3 ‘Smashingly Fun’ Ways To Teach Primary Schooler Music Appreciation With Peter & The Wolf

Name me one homeschool mom that has not introduced their kids to Peter and the Wolf. 

I bet you can’t, because every homeschool mom I have come across has in one way or another always introduced their kids to Peter and the Wolf. 

So why am I even writing this post, then?

The reason is because even though they have introduced their kids to Peter and the Wolf, they have never really taken it further than simply listening to the composition. 

Are you one of those moms?

Don’t worry, you are not alone. 

I am still to come across a homeschool mom, who has been able to engage their kids further with this composition than simply listening, recognizing and identifying the different movements. 

So in this post, I am going to focus specifically on primary school aged kids and how you can engage your primary schoolers and get them to appreciate music through Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. 

I have also made a printable available with age appropriate activities to further your child’s learning, so don’t forget to download it, once you are done reading through this post. 

Composer Study

I’m assuming that your kids have already heard the different movements in Peter and the Wolf and know the entire storyline. 

If they don’t, then that is where you should start first, before implementing this idea. 

With this activity you can introduce them to Sergei Prokofiev. Help them complete a short presentation or create poster board detailing his life, compositions and contribution to music. 

The printables that are available with this post, will help you get started. 

Music Era

Prokofiev was a composer that lived in the early modern era of music or the early 20th century when a lot of really exciting developments were taking place in music. 

Ask your kids to research the modern era in music in terms of the instruments that were popularly used, the new genres of music that originated in the era and the big influencers or composers of the era. 

Thereby, they will learn many fascinating facts about the modern era in music and even want to learn more in depth about a specific genre of music or instrument. 

Instrument Store

Many different instruments are used in the movements in Peter and the Wolf. 

Why not take your kids out on a field trip to an instrument store to familiarize them with the instruments? 

They will be able to touch, feel, see and hear these instruments in person and you may come out with a youngster who wants to learn a specific instrument. 

Bonus

There is nothing better than taking in a live performance. 

So if you can find one in your area, then do your best to take your kids to watch a rendition of Peter and the Wolf. 

When you see how much they enjoy it, you will be glad you did. 

Now that you are done reading, don’t forget to download the printable. 

What other ideas can you dream up to engage your kids with Peter and the Wolf?