Peter and the Wolf | Music Listening Lesson and Worksheet

Music Lesson Plan

Step 1
Tell students, "Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev used a special technique to write the music for Peter and the Wolf called 'leitmotif.' A leitmotif is a melody associated with a person, place, or idea within a story. Prokofiev wrote a leitmotif for each character to help us understand them better. Peter's melody is light and happy. The cat's melody is sneaky, while the wolf's melody is dark and scary."

Step 2
Tell students, "Let's listen to the melodies for the characters. As you listen, try to come up with words that describe the melodies and the characters they represent." Stop the recording between each melody played during the introduction. Write student ideas on the board.

Step 3
Tell students, "Each of you is going to draw your own comic strip to tell the story of Peter and the Wolf. When I say 'Go,' please go to one of the three spots around the room to collect your worksheet, a pencil, and a few crayons. When everyone is back, I'll start the recording."

Step 4
Tell students, "As we listen, I'd like you to think about how each character's leitmotif helps to make the story better." Start the recording. Students will draw pictures for their comic strip as the recording progresses. If you feel comfortable, you might consider drawing your own pictures on the whiteboard to help some students with initial ideas.

Step 5
Stop the recording. Ask students questions about the themes. Questions might include:

"Did Peter's theme help you to like him and root for him to catch the wolf? Why?"
"Did the bird's melody make you think the bird was big or small, or slow or fast? Why?"
"Did the wolf's melody make you want Peter to catch him? Why?"

Step 6
Send those beautiful Peter and the Wolf comic strips home with your students!