will examine the lyrics alongside the original music video and discuss how the visuals in the music video enhance our understanding and interpretation of the words. The close reading, analysis skills, and annotation skills we develop in this class are directly transferable to more dense texts such as novels, poems, and nonfiction. Music lyrics and videos provide a fun and engaging opportunity to practice these skills, while still maintaining rigor. In the first part of class, we will watch the music video and discuss our first impressions. Then, we will dive into a close reading activity where we examine Sheeran's use of narrative vignettes and imagery. We will also examine themes that emerge, and we will analyze how Sheeran uses literary techniques to develop these themes throughout the song. Lastly, we will practice using the literary techniques we learned about in a short creative writing task. I am a certified high school ELA teacher with eight years of teaching experience in the classroom and online. I am also certified in teaching students with disabilities. My teaching style is relaxed and creative, but rigorous. I center my classes around student discussion to make them engaging, and I provide resources to assist all learners in reaching their goals. About the teacher: Meg Connolly is a certified teacher with bachelors degrees in literature and philosophy. She has masters degrees in teaching ELA, grades 7-12, and in teaching students with disabilities. In addition to her masters, she is TESOL certified and experienced in working with ESL students. She has nine years of teaching experience both in the US public school system and online. She also writes her own fictional short stories for podcasts. Check out her teacher profile for more info.
Learning Goals
Students will practice the following core ELA skills: (CCSS aligned)
- Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it and manipulate time contribute to the overall meaning and tone of the text (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.5)
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1)
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2)
Other Details
Parental Guidance
*IMPORTANT PARENTAL ADVISORY! Parents, please be advised that this song deals with the following adult concepts: underaged drinking, underaged cigarette smoking, and a brief mention of 'overdosing'. The music video shows scenes depicting underaged drinking and smoking. While we will not focus on these specific topics in our class, they are present and may come up in discussion. Please use your own discretion in deciding whether this class is right for your learner and your family. You can preview the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ibBPhiaG0
Supply List
Before the class, I will supply graphic organizers that will assist the students in close reading and annotating the text.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined September, 2021
5.0
37reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Fordham University
Bachelor's Degree in English from Fordham University
Hi, welcome to my online community and classroom for teens and pre-teens!
My name is Meg and I teach literature, writing, and philosophy here on Outschool.
My credentials:
✅ State certified and tenured English Language Arts and special ed teacher
✅ Masters in teaching English in grades 7-12 from Fordham University
✅ Masters in teaching Students with Disabilities in grades 7-12, also from Fordham University
✅ 120-hour TESOL certified
My teaching experience:
✅ 12 years of teaching experience, both online and in schools
✅ 6 years in New York City public schools
✅ Courses taught:
↳ ELA, grades 7-12
↳ AP Literature and AP Language & Composition
↳ Inclusive classrooms
↳ Self-contained classrooms
↳ ESL classrooms
My related experience:
✅ Published content writer for podcasts; fiction and nonfiction writer
✅ Instructional Design Coach for university professors (helping them to design effective online courses)
My classes are:
✅ Engaging
✅ Inclusive
✅ Relaxed but rigorous
✅ Discussion-based
✅ Driven by student interest
✅ Tailored to students' needs
My teaching "manifesto":
Teaching humanities is my greatest passion! I work to instill in my students a love of reading, writing, and deep thinking that goes beyond the classroom. I believe that all students can achieve academic success and become life-long learners, regardless of their backgrounds or their learning needs. I am passionate about inclusive classrooms that bring a wide range of students together, where we can all learn from each other and enrich each other's lives.
As a teacher, I focus on core reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that prepare students for college-level studies. However, I also believe that we all learn best when learning is social and enjoyable. To that end, I take creative and discussion-based approaches to teaching and I infuse classes with students' interests wherever possible.
Lastly, some other tidbits about me:
💫I'm fluent in Spanish and I'm now working on my Portuguese.
💫I play violin, piano, and guitar, and I love to sing and song-write for fun.
💫I have a curious cat named Madame George (Georgie for short) who often comes to class!
If you or your learner are hesitant to sign up before meeting me (understandably!), feel free to book a meet and greet here: https://outschool.com/classes/meet-greet-15-minute-session-MGpwi3mP#usXSuDFS3Z
📣 Get $20 your first class (any class - not just mine!) on Outschool with this link: https://outschool.com/parents/6e5e503e-684a-4fe7-a5b1-388c096122a7/61722946-c1ac-41dd-9aa7-32206f563bde?signup=false&usid=XSuDFS3Z&utm_campaign=share_invite_link
I hope to see you soon!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class
