A few weeks ago I figured out that my kids were behind in their education. They had no clue about who were some the most important figures in America, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson! I did a little lesson on Elvis last week and it is amazing how fast they picked it up and how often we hear Elvis music. Next I moved forward to my 5 minute pop-culture lesson for kids – who is the King of Pop.
First I came up with a few facts about Michael Jackson that would interest 8-year-old boys. I made sure to skip a few things that I didn’t want to explain. 😉
- the 7th of 9 children
- when he was 10 he became successful as a lead singer in a band with his brothers called the Jackson 5.
- his solo song Thriller spent 37 weeks at number 1 on the Billboard chart
- he won 8 Grammy awards in 1984. The most for one performer in one year.
- he had a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles
- he married Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie which lasted 2 years
- the first to show the dance move the Moonwalk on TV
I had completely forgotten about the connection of Michael Jackson to Elvis’ daughter!! That was an interesting blast from the past. 🙂
Here are two videos that were great for all the kids to see…
Billie Jean – this link is not the official video but is one best for showing how he dances and shows the moonwalk for a bit.
I want to say before I put the Thriller link that it was much scarier than I remembered. I would watch it first before showing your kids to remind yourself if it has been a while since you have seen it. My husband was not happy with me after we watched it with the kids. He was worried they were going to have nightmares.
Now I can feel better about the education of our kids. I am sure I’ll figure out a few more things that our school system has missed and I’ll add them to our lessons.
What else should I teach our kids? I am open for ideas.
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You surely bring back the memories! Interesting how you introduce your kids to pop culture, pick up carefully the information you could share to them about these two legends. Love your post!
Oh awesome! You took my suggestion! so who, next. Maybe something with country? George Strait is being called that now. There are others with the title, too. That way you can keep your “king” theme going!
Good idea. King of Country!
I love that you’re making sure your kiddos know about our icons. My kids sort of knew who Prince was (my oldest knew who he was). Last night we played a few Prince songs for the kids, well, the ones we could. 😉
Happy Friday!
XOXO
http://www.mrsaokaworkinprogress.com
Yes, I was thinking I needed to show them prince videos today. I am so sad. 🙁
I love this lesson! My little sister was obsessed with Elvis when she was younger so we heard a lot of his music in our home. I always loved Michael Jackson’s music, it’s so fun to dance to!
The greatest performer, dancer and singer of our generation no doubt. I was saddened by Prince’s death but Micheal’s really hit me hard he was a huge inspiration and because I sing and dance myself I am proud to have had the privilege to listen to his music and attempt (and fail) to replicate his moves.
My kids know who Michael Jackson is. They’re teens. I’m curious at what age kids are that will ask who is Michael Jackson.
My boys are 8 and they knew the name but couldn’t tell me which songs he sang.
My kids probably know more about Michael Jackson than they do Elvis. They’ve certainly heard me blast his music more than enough times in the house, and I currently own his Number Ones album along with a few others.
This is a great little lesson for kids to get to know something about Michael Jackson. I bet my daughter doesn’t know about him.
this is a great activity to do with ANY great artist! I personally think it’s important for our kids to know who the ‘greats’ are 😉
I agree. I have to remember not to assume they know who the “greats” are and always take the time to show them why that person is famous.
What a lovely lesson about MJ. Whitney, MJ and Prince – We’ve lost some great ones these past few years.
That’s amazing that you’re putting in extra work to supplement your children’s education where the school system might be missing out. It’s crazy to me to think that the younger generations aren’t as aware of some of the pop icons of our time.
Awwwww how awesome that you are teaching your littles about some of the greats!!!! I will have to give my daughter a little
Lesson
This reminds me of a “joke” my art history teacher would always say. ha. When we would talk about pop art in the 60’s she would be like, I’m sure you’ve all heard that the king of pop is Michael Jackson. Well, you’re wrong! It’s Andy Warhole. He’s the king of pop – art that is.
😉
I meant Andy Warhol. Sheesh. lol
Too funny! I probably need to expand into people like Andy Warhol too.