A Fairytale Tune

Educators can use this activity to to create original songs based on stories, specifically fairytales, that are special to their students

Materials Needed: Chart paper, markers

1. To begin, have students think of some stories, specifically fairy tales, that are special to them, and have a discussion about why those stories have had such an impact on them. Then, tell them that, as a group, they are going to be writing a song about their favorite fairytale characters.
2. Ask students to call out characters in their favorite stories that bring them joy or inspire them. On chart paper, list students’ answers so that you can use them in your songwriting process.
3. Then, ask them to think of words that describe these characters, such as: kind, loving, generous, caring, exciting, inspiring, etc. Scribe these words on a large piece of chart paper.
4. Next, ask them to come up with words that describe what they might say if they ever had a chance to meet their favorite fairytale. For example, they might say “hello,” “you rock,” “what’s up?” or “I look up to you.” There are no wrong answers here.
5. Then, together, choose a tune that is familiar enough to help you construct your song—or make up your own tune!
   Guide them through this process by asking questions like:
   • What kind of musical sound should our song have?
   • Should it be happy?
   • Should it be sad?
   • Could it be both?
   • What would happen if we made it funny?
6. Now that you have a list of stories, characters, emotions, words, phrases and a tune to sing, it’s time to start writing your song! Guide students through the songwriting process by telling students that their song should have a beginning, middle and end.
   Start your songwriting by asking questions like:
   • What should our song be about?
   • What emotions do we want to convey?
   • What should the title of our song be?
7. Once you’ve created your dynamic musical masterpiece, record your song and encourage your students to share it with their friends or loved ones!

Reflection Questions:

• What was it like to write your own song?
• How did it feel to create a song using everyone’s ideas?
• What elements of this activity reminded you of music you’ve heard before?
• What was fun about this activity?
• What was difficult?