Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to listen to and understand the lyrics of the children’s song “Five Little Monkeys.”
- Students will identify and analyze the song’s literary devices, such as repetition, rhyme, and onomatopoeia.
- Students will explore the cultural context of the song and its potential variations.
- Students will engage in critical thinking by discussing the song’s message and its implications for child behavior and safety.
Materials:
- Audio recording of “Five Little Monkeys” (different versions can be used: slow/fast, with/without music).
- Lyrics of the song printed or displayed.
Song:
Script (Lyrics):
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, One fell off and bumped his head. Mama called the doctor and the doctor said, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
(Repeat with four, three, two, and one little monkeys, changing pronouns as needed)
Vocabulary:
- bumped (verb): knock or run into someone or something with a jolt.
- rhyme (noun): correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words, especially when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry.
- onomatopoeia (noun): the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., bang, crash, meow).
Tasks (From the Student’s Perspective):
-
Listen and Analyze:
- Listen to the song and identify the recurring patterns and phrases.
- Discuss the use of repetition and rhyme in the song. How do they contribute to its memorability and effectiveness?
- Analyze the use of onomatopoeia. What sounds are represented in the song, and how do they enhance the storytelling?
-
Cultural Context:
- Research the origins of “Five Little Monkeys.” Is it a traditional nursery rhyme, or does it have a more recent origin?
- Explore variations of the song in different cultures. Are there similar songs that warn children about dangerous behavior?
- Discuss the cultural values reflected in the song. Does it promote obedience, safety, or other values?
-
Critical Thinking:
- What is the intended message of the song? Is it effective in communicating this message to children?
- Are there any potential drawbacks to the song’s message? For example, does it encourage fear or discourage playfulness?
- How might the song be adapted to promote a more positive message about safety and responsible behavior?
-
Creative Writing:
- Rewrite the lyrics of “Five Little Monkeys” to create a new story with a different setting, characters, or moral lesson.
- Try to maintain the song’s structure, rhyme scheme, and use of repetition.
- Share your rewritten version with the class and discuss the changes you made.
-
Class Debate:
- Divide the class into two groups.
- One group will argue that “Five Little Monkeys” is a valuable tool for teaching children about safety.
- The other group will argue that the song’s message is outdated or potentially harmful.
- Have a respectful debate, presenting evidence and counterarguments to support your positions.
Extension Activities (Optional):
- Research the psychology of nursery rhymes and children’s songs.
- Create a dramatic performance or puppet show based on the song.
- Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the use of “Five Little Monkeys” as a teaching tool.
Outro:
“Five Little Monkeys” is a seemingly simple song, but it offers a rich opportunity for linguistic and cultural analysis. By exploring its various layers, we can gain a deeper understanding of how language, music, and culture intersect to shape our values and beliefs.
