This lesson was designed for a pre-K class as the last in a unit on farm animals but it could stand alone. The lesson begins with a review and discussion of farm animals, engaging students' prior knowledge. This is followed by a read aloud of the endearing Farmer Duck, by Martin Waddell. Students then draw a farm animal of their own choosing which leads into a sing along of a customized version of Old McDonald Had a Farm.
1. Students will be able to identify farm animals as opposed to other types of animals.
2. Students will be able to choose a farm animal to draw and will apply themselves to drawing this animal.
3. Students will take pride in singing a version of Old McDonald Had a Farm about their own class and featuring their own artwork.
- Farmer Duck, by Martin Waddell; illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Another book about farm animals could be substituted.
- Paper and crayons
1. Begin with a brief discussion of farm animals. Ask for students to name various farm animals. This will gives students a chance to connect and recall.
2. Read aloud Farmer Duck. This book has a refrain throughout the text of the farmer asking the duck "how goes the work?" and the duck responding "quack." Students will naturally begin quacking along with the duck and this pattern will keep them engaged.
3. Have students move to tables to start drawing a farm animal of their choice. Talk through options with students who are struggling to make a decision. Offer pictures from books or magazines for students who need a little instigation before drawing. Have students write their name and the name of the animal they've drawn, with assistance as needed. Collect all drawings.
4. Return to the rug or another common area. Tell students that the class is about to sing a special version of Old McDonald Had a Farm called Ms./Mr. _____'s Class Had a Farm. Feature one drawing in each verse, naming the animal and the student artist. For example:
... Ms. Lynch's class had a farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on that farm there was a Pig, by Alex, E-I-E-I-O ...
Omitting the remainder of the verse - with an oink, oink here, etc. - makes the length of the song much more manageable. Repeat with the remaining drawings. For the final verse ask each student to make the sound of the animal they drew. Sing:
... Ms. Lynch's class had a farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on that farm there were many animals, E-I-E-I-O. With a [each student makes the sound of their animal] here and a [each student makes the sound of their animal] there, etc. ...
With all the different animal noises, this verse should sound like a very lively farm!
Assessment will be informal. Areas to consider:
- are students able to participate in the discussion reviewing farm animals?
- are students able to select a farm animal (as opposed to a non-farm animal) to draw?
- are students willing to commit to drawing a picture of their chosen farm animal?
- are students respectful of their peers and engaged in the sharing process as the customized version of Old McDonald Had a Farm is sung?
