Cultural Song Exploration

Context

This 30-minute lesson is designed for Years 0-3 students at Norsewood and Districts School, following the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. It is Lesson 3 of 20 in the unit Celebrating Music Together. The focus is on listening to a Norwegian Christmas song, understanding its cultural significance, emotions, and lyrics, and weaving in the school’s GREAT values (Give it a go, Respect, Excellence, Attitude, Teamwork) while developing key competencies according to the curriculum.

Learning Objectives

Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh Level 1 for The Arts (Music):

Understanding: Students will explore a song from another culture and identify the feelings it evokes (Arts Level 1: Explore music that communicates ideas, feelings, and cultural stories).
Listening and Responding: Develop attentive listening skills to appreciate musical elements (Arts Level 1: Listen to, recognise, and describe sounds in music).
Language and Communication: Engage with the song’s lyrics to deepen understanding of cultural themes (English Level 1 oral language: recount and describe exploring familiar stories and personal responses).
Values & Competencies: Demonstrate Respect and Teamwork by appreciating different cultures; exercise Thinking competency by reflecting on emotions and meanings in music; apply Using language, symbols, and texts through engagement with lyrics; display Managing self and Giving it a go through participation.

Resources Needed

Audio recording of a Norwegian Christmas song (preferably a gentle, child-appropriate one)
Printed or projected lyrics of the Norwegian Christmas song with simple English translation
Visual aids: pictures illustrating Norwegian Christmas traditions and symbols
Classroom instruments (optional, simple percussion like shakers or bells)
Chart paper or whiteboard for recording students’ ideas

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links/Competencies
0-5 mins	Engage: Introduction to Norway’s Christmas Culture	Teacher shows pictures or a short visual story about Norway’s Christmas traditions. Briefly explain that today’s music comes from Norway and is part of how people there celebrate Christmas.	- Value: Respect cultural diversity - Key Competency: Relating to others; Participating and contributing
5-13 mins	Listen and Respond to the Song	Listen to the Norwegian Christmas song all together (play twice). Ask guided questions: "How does this music make you feel?" "What do you hear in the music?" Record simple ideas.	- Arts Level 1: Listen and describe sounds in music - Thinking competency: Reflect on feelings and ideas
13-20 mins	Explore the Lyrics and Themes	Teacher shares the lyrics on a large chart/projector with English meanings. Read through, encouraging students to repeat simple phrases or words. Discuss what the song is about (e.g., winter, snow, happiness, family). Relate these themes to students’ own Christmas or family traditions.	- English oral language Level 1: Use descriptive and narrative language - Arts Level 1: Explore cultural stories in music - Using language, symbols, and texts
20-27 mins	Creative Response - Expressing Emotions	Invite students to express how the song makes them feel through movement or body percussion (e.g., clapping or stamping softly). If appropriate, use simple percussion instruments to imitate the rhythm. Reinforce “Give it a go” and “Teamwork” values as students participate.	- Arts Level 1: Share music through movement and sound - Managing self and Teamwork competencies
27-30 mins	Reflection and Sharing	Circle time: Students share one thing they liked about the song or what it made them think or feel. Teacher summarises the cultural importance of music bringing people together, reinforcing the GREAT values and the idea of learning through diverse cultures.	- Relating to others and participating and contributing - Thinking and using language competencies

Assessment

Formative: Teacher observes student participation, listening attentively, and ability to express feelings about the song.
Oral feedback: Students orally express what the song and its themes mean to them.
Engagement: Participation in creative movement or instrument play demonstrates understanding of music’s emotional impact.

Alignment with Norsewood and Districts School Values - GREAT

Value	How It’s Embedded
Give it a go	Encouraging all students to join in singing, moving, and sharing their ideas regardless of ability.
Respect	Celebrate the Norwegian culture respectfully, appreciating diversity.
Excellence	Modelling attentive listening and thoughtful sharing of ideas.
Attitude	Positive encouragement to explore new music and cultures with curiosity.
Teamwork	Group activities like circle discussions and instrument play foster cooperative learning.

Curriculum References

The Arts – Music: Level 1 Achievement Objective:
Explore music from different cultures, recognising and describing the sounds, moods, and ideas communicated (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh).
English Oral Language:
Use descriptive language to recount personal and shared experiences, explore familiar stories, and express feelings about texts (English Years 0-3).
Key Competencies:
Thinking, Using Language, Symbols and Texts, Managing Self, Relating to Others, Participating and Contributing
(Key competencies identified as capabilities for living and lifelong learning in the NZ Curriculum) 【2:Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】.

Teacher Tips to Wow

Use gentle visual mapping of the song’s story—picture cues can help non-readers connect with lyrics and themes.
Encourage students to share their own cultural or family Christmas traditions briefly to foster cross-cultural respect.
Use simple instruments to keep everyone actively engaged in a kinaesthetic way.
Integrate the school's GREAT values language explicitly in encouragement and feedback to reinforce school culture.

This engaging, culturally respectful lesson supports students in developing their musical, language, and social skills while connecting with an international community through song, inspiring a sense of global citizenship from an early age.

Teaching Instructions