Content Chants
I have been trying to show my students how they can take the content they are learning and turn it into a chant to help them understand important concepts and use the academic vocabulary in meaningful ways. In order to model this, I created three chants, based on Project GLAD chants, that go with a natural disasters unit I am teaching. Students were then tasked with creating their own chant to a familiar tune using the vocabulary words they had learned in the unit.
I'm a Geologist
I'm a geologist and I'm here to say
I study the changing earth every day,
Sometimes I write a paper,
Sometimes I read a book,
But, I'm usually outside to take a look.
Digging up rocks, analyzing too,
Doing the geologist, Bugaloo!
Studying the forces that shape the earth,
Analyzing rocks for clues of its birth,
From caves beneath the surface to mountainsides,
Mapping where different rocks are found, worldwide.
Digging up rocks, analyzing too,
Doing the geologist, Bugaloo!
Disasters
Disasters here, Disasters there. Disasters, disasters, everywhere!
Catastrophic disasters changing dramatically
Destructive disasters shaking violently
Frequent disasters developing progressively
And dreadful disasters colliding constantly
Disasters in an archipelago
Disasters through its strike-slip fault
Disasters along the Ring of Fire
And disasters into the mountain ranges
Disasters here, Disasters there,
Disasters, Disasters, Everywhere.
Disasters! Disasters! Disasters!
"Myth vs Science" Yes, Ma'am
Is this a natural disaster? Yes, ma'am
Is this a natural disaster? Yes, ma'am
How do you know? Damage or loss of life
What does it look like? Floods earthquakes or hurricanes to name a few
What does it sound like? CRACK!
SWOOSH!
BOOM!
Is this a myth? Yes, ma'am
Is this a myth? Yes, ma'am
How do you know? It explains natural phenomenon
What does it look like? Gods and mythical creatures
What does it sound like? Oral traditions handed down
Is this a scientific explanation? Yes ma'am
Is this a scientific explanation? Yes ma'am
How do you know? Observation and measurement
What does it look like? Hypothesis, test and evidence
What does it sound like? Explains the natural world
Angelene,
ReplyDeleteI love these chants for learning about important concepts. I have used nemonic devices with students, but not actual chants. Did you start by jotting down what you wanted your students to take away from the chants before you started writing them? I especially like the last chant about myth vs. science because it includes two voices and could be echoed. How did the students chants turn out? Was the goal to have them successfully use all the vocabulary words in the chants they created?
Blakelee,
DeleteYes...the goal was to have all student use certain domain-specific vocabulary words in their chants. I gave them various examples from other units and let them use the frames but experiment with the "chant" format. They had the option to use my formats or create their own. Overall, they did an amazing job! And they were engaged!
*mnemonic
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun idea and a great way to practice vocabulary! I'm not sure I could choose a favorite. What concepts did some of the students write about? This reminds me of when I tried to help my own children memorize their times tables by reciting multiplication facts to the rythmn of our hiking. I was an unpopular mom that summer!
ReplyDeleteHA! I bet that chanting multiplication tables while hiking was not a favorite activity of theirs, but I am sure that it was for their benefit! :) The latest chants that my students wrote was on the process of argument writing. In addition, one of my students wrote a chant during Writer's Workshop time that was about the Great Depression. She took out her notes from History class and used the vocabulary words her teacher had given her and incorporated them into a chant with definitions, tunes, and concepts. It was very catchy!
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ReplyDeleteHi Ang, I am crashing your blog...I hope that's ok. I love the Geologist one. My mom is geologist. :) Have you ever had students write their own chant? I tried that this year, and it was a total disaster. Maybe 4th graders aren't ready for that.
ReplyDeleteYes...I have had students write their own chants for several concepts including plot, theme, and argument writing. Some are definitely better than others, but one thing that I have learned is that it is very helpful to give them a list of domain-specific vocabulary words and choices of formats for them to follow such as a "Here There" chant or "Yes Ma'am" to begin with since these ones are so structured and easy to work with. Once they have practice with the more simple structures, they can more easily get creative with their own tunes and language.
DeleteHey Angelene!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late comment. It's been a crazy week. I really enjoyed reading your Geo Chants! I had the opportunity of doing something like this for my 7th Grade Geography students. I love "I am a Geologist" it made me smile just because I love stuff like this. I bet once your students had these for examples they were able to think up some of their own chants. I'm curious how large of a chant could they make? This practice of vocab is essential for some students to get it down and understand. If it's okay, can I barrow these for examples and inspiration for the next time I try this?
Cody
Of course! You can absolutely use them however you see fit! :)
DeleteGreat writing!! So much fun to read! I know your students will love listening to your amazing mentor texts.
ReplyDeleteThanks! They have seemed to enjoy them!
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