Brief Description
Build something new from a favorite children's song!
Objectives
Students will
- select a familiar children's tune.
- design a related original set of lyrics or a play, dance, storybook, or puppet show.
- share projects with other students.
Keywords
Music, songs, motions, writing, dance. movement
Materials Needed
- lyrics, and preferably audio clips, of children's tunes (available online)
- paper and pencils
- assorted craft supplies as needed
Lesson Plan
Children's songs are a large part of every early learner's daily routine, but once students master those familiar tunes, they are often filed and forgotten. With this lesson, bring back the beauty of these timeless tunes by making them the center of student projects.
As you begin, discuss the first songs that students recall learning as youngsters. Ask the students to share what makes those songs memorable and fun. Make a list of their favorite children's songs.
Arrange students into small groups, if desired, and allow them to choose one children's song as the focus for a project. Describe the project options that you choose to use. Some project suggestions, depending on grade level and ability, include the following:
- Create a new set of lyrics and original movements for the song.
- Write a skit or play based on the song and perform it (with or without costumes).
- Adapt the song to a faster and more current beat, record this new version, and design an original dance to accompany it. (Students may teach the song and dance to class.)
- Make a large storybook that illustrates the verses of the song with illustrations.
- Write and perform a puppet show that conveys the song's lines and meaning.
If Internet access is readily available, refer students to Sing-Along Songs from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and KIDiddles for music and lyrics. You may also provide recordings and lyrics gathered from the school library. As students complete their work, provide an opportunity for them to share their projects with the entire class.
Assessment
Collect student work and have students submit a summary that identifies the contributions of each group member. Student projects should reflect and enhance their selected songs. All group members should participate in sharing the project with the class.
Lesson Plan Source
Education World
Submitted By
Cara Bafile
National Standards
FINE ARTS: Dance GRADES K - 4 NA-D.K-4.1 Identifying and Demonstrating Movement Elements and Skills in Performing Dance NA-D.K-4.2 Understanding Choreographic Principles, Processes, and Structures NA-D.K-4.3 Understanding Dance as a Way to Create and Communicate Meaning NA-D.K-4.4 Applying and Demonstrating Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in Dance NA-D.K-4.7 Making Connections Between Dance and Other Disciplines GRADES 5 - 8 NA-D.5-8.1 Identifying and Demonstrating Movement Elements and Skills in Performing Dance NA-D.5-8.2 Understanding Choreographic Principles, Processes, and Structures NA-D.5-8.3 Understanding Dance as a Way to Create and Communicate Meaning NA-D.5-8.4 Applying and Demonstrating Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in Dance NA-D.5-8.7 Making Connections Between Dance and Other Disciplines
FINE ARTS: Music GRADES K - 4 NA-M.K-4.1 Singing, Alone and With Others, a Varied Repertoire of Music NA-M.K-4.6 Listening to, Analyzing, and Describing Music NA-M.K-4.8 Understanding Relationships Between Music, Other Arts, and Disciplines Outside the Arts GRADES 5 - 8 NA-M.5-8.1 Singing, Alone and With Others, a Varied Repertoire of Music NA-M.5-8.6 Listening to, Analyzing, and Describing Music NA-M.5-8.7 Evaluating Music and Music Performances NA-M.5-8.8 Understanding Relationships Between Music, Other Arts, and Disciplines Outside the Arts
FINE ARTS: Theatre GRADES K - 4 NA-T.K-4.1 Script Writing by Planning and Recording Improvisations Based on Personal Experience and Heritage, Imagination, Literature, and History NA-T.K-4.2 Acting By Assuming Roles and Interacting In Improvisations NA-T.K-4.3 Designing by Visualizing and Arranging Environments for Classroom Dramatizations NA-T.K-4.4 Directing By Planning Classroom Dramatizations GRADES 5 - 8 NA-T.5-8.1 Script Writing by Planning and Recording Improvisations Based on Personal Experience and Heritage, Imagination, Literature, and History NA-T.5-8.2 Acting By Assuming Roles and Interacting In Improvisations NA-T.5-8.3 Designing by Visualizing and Arranging Environments for Classroom Dramatizations NA-T.5-8.4 Directing By Planning Classroom Dramatizations
FINE ARTS: Visual Arts GRADES K - 4 NA-VA.K-4.1 Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques, and Processes NA-VA.K-4.2 Using Knowledge of Structures and Functions NA-VA.K-4.3 Choosing and Evaluating A Range of Subject Matter, Symbols, and Ideas NA-VA.K-4.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines GRADES 5 - 8 NA-VA.5-8.1 Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques, and Processes NA-VA.5-8.2 Using Knowledge of Structures and Functions NA-VA.5-8.3 Choosing and Evaluating A Range of Subject Matter, Symbols, and Ideas NA-VA.5-8.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines
LANGUAGE ARTS: English GRADES K - 12 NL-ENG.K-12.2 Reading for Understanding NL-ENG.K-12.4 Communication Skills NL-ENG.K-12.6 Applying Knowledge NL-ENG.K-12.12 Applying Language Skills
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH: Physical Education GRADES K - 12 NPH.K-12.1 Movement Forms
Return to this week's Lesson Planning article, That's Entertainment: Music Lessons for Every Grade.
See more music lessons on our special Music in Our Schools archive page.
Originally published 06/06/2003
Links last updated 03/25/2015
|