Hard to believe. The group that gave us "I Wanna be a Rock Star" has also penned songs worthy for student study.
If you have a Smartboard, you can play the video version for your kids. First, design an advance organizer. Tell students to look for poetic devices, theme, tone and mood. Then, they can make connections and even write poetry of their own.
Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day Lyrics Notes:
My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride
If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day
Against the grain should be a way of life
What’s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts ’cause there’s no second try
So live like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life
If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreamin’ of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day
Rhyme?
Personification?
Metaphors/similes?
Theme/message?
Tone and mood?
Connections:
What does the writer want listeners to consider?
Do you think the author’s viewpoint is valid?
What life events back up your viewpoint?
Can you think of similar song/stories/movies that share the basic ideas in this song?
At last, a version of Simple Steps to Sentence Sense for younger students and those whose native language is not English. Students can learn to analyze sentences in 5 easy steps.