Joyful Festivities

Learning Objectives

• Introduction: Familiarise students with their new music teacher.
• Music Components: Develop listening and singing skills.
• Social Development: Encourage participation and teamwork through collaborative singing and preparation for the Christmas concert.
• Cultural Awareness: Introduce students to music and stories related to the nativity.

UK Curriculum Links

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Development Matters Goals:
  • Communication and Language: Speaking and listening activities.
  • Expressive Arts and Design: Exploring and participating in music making.
• Each Area and Level:
  • Pre-Nursery (PN): Personal, social, and emotional development. Focus on participation and experiencing music.
  • Nursery (N): Engaging with and following simple musical actions and songs.
  • Year 1: Simple performances and understanding structure; Music Education Hub support targets.

Materials Needed

• Song lyrics for "A Little Nativity," "Such a Long Way," "Bethlehem is Full," and "In the Stable."
• A CD or digital player with music tracks for the Christmas songs.
• Simple props related to the nativity theme (e.g., toy sheep, stars).

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Meet the Teacher:
   • Briefly introduce yourself, including your background and your excitement about preparing for the Christmas concert.
   • Icebreaker: A simple call-and-response song or rhythm clapping session.

Warm-Up Exercise (5 minutes)

• Musical Movement:
  • Guide students in a simple, rhythmic movement matching the pulse of a Christmas song. This could be clapping or marching on the spot.

Learning Songs (15 minutes)

1. Song Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Introduce each song by its title and a brief story about what it represents in the nativity story.
   • Sing a verse of each song to the students so they get familiar with melodies. Use inviting language like "Let's all pretend we're on a journey to Bethlehem."

2. Sing-Along Practice (10 minutes):

   • Break down each song into manageable parts. Start with "A Little Nativity," as it’s typically easier for younger students.
   • Encourage students to echo your singing in small sections.
   • Incorporate simple gestures related to lyrics to aid memory and engagement (e.g., hand movements for the star in "Bethlehem is Full").

Concert Group Activity (10 minutes)

1. Formation and Rehearsal:
   • Organise students in a semi-circle or a line, mimicking their positions during the concert.
   • Conduct a brief, informal rehearsal of where each group starts and stops – pre-nursery hums, nursery does gestures, Year 1 leads singing.
   • Encourage mutual applauding after everyone’s effort to boost confidence.

Wrap-Up and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Feedback Time:

  • Ask students what they enjoyed most about the session.
  • Discuss what other elements they would like to include in the concert.

• Closing Activity:

  • End with a simple musical “Goodbye Song” that can become a ritual.

Assessment

• Observation: Gauging student engagement and enthusiasm during singing and activities.
• Participation: Noting each student’s involvement and any standout moments or challenges.
• Feedback: Anecdotal comments from students during reflection to guide future lessons.

This lesson plan is designed to create an inviting and supportive environment for young students, using music as a tool for both education and enjoyment. The activities align with the EYFS Development Matters while preparing for a meaningful Christmas concert that celebrates cultural stories through music.