Peter and the Wolf

I began my Peter and the Wolf unit this week. I find it a great way to introduce "theme" and specific instruments of the orchestra. I begin by introducing the idea of theme (special music you will hear for each character in the story). We discuss how the characters can be people or animals. Here is a great little presentation I found on Mimio Connect (Thank you Maria O.):

Peter and the Wolf 

I usually start with the slide that shows Peter and the violin. I discuss each character, their theme and instrument. Then, I move on to the next character.

After hearing the theme for each one, I begin to tell the story. I use a book I found that was being recycled from my old school's library! It is wonderful, but you can use any Peter and the Wolf book. I flip from slide to slide as I tell the story and review what instruments are being heard. 

I have the English version of this edition. It has great illustrations and the theme for each character appears on the opposite page.

I use the slides that come after this section to review the instruments with the students on the Mimio. Sometimes, I will play the beginning of the Disney version. I bought the Dvd and am happy to loan it out anytime. It used to be available on YouTube, but Disney removed it for copyright violations. There is a version of the Disney book and record on YouTube.

During the second week I use a poem retelling the story from Boosey Hawkes, I've had for several years. 


I use instrument stations for this lesson. I have a character card at each station (except for Grandpa, as it worked better for me with the six stations instead of seven). Each station has a different instrument (4 of each) to represent each character. I use the woodblock/duck, handbells/Peter, drums/hunters, triangle/bird, maracas/cat, wrist bells/Wolf. I add characters that are mentioned early on in the story so each group has a fair amount of time to play their instrument before moving to the next station. Students love to play as I read and they get a chance to be active!

I finish with a final listening and matching game. I know that some teachers with more time make finger puppets. There are some templates out there, so I will add as I go. Also, you can check out this Pinterest board on Peter and the Wolf; Pinterest: Peter and the Wolf.
There are a ton of resources out there!