Lesson Plan - "Carnival of the Animals" by Camille Saint-Saëns

Are you in search of music activities to introduce your students to the exciting Carnival of the Animals suite by Camille Saint-Saëns? Look no further! We have a no-prep, movement-based lesson plan that includes 11 activities designed to get kids creatively engage with the music.

Carnival of the Animals is 14-movement comedic music suite composed by Camille Saint-Saëns. Each movement represents a different animal and is composed using a range of instruments to imitate the unique sounds and characteristics of the animals. This provides so many opportunities for children to enter into the music through dance and play!

This lesson plan pairs engaging activities with several of the movements of the suite.

Introduce children to the joys of classical music with this fun music lesson plan!

This lesson plan typically lasts 30 minutes but can be adapted to go a bit shorter or longer. This plan is designed for PreK and Kindergarten children, but lower elementary school students will also enjoy these activities.

What's in the lesson plan?

• A list of simple materials (most of which you probably already have)
• Detailed instructions for carrying out eleven fun activities
• Suggestions for age-appropriate Carnival of the Animals storybooks for a literacy component
• When needed - sheet music with lyrics, notations, and chord symbols
• Printables with instructions for an activity

My musical lesson plans teach basic musical concepts such as rhythm, singing, and movement, but are also great for developing coordination, gross and fine motor skills, and literacy skills. These lesson plans can be used as is or modified as needed, for toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary (kindergarten, first and second grade), and homeschool co-ops.

This easy-to-teach lesson plan requires simple materials - generally egg shakers, scarves, a Bluetooth speaker, and an optional piano, keyboard, ukulele, or guitar. All songs can also be sung acapella if you don't play an instrument. You'll get activities themed for the lesson plan and instructions on how they should be performed, a complete list of songs to add to your playlist and any sheet music needed, complete with chords and notation. You can teach this lesson plan without an extensive musical background yourself!