L1 MS E

English

This activity introduces the topic and lyrics of the song, Rain, Rain in preparation for learning and committing the lyrics to memory.


TEACHER GUIDE

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Introduction

The aim of this activity is for learners to commit to memory, the lyrics of the song Rain, Rain prior to learning the melody.


LYRICS (for printing)

Learn the Lyrics

This activity introduces learners to a performance of the song, Rain, Rain. First in an audio-
only version and then accompanied by visuals that offer activity guidance and important
learning touch-points.

Listen and Enjoy (audio)

This activity offers a performance of Rain, Rain by a quartet of bowed stringed instruments and singer, to be used 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 and add it to their Music Journal - a record of repertoire learned throughout the year.


Create a Music Journal Entry

An introduction and game to begin learning the sounds of the major scale using body scale actions!

CORE: Introduction to the Body Scale

This activity introduces learners to a performance of the song, Rain, Rain accompanied by visuals that offer activity guidance and important learning touch-points.


Listen and Enjoy (video)

Use the Rain, Rain: Listen and Enjoy a Performance video to begin to learn the melody.
The arrangement breaks the melody into short, easy to remember phrases so that learners can master each small piece with confidence.

Learn the Melody 

This activity provides an opportunity for learners to connect their musical experience to other domains of knowledge and interest. Learners will create a presentation of Fun Facts they discover about the rain and sunshine. The presentation can be done in any way that is creative, practical, and appropriate (when considering age, learning stage, and capacity).


WORKSHEET (for printing)

Fun Facts

This Musical Alphabet: Going Forwards (Introduction) learning experience is a simple and fun introduction to the Musical Alphabet that includes an easy, but important, practice game and follow-up worksheet!

CORE: Musical Alphabet Going Forwards (Introduction)

This Musical Alphabet: Going Forwards Quiz learning experience is a fun way to assess learnings achieved thus far in relation to mastering the musical alphabet going forwards. The video is designed as a fast-paced activity, however, using the pause button on you computer will allow for a variable pacing.

CORE: Musical Alphabet Going Forwards Quiz!

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/31240/watch/?enrollment_id=1921881&amp;lesson_id=427510" 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;">Get Started!</a>DescriptionThis captivating unit welcomes early learners into the world of music through the enchanting Rain, Rain song. The journey begins with an expressive introduction to the lyrics, encouraging children to listen attentively and share their thoughts about rain and sunshine.Through dynamic echo-back and call-and-answer techniques, learners commit the lyrics to memory while building confidence and teamwork skills. Focused listening experiences with audio and video performances help children observe musical details and develop concentration.A creative highlight involves designing personalized Music Journal pages, where learners illustrate the song lyrics inspired by a beautiful string quartet performance. This nurtures artistic expression and creates a treasured record of their musical growth.The unit introduces the Body Scale, a kinesthetic approach to understanding pitch through movement, making abstract musical concepts tangible and accessible. Learners progress from gentle-paced actions to exciting memory games that sharpen anticipation skills.Melody learning unfolds gradually through split-screen videos that guide echo-back singing in manageable phrases. Small group and solo opportunities allow each child to discover their unique voice in a supportive atmosphere.Enrichment activities connect music to broader learning through rain and sunshine research presentations, while Musical Alphabet lessons introduce the seven-letter system through engaging videos, games, and worksheets that build foundational music literacy with enthusiasm and ease.Learning Outcomes<ul><li>Learners will develop the ability to listen attentively and follow musical performances with focus and concentration</li><li>Learners will confidently recite and sing the Rain, Rain song from memory using expressive vocal techniques</li><li>Learners will demonstrate understanding of pitch concepts through Body Scale movements in both ascending and descending patterns</li><li>Learners will create original artistic interpretations of song lyrics for their personal Music Journals</li><li>Learners will master the seven letters of the Musical Alphabet going forwards through repetition and interactive practice</li><li>Learners will collaborate effectively with peers through echo-back and call-and-answer performance styles in various group configurations</li></ul>Notes and TipsListening and Observation: Encourage learners to listen with eyes closed to create mental images that inspire their creative work. Allow natural singing of musical tones to develop without drawing attention, as this skill grows best through relaxed exposure over time.Performance Techniques: Use tonal variety and articulation when reciting lyrics to engage learners fully in storytelling. Ensure all learners experience both leading and echoing roles by swapping team assignments regularly.Small Group Activities: Small group work offers valuable opportunities for individual singers to observe their own vocal accuracy. Self-observation drives progress, so maintain a patient, relaxed atmosphere with abundant encouragement.Pacing and Repetition: Use the pause button during video activities to adjust pacing appropriately for your class. Repeat quizzes and practice activities over several days to solidify mastery and build confidence.Musical Alphabet Convention: Use UPPER CASE letters for letter names as standard practice. Lower case letters will be introduced later to convey additional information about musical tones.Timbre Variations: Learners may notice vocal tone quality changes across the three performances in different keys. Simply enjoy these variations without technical explanation, allowing awareness to grow naturally through experience.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emsona.com/student/courses/31240/watch/?enrollment_id=1921881&amp;lesson_id=427510" 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;">Get Started!</a>

An engaging introduction to music learning through the beloved Rain, Rain song, where young learners explore lyrics, melody, and foundational musical concepts while developing listening skills, creativity, and confidence in a supportive environment.

Course content

Unit A: Rain, Rain

Adele O'Dwyer