Objective:
The student will be able to compose a song about the tropical fish in the classroom tank.
Materials Needed:
Activity:
(Before beginning this exercise, students should have had at least two months of music sessions at the school.)
Challenge students to compose one or more songs about their tropical fish. The students may draw from any known musical format or rhythm (such as rap, sing-song, syncopated) in order to create their song and they may also use any musical instrument, including drums, keyboard, xylophone, recorder, etc.
In addition to the music composition, they are to write lyrics for the song(s). The words can be any style: silly, nonsensical, serious, bouncy, etc. Hand/body movements to accompany the song(s) are highly encouraged. Students could sing about:
1. What it’s like to be a fish at their school.
2. What it’s like to be a fish in their class.
3. What their aquarium fish are learning in the class.
4. A song about the life of a fish.
5. How kids can learn school lessons from aquarium fish.
6. The behavior of the fish in the aquarium.
7. Some characteristics of the fish in the aquarium.
8. How is a fish like me?
If possible, students should perform the piece(s) for another class, the school or even at a PTA meeting if the teacher deems it performance-worthy. A parent could videotape the performance and show it on Parent’s Night or during any school exhibit.
Result:
Students use their knowledge of fish and aquariums to create a musical composition that will be enjoyed by everyone in the class. This lesson allows students to exercise their creativity and imaginations in order to produce a musical work of art. Students can share ideas for future fish songs.
