The Tortoise and the Hare

Learning tempos is more engaging with a narrative. The story of The Tortoise and the Hare is one such tale.

1. Before the story, I have students do a variety of tempo warm-up activities. Options may include:
   1. Have students choose a tempo for my greeting song when I sing their name.
   2. Sing a song like “Dr. Riley” or “Following the Leader” from Disney’s “Peter Pan”.
   3. Have students choose an animal and its tempo, then lead the group.
2. Tell the story of The Tortoise and the Hare while teacher improvises music to lead. (Tortoise=slow; hare=fast)
   • The youngest children will ultimately move each animal of the two featured animals before and during the story.
   • Students who are slightly older will choose only one animal and move when they hear their music. When this happens, the music of both animals may be played.
3. There could be a race across a portion of the room. (This enhances the Time/Space/Energy aspect of the experience.)