Theresa Preece, Music for Teachers 1

Simple Lesson Plan Format

Goals, Objectives, & Essential Questions

A. Broad Goal:
Students will learn, through an overview of history & social studies, folk
song, and activities, about the country of China.
B. Objectives:
1. Given information on China‟s history and social studies students will be
able to complete a quiz on basic information about the country of
China with 95% accuracy.
2. Given a Chinese folk song, Little Swallow, students will be able to
perform the song as a class with 100% accuracy.
3. Given information and a craft relating to the Chinese calendar and New
Year‟s celebrations students will be able to understand the differences
between China and the US with 100% accuracy.

Essential Questions:

1. What do I know about the country of China?

2. Do I know (Can I perform) a Chinese folk song?
3. Do I know how the Chinese calendar & New Year is different from the
US?

Resources

1. Children‟s World Atlas, Igloo 2008 edition

2. The Great Big Book of Art Activity Book, Sue Nicholson & Deri Robins
3. www.mamalisa.com
4. http://www.mamalisa.com/midi/little_swallow.mid (to hear the song)

Technology

1. Computer w/ speakers
2. Overhead Projector
3. Internet access
4. Chinese CD
5. CD player

Materials

1. China handout
2. Dragon head and tail handout/cutouts
 Theresa Preece, Music for Teachers 2

3. Pencils
4. White & variety of colored Craft Paper
5. White, cream & dark colored heavy paper squares
6. Glue
7. Ruler
6. Scissors
7. Popsicle sticks or chopsticks
8. Google eyes
9. Black paint or markers
10. Thin angled & thick paint brushes (if using paint)
11. Glitter or sequins (or glitter glue sticks)
12. Crayons (optional)
13. Tape

Procedures ( 55-60 minutes total)

1. ( 0 min.) At the conclusion of the proceeding lesson students will be given a

double sided handout on China.
2. ( 3 min.) The teacher will introduce the topic “China” and ask a few questions to
determine any prior knowledge of China by the students.
3. ( 4 min.) Students will listen/read along as the teacher reads highlights from
Section 1 („China‟) of the handout.
4. ( 2 min.) Students will read along as the teacher reads Section 2 („Chinese
Agriculture‟) of the handout.
5. ( 2 min.) Students will answer a few questions on Section 2 – through a Q & A
session.
6. ( 3 min.) Students will read along as the teacher reads Section 3 (Chinese
calendar and New Year) of the handout.
7. ( 10 min.) Students will be handed materials and instructed on how to create a
Chinese Dragon Puppet, while listening to some Chinese music playing on CD.
8. ( 2 min.) Students will throw away their garbage from the craft and place their
craft aside to dry. Then return to their seats.
9. ( 2 min.) Students will listen/ read along as the teacher reads Section 4 (Data
Bank) of the handout.
10. ( 3 min.) Students will listen/ read along as the teacher reads about Section 5
(Fascinating Facts) of the handout.
11. ( 2 min.) Students will listen/ read along as the teacher talks about Section 6
(Questions & Answers) of the handout.
12. ( 10 min.) Students will be shown some Chinese symbols for words. Then they
will be handed the materials and instructed on how to create Chinese
Calligraphy; the symbol for the word „peace‟; while Chinese music playing on CD.
13. ( 2 min) Students will throw away their garbage from the craft and set it aside to
dry. Then return to their seats.
14. ( 10 min) Students will listen to the piano version of the Chinese song “Little
Swallow”, while the entire song appears in Chinese and English on the overhead
 Theresa Preece, Music for Teachers 3

projector. They will join in singing after the first time the song plays. (see
resource 4)
15. ( 7 min) Students will be shown on the over head projector the difference in
Chinese musical notation in comparison with Western musical notation, and then
asked to point out the differences they spot.
16. ( 10 min) Students will stand up in a circle and sing along with the song while
making up movements to go with it.
17. ( 0 min) Students will return to their seats and prepare for next subject.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated through class mini Q & A sessions throughout the lesson and
class participation.

Modifications and Extensions:

IEP- teacher or T.A. assistance, extended time, etc.

504- Preferential seating, larger print on handouts, head phones, etc.

GSSP- More detailed information of China, other Chinese folk songs to learn, etc.