John Kanaka: Free Music Lesson Plan (Rhythm & Dance) - MakingMusicFun.net

Music Lesson Plan

Step 1
Let's start with the lyrics. Teach the words to John Kanaka by chanting them phrase by phrase. Once your students can confidently repeat the first line, move on to the next until they have the whole verse down.

I heard, I heard, the Old Man say,
John Kanaka-naka tu-lai-e! (too-lie-ay)
Today, today is a holiday!
John Kanaka-naka tu-lai-e!
Tu-lai-e!, oh, tu-lai-e!
John Kanaka-naka tu-lai-e!

Step 2
Now, let's add the melody. Ask the students to sing the song phrase by phrase while you play the melody on the piano. When they've mastered every part, try singing the whole song together while you provide the accompaniment.

Step 3
Time for a quick rhythm check! Quiz the students on the values of the rhythms shown below. Ask a volunteer to come up and clap the rhythm for the class.

Ask the rest of the class to evaluate the performance. Did they get the rhythm right? Finish by having the entire class clap the rhythm together.

Step 4
Pass out the drums or rhythm sticks. Practice the rhythm again, this time focusing on good drumming technique. Once the class is successful, play the song and have them perform the rhythm as an accompaniment.

Step 5
Time to dance! The movements are based on rhythm the students just practiced. Ask everyone to find a partner and face them.

John (Stomp your right foot)

Ka-na-ka-na-ka (Right-left-right-left-right pat on your knees)

Tu-lai-e (Clap, clap, then pat hands with your partner)

Oh (Raise both hands in the air and sing "Oh" with a big, dramatic smile)

Step 6
Try the dance and song together. When they have that down, add the circle movement. During the lines before the "John Kanakanaka" section, partners should lock arms and skip or walk in a circle.

Step 7
Now for the grand finale! Divide the class into "dancers" and "drummers." Perform the song twice, swapping roles so everyone gets to try both parts.