Rabbit’s Snow Dance- an Iroquois Folktale
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Students are far more likely to learn something if it is told to them as a story!
However, reading a story without musical engagement is not a good use of classroom time.
So here is another Soaring Story Lesson Plan brought to you by the Soaring Scarves Academy!
“Rabbit’s Snow Dance” is a tale that comes from the Iroquois tribe written by James and Joseph Bruchac.
From this story alone your students will be
- Chanting
- Singing
- Working on their solfege
- Practicing basic ta and titi rhythms
All while learning about how Rabbit came to lose his long tail and learn a little patience.
This lesson was made for grades K-2nd. It begins with a review on Ta and Titi rhythms through the chant, “Azikanapo” that is used throughout the story.
Begin first by clapping rhythms and then clapping and adding in the words to the chant. This is also a great time to review what a quarter rest is.
After, it is time to add in the solfege! The following image is color coded to match boomwhackers, bells, and the characters found on Pitch Hill. Pitch Hill is a fantastic resources you can learn more about here- https://pitchpublications.com/
If you have a Smartboard, have students come up and tap each note to change the color to the correct solfege.
Then sing through using the Curwen Hand Signs.
Just starting to introduce students to instrument use in the classroom?
As you tell the story, walk around with an instrument that students can help you to play.
We recommend a gathering drum because it is light enough to carry, large enough to grab student’s attention and in the story Rabbit is playing a drum!
As you read through the story, look for a student who is meeting your expectations and have them play with you while singing the song “Azikanapo”.
If you students need a movement break, have them dance while they sing!
Don’t forget to change it up and add in as many different elements of music as you can!
Have them tiptoe for piano, stomp for forte, jump for staccato and slide for legato!
From this
To this
Through this one lesson plan students can learn about the Iroquois tribe, essential elements of music, ta and titi rhythms, and even some basic solfege practice!
To gain access to this lesson plan sign up for a FREE trial of our Soaring Scarves Curriculum here-
https://soaringscarvesacademy.com/get-one-month-free/
Happy Playing!
