.This post contains affiliate links. If you click them, I may receive a commission. For today’s listening lesson, we’ll be listening to Swan Lake from our February playlist. (You can check out the rest of the.) Children love music that tells a story, and this piece will not disappoint! There are so many ways to enjoy this piece! When I do listening lessons with students, I like to begin with having them listen to the chosen piece without giving any information.

If the piece isn’t very long, I’ll play it through in its entirety. If it is longer, I’ll just play a short clip.

With younger children, I will sometimes have a movement activity for the initial listening. After listening to the piece once, it’s a good chance to talk about what they’ve heard, and to give some background information about the music (I would recommend finding a version of the story geared for children). You’ll listen to the piece several times.

Here are some questions you might want to ask: Introducing Swan Lake. Have you have heard this song before?. What kinds of things did you hear in the music?.

Do you know what the word balletmeans? A ballet uses music and dance to tell a story Behind the Music: Swan Lake. composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky also composed the ballets The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

it is a Russian ballet that tells the story of a princess who is turned into a swan. debuted in 1877, and was not considered a success originally Listening Ideas: 1. Coloring. during one of the listening times, give them a a blank paper to draw what they hear. check out some of to go along with the ballet 2. Listening pages.

fill out a listening log while listening- pdf you can download. follow along with a listening map, like 3. Additional activities. pass out scarves and have them move their scarves along with the music.

Listen To Swan Lake For Macfarlane

come up with movements to do during the listening. make their own ballet, where they choreograph the story. read a children’s book about Swan Lake or ballet (check out the book ideas below). make a fun swan themed craft, like You can put together your own production and set it to music! Get your stage set up! You could use a simple cardboard box theater with stuffed animals or puppets for the cast of the ballet. You could also try making a shadow box theater.

There are so many possibilities! Book ideas to go along with Swan Lake: 1. Ella Bella Ballerina and Swan Lake, by James Mayhew- perfect for ages 4-8 2. Ballet Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild- always makes me think of the movie You’ve Got Mail. This one is best for slightly older children.

Ballet Dancer, by Diana Herweck- this book is a good introduction to ballet for children Hope you enjoy this listening lesson idea! Don’t forget to check out the rest of the listening lesson ideas from this month!. P.S I’ll be posting an updated March playlist in a couple days, so you can be on the lookout for that!

I hope everyone had a wonderful February!