Decide how to perform the rhythms.

You could use body percussion or instruments.

You could play the top line on one, and the bottom line on another.

You could play all the quarter notes one way and the 8th notes another.

Try it out!

If you need movement ideas for "Shake It!" follow the demo.

Have the students read the rhythms and show the form of this song. You will also be preparing students to learn do re mi. Teach the melody by rote and play the game.

The game “Bow Wow Wow” is played in a single circle. Each student faces a partner. On the first measure, they point a finger at their partner. On the second measure, they point a finger with the other hand. On the third measure, join hands and change places with their partner. On the last measure, they each jump half a turn to face a new partner and the game repeats.

Go to the next activity if you would like your students to sort the rhythm using rhythm notation.

This song is good for helping your students practice singing expressively. Listen to the song while using the projectable slides. After each verse, stop and ask the students questions about the song. Have them make predictions about what might happen next. Since the song is so repetitive, you may not have to teach it by rote. If the students have listened carefully, they may be able to sing the song from just one listening.

If you have rubber ducks or duck finger puppets use them as manipulatives to illustrate the song. After each verse in the song, one duck disappears until there are no ducks left. In the last verse, all the ducks come back. A printable set of manipulatives is included in the printables for this song. Use a set to illustrate for the students. If you can print a class set, each child could have their own manipulates and can sequence the song

Sing along to the song "Five Little Ducks."
Manipulatives to use with the song for counting down practice follow.

Print out and colour the 5 little duck manipulatives or create your own 5 ducks.

As you listen and sing wtih the song (above) start with 5 ducks in front of you.

As each duck disappears, turn one duck picture over.

At the end of the song, bring all your ducks back!

Read the story of "The Ugly Duckling" to the children. (in supporting resources)

While you read, play "The Swan" as background music.

Optional: A reproducible storybook of the "Ugly Duckling" is given for students to illustrate. This may be a good activity for subs.

If you have thin white paper plates, give two to each child.

If you don't have plates, do the movement with hands.

Copy the movements.

As the listening map plays, demonstrate to students how to trace the melody.

A pointing page is given in supporting resources for the students.

If you can print this page, give it to the students so they can trace the melody.

If printing isn't possible, have students point to the video.

Discuss with the students how the composer made us think of a swan. (tempo, instrument, smooth/bumpy)

Optional: Print this page for students to trace the melody as they listen.

Download

Optional: Complete The Swan Worksheet if you have access to a printer.

If you don't have a printer, invite the children to draw a picture of what the music makes them think of.