Skittle, Skittle, Skittle, Ski | Free Music Lesson Plan (Canon)

Big Idea

Students learn about the canon in this free, no-prep elementary music lesson plan, while playing body percussion patterns—including snaps, stamps, and finger pops—to create an impressive rhythmic performance.

Grade Level: 2-6
Activity: Chanting & Body Percussion
Skill: Performing a Rhythmic Canon

Students will demonstrate an understanding of canon form by performing rhythmic body percussion patterns in a round.

This lesson is designed to fulfill the 2014 National Standard for Music:
Perform music, alone and with others, with expression and technical accuracy, and appropriate interpretation. (Performing - MU:Pr6.1.3a)

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Music Lesson Plan

Skittle, Skittle, Skittle, Ski Music Lesson

Step 1
Teach the students the rhyme Skittle, Skittle, Skittle, Ski.

Skittle, Skittle, Skittle, Ski,
Do what I do after me.

Step 2
Tell students, "We will be performing Skittle, Skittle, Skittle, Ski as a canon. A simple canon is known as a round. Rounds that you have heard before include Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Frere Jacques. When you perform these, the first singer (leader) begins singing, and then another singer (follower) begins singing the same melody a measure or two later."

Explain that a more complex canon begins the same way, but the follower might sing the melody in a different way, such as changing the rhythm or making it higher or lower.

Step 3
Chant the rhyme for the class. As the students echo the rhyme, you will pat a four-beat rhythm.

Example: Pat - Pat - Clap - Clap

The class repeats those four beats as you move on to another four-beat pattern. A simple canon is created between you and the students as your theme is repeated one measure later by the class. When the students become skilled at this two-part canon, you can introduce a third part.

Suggested Sounds

Patsch - Pat left, right, or both thighs with hands. Pat cheeks for a different timbre.
Clap - Clapping hands together.
Snap - Snap fingers on right, left, or both hands.
Stomp - Striking left, right, or both feet on the floor.
Finger Pop - Seal your lips around your index finger and press against your cheek until the seal breaks with a "POP!"