Sing and Dance Zoo
Music and movement activities build memory through melody, develop coordination through action songs, and provide opportunities for self-expression. Traditional songs create cultural connections and shared experiences that strengthen classroom community.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Zoo
- Learning area: Art and Creativity
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Participate in singing and dancing to animal songs and rhymes
- Use music and movement for self-expression
- Learn lyrics and movements to traditional animal songs
Materials
- Open space for movement
- Lyrics charts for animal songs
- Optional: musical instruments for accompaniment
Instructions
Gather children in a circle with plenty of room for movement. Explain that you will be singing and dancing to some favourite animal songs. Begin with songs that may be familiar, building confidence before introducing new material.
Teach "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Sing it through once while children listen. Then teach it phrase by phrase, inviting children to join in. Add movements: climbing motions for going over the mountain, hand-shading-eyes for looking to see, and arms stretched wide to show "all that he could see."
Introduce "Polar Bear, Polar Bear" as an action song. Each line gives an instruction that children follow: turn around, touch the ground, shine your shoes, go upstairs, say your prayers, turn out the light, say good night. Demonstrate each action and then practise together.
Sing "The Penguin Song" to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Discuss how penguins waddle and encourage children to waddle like penguins during the song.
Teach "Five Little Monkeys" if not covered in numeracy activities. This classic action song reinforces counting while providing physical outlet for jumping energy.
Conclude with a favourite chosen by the children. Throughout the session, celebrate enthusiastic participation and creative interpretations of movements.
Educator tip
Create a song chart or pocket chart with lyrics for each song. Having visual support helps children learn lyrics more quickly. Consider recording songs for children to listen to during transition times.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's participation in singing and dancing. Note their ability to learn new lyrics and movements and their comfort with creative self-expression through music.