L4 MS E

English

Unit A: Gathering Experience

Level 4

Let Us Chase the Squirrel

This activity introduces the lyrics of the song, Let Us Chase the Squirrel, in preparation for learning and committing the lyrics to memory.

TEACHER GUIDE

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Introduction

The aim of this activitiy is to memorise the lyrics of Let Us Chase the Squirrel in preparation for learning the melody.

LYRICS

Learn the Lyrics

This introductory activity presents a performance of Let Us Chase the Squirrel by a quartet of bowed stringed instruments and singer in an audio-only form. Without visual stimulation learners can focus fully on the sonic musical experience of listening.



Listen and Enjoy (audio)

This activity uses a performance of Let Us Chase the Squirrel by a quartet of bowed stringed instruments and singer as the inspiration for the creation of something new. Each learner will illustrate a copy of the lyrics of the song in their own way.

LYRIC PAGE

Create a Music Journal Entry

This video presents the song, Let Us Chase the Squirrel, in a video rendition. Learners can enjoy watching and listening while preparing for the next step - learning the melody.

Listen and Enjoy (video)

The aim of this activity is for learners to begin to develop the aural and vocal skill required to be able to sing with accuracy, verse 1 of the song Let Us Chase the Squirrel. This song offers an opportunity for learners to experience simple, yet fundamental, musical elements from a sensory point of view. These elements will be presented more formally in later learning activities.

Learn the Melody - Verse 1

The aim of this activity is for learners to begin to develop the aural and vocal skill required to be able to sing with accuracy, verse 2 of the song Let Us Chase the Squirrel. This song offers an opportunity for learners to experience simple, yet fundamental, musical elements from a sensory point of view. These elements will be presented more formally in later learning activities.

Learn the Melody - Verse 2

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/30791/watch?lesson_id=571585 " style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Member? Get Started!</a>DescriptionThis delightful unit invites young learners into the world of music through the charming song, Let Us Chase the Squirrel. The journey begins gently, with children listening to the lyrics and sharing their own experiences with squirrels, building connections between music and their everyday lives.As learners grow familiar with the words through playful echo-back and call-and-answer activities, they develop memory skills and confidence in self-expression. The unit then introduces the melody through carefully crafted audio and video experiences, allowing children to absorb the music naturally before singing themselves.A wonderful creative opportunity emerges as learners design their own illustrated lyric pages, transforming their musical experience into visual art for their personal Music Journals. This artistic expression deepens their connection to the song while celebrating individual creativity.The singing activities are thoughtfully structured to build vocal skills gradually, with verse one presented in a comfortable lower range and verse two stretching voices just a little higher. Team-based practice ensures every child experiences both leadership and collaboration, while smaller group work allows for gentle self-observation and personal growth.Throughout the unit, the emphasis remains on joy, patience, and encouragement, creating a nurturing space where musical skills blossom naturally alongside confidence and creativity.Learning OutcomesLearners will be able to:<ul><li>Listen with focus and concentration to musical performances, following lyrics and observing instrumental details</li><li>Recite and sing the song lyrics and melody with increasing confidence and accuracy through echo-back and call-and-answer techniques</li><li>Express creativity through illustrated lyric pages that reflect personal interpretation and inspiration</li><li>Participate cooperatively in team-based musical activities, experiencing both leadership and collaborative roles</li><li>Develop vocal skills across different ranges while practicing self-observation and patience</li><li>Connect musical experiences to broader knowledge by exploring topics and stories presented in the song</li></ul>Notes and TipsRecitation Leadership: Recitations can be performed by the teacher or students, including soloists or teams sharing lines, sentences, or verses.Vocal Range Development: The two verses are presented in different tonal centers, with verse one feeling lower and verse two slightly higher, gently stretching the vocal range.Team Practice: Create flexible teams of varying sizes for echo-back and call-and-answer practice, ensuring all learners experience both leading and following roles.Self-Observation: Small group activities provide valuable opportunities for learners to hear their own voices and develop self-awareness about vocal accuracy.Atmosphere: Maintain a patient, relaxed, and encouraging environment that prioritizes enjoyment over perfection at this early learning stage.Creative Expression: For lyric page decoration, encourage learners to listen with eyes closed to create mental images that can inspire their artwork.Music Journals: Collect completed lyric pages in individual Music Journals to document learning progress throughout the year.Listening Focus: Audio-only listening helps learners focus fully on sonic elements without visual distraction, enhancing musical observation skills.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/30791/watch?lesson_id=571585 " style="background-color: rgb(106, 252, 194); color: black; padding: 15px 30px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; border-radius: 6px;">Member? Get Started!</a>
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A joyful song-learning journey where young learners explore lyrics, melody, and creativity through listening, singing, and artistic expression while developing musical skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Course content

Level 5: Let Us Chase the Squirrel (Prepare)

Adele O'Dwyer