Lesson Plan: Grade R Life Skills – Teach a new song “seasons of the year”

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  1. Lesson Plan Title: Grade R Life Skills: Investigating the “Seasons of the Year” Through Song

  2. Materials Needed:

    • “Seasons of the Year” song lyrics, one per learner
    • Visual aids illustrating each season
    • Interactive whiteboard or projector for video playback
    • YouTube video of the song “Seasons of the Year”
    • Crayons, markers, and construction paper for craft activity
  3. Learning Objectives:
    • Remember and sing the lyrics of the “Seasons of the Year” song.
    • Recognise and describe the different seasons through associated characteristics.
    • Develop motor skills through a seasons-related craft activity.
  4. Vocabulary:
    • Season: Different phases of the year distinguished by weather patterns.
    • Winter: The season typically associated with cold temperatures.
    • Summer: The season usually characterised by hot weather.
    • Spring: The season known for blooming flowers.
    • Autumn: The season when leaves fall from the trees.
  5. Previous Learning: Learners have been introduced to weather patterns and seasons.

  6. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions: If learners struggle to remember the song, adopt a repetitive sing-along approach until learners become familiar. If the craft activity seems complex, simplify it or offer assistance as necessary.

  7. Beginning Activities (4 min): Display visual aids, discuss each season and its distinct attributes. Introduce the song’s lyrics, explain their meaning, and prepare learners for singing.

  8. Middle Activities (32 min):

    • Direct Instruction (10 min): Play the song “Seasons of the Year” and prompt learners to echo each line after hearing it.
    • Guided Practice (11 min): Sing the song collectively while learners follow the lyrics before them.
    • Independent Practice (11 min): Assign learners to depict each season creatively using markers, crayons, and construction paper.
  9. End Activities (4 min): Invite learners to present their artwork while singing the song line corresponding to their illustrated season. This serves as a wrap-up activity.

  10. Assessment and Checks for Understanding: Review learners’ crafts and mini-presentations to gauge understanding. Conduct an informal assessment while learners are singing and engaging in the activities.

  11. Differentiation Strategies: Offer extra guidance to learners having difficulty with the craft activity by simplifying it or assisting them. For more advanced learners, prompt them to incorporate more details in their artworks or expand the song lyrics.

  12. Teaching Notes: Foster a nurturing and engaging environment that promotes participation, imagination, and inquisitiveness. Ensure learners feel confident expressing their comprehension and creativity in their artwork. Provide constructive insights during presentations. Remember to cater to learners with different needs or language difficulties respectfully and inclusively.

This improved lesson plan integrates multiple subjects – arts (craft activity) and language (song lyrics), offering an enriching cross-curricular experience. The song, crafts, and discussions serve as formative assessments, providing immediate insights to the teacher about the learners’ conceptual understanding.