Steps for Learning - Activity Two: Song Writing

The purpose of this activity is to give students an opportunity to create an original song based on the episode “Never Kiss an Empress“.

1. View the Wunderkind Little Amadeus episode entitled “Never Kiss an Empress” with your class. Tell your students that they are going to write a song about what happened to Little Amadeus and his family.

2. Have the students complete the Comprehension Checker questions. When they are finished, review their answers to ensure they understand what happened in the story. Tell the students that they can use the Comprehension Checkers to help them write the words of their songs.

3. Give the students a copy of the “Make Your Song” handout. Review the instructions. Divide the class into groups of four to five students, and ask each group to write a song using the melody of the Little Amadeus theme song.

4. After the students write the lyrics, have them use instruments to accompany their songs. They can use any classroom instruments that are available, they can clap, tap or snap using their bodies, or you may wish to have them create instruments using assorted materials. You may also wish to use software programs such as Garage Band.