Going on a Bear Hunt

• Carly Schieffer
• Posted 10/26/20
• 1 comments

Steady Beat Movement Story

The creative movement to In the Hall of the Mountain King was demonstrated by Kris VerSteegt, a music teacher in Ankeny and ISU, at a Kodaly Chapter Sharing event in February 2011. She modified her content from Dale Ludwig, Level III Orff teacher. I further modified the actions based on the actions listed in the children’s book.

Song Title: In the Hall of the Mountain King
Composer: Edward Grieg
Year Written: 1875
Targeted Grade Level: Lower elementary
Concept: steady beat, ostinato, ta/titi/quarter rest, repeat sign (rhythmic)
Children’s Book: Going on a Bear Hunt (1989) by Michael Rosen
Suggested Grade: K-2

Teaching Process

1. Students perform movements using body percussion while the teacher reads the story aloud (students demonstrate listening and responding).
2. Play recording of the music. Teacher models steady beat while using body percussion and actions (for an example, see the attached video link).
3. The form of the song is ABACADAEA
   • A section: pat steady beat in lap alternating hands
   • B section: rub hands together for wavy grass
   • C section: pretend hands are walking through thick mud
   • D section: swimming through the river
   • E section: flutter fingers in a whirling snowstorm
   • F section: tiptoe with fingers into the cave: “One shiny black nose, two big googly eyes, two ears, IT’S A BEAR!!!”
   • Perform each section in backward order until arriving home
   • Open the door. Run upstairs. Oh no! We forgot to shut the door. Run back downstairs, close the door, run upstairs, and jump into bed. Bring the covers over your head: “We’re not going on a bear hunt again!”:

Extension

Perform at a concert! Students can demonstrate musical form and their understanding of tempo.

1. Students read the rhythmic ostinato using rhythm syllables.
2. Add unpitched percussion instruments.
3. Students play the instruments while listening to the song again.

Assessment

Informal Formative (teacher observation). Do students follow the teacher’s model?

References

Rosen, M., & Oxenbury, H. (2009). We’re going on a bear hunt: Anniversary edition of a modern classic. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

YouTube Video

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