Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks/Los Pollitos

It really, really, was NOT COOL that we had Spring Break the week before Easter.  So, I'm still kinda wrapping up some bunny and chick stuff.  Oh well :)

Earlier in March, I posted this post about some "fowl" (not foul) activities to use in the Spring with your younger kiddos.

Here's another bird-related lesson plan, which you can download here, for cheep.  So cheep, it is free!  I'd suggest using some of it (the listening map, movements, rhythms of "los pollitos") with K and 1, but 2nd and 3rd should be able to understand and enjoy all of it.  However, I gave my Kinder quite the spiel on Tchaikovsky (he is my FAVORITE) over Christmas and they still recall much of it - so I'll subject them to the composer, background, and vocabulary information also.

It is based on the "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks" from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky.  It also includes the popular Latin folk song, "Los Pollitos".

I didn't include a copy of "Ballet" - but you can easily download it from iTunes or find it on Youtube.  This video is pretty - interesting:

There are 21 slides total (22 if you count the first, "Thank-you for downloading, you're awesome" note from me).

Here's the composer background info (I've also included info about the piece itself and a slide with vocabulary):

And here's an example from the listening map (B section):

The slide also includes movement instructions and a discussion slide.  Here's some of the slides from "Los Pollitos".  Don't worry, thorough instructions are included in the notes section of the PowerPoint.

Note: The dance moves - oh my, they are hilarious.  However, you'll need to go slower and model them, especially if the students are younger.  I do lots of funky little movements with my kiddos, and here's a tip for "controlling the crazy".

I say, "Power-off" (so-so-mi) and the students look like powered off robots, silent robots, with their heads bowed, legs still, and hands at their sides.

Then, I'll say, "Power-on" (mi-mi-so) and the students remain in the same position, only, they raise their heads, look at me, and get ready for information/the next step.

It works like a charm.  I'll also sing "Please stand up (do-mi-so)" and "Please sit down (so-mi-do)" while motioning up or down.

Have fun!