Lesson Plan: Lesson 5 – Song Class: Humpty Dumpty 

Age Group: K1 and K2 (3 to 5 years old)
Class Size: 10 children
Duration: 60 minutes
Focus Area: Tempo control, safe gesture coordination, and clear articulation of ending lines

Learning Objectives:

• Children will be able to select a comfortable tempo and add a safe, controlled fall gesture.

• Children will be able to speak the ending line clearly so every word is heard.

• Children will be able to start and finish on cue with calm stillness between lines.

Materials Needed:

• Printed lyrics of Humpty Dumpty

• Printed visual aids for tempo and gesture cues

• Audio playback device (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrv495corBc)

• Floor markers for performance spots

• Cushioned mats or soft props for safe “fall” gesture practice

• Word cards for “All the king’s horses/men”

  ---

Procedures:

5 min Warm-up: Body + Breath

Purpose: To settle the group, awaken body awareness, and prepare breath for singing and movement.

• Lead gentle stretches: reach arms up, roll shoulders, bend knees. Use imagery like “stretch like a tall wall” or “roll like Humpty’s round belly.” 

• Guide belly breathing: place hands on belly, breathe in slowly through nose, exhale gently through mouth.

• Invite children to make soft “falling” sounds (e.g., “whoa,” “ahhh”) to connect breath with movement.

15 min Technique Focus 1: Pace and Safe “Fall” Gesture with Controlled Pause

Purpose: To help children choose a steady tempo and coordinate a safe fall gesture with a pause.

• Introduce the song Humpty Dumpty and play the suggested version once for listening.

• Demonstrate singing the first two lines slowly, with a gentle fall gesture after “had a great fall.”

• Use visual aids to show tempo options (e.g., fast/slow arrows) and gesture cues.

• Invite children to demonstrate the fall gesture with a doll on cushioned mats or soft surfaces, emphasizing control and pause.

• Guide children to sing the first half of the song at a comfortable pace, adding the fall gesture with a still pause before continuing.

15 min Technique Focus 2: Clear Articulation of “All the King’s Horses/Men”

Purpose: To help children speak the ending line clearly for storytelling impact.

• Present word cards: “All,” “the,” “king’s,” “horses,” “men.” Say each word slowly and clearly.

• Demonstrate how the final line sounds when spoken and sung with crisp articulation.

• Invite children to repeat the line with exaggerated clarity and gentle voice.

• Practice singing the full ending line, focusing on consonants and rhythm.

• Reinforce calm stillness before and after the line to support cue awareness.

10 min Guided Application to Exam Task (Full Song Practice)

Purpose: To apply tempo, gesture, and articulation techniques to a full performance.

• Model singing the full song with steady pacing, safe fall gesture, and clear ending line.

• Invite children to sing the full song in small groups, focusing on tempo, gesture control, and diction.

• Guide children to start and finish on cue, using breath and posture cues.

• Reinforce memory by gradually removing lyric prompts and gesture demonstrations.

10 min Performance + Feedback

Purpose: To build performance confidence and reinforce technique through observation and feedback.

• Invite children to perform the full song from memory, one group at a time.

• Observe tempo control, gesture safety, articulation, and cue awareness.

• Offer specific feedback: “Your fall was so gentle and clear!” or “I heard every word in the last line—great job!” 

• Invite children to finish with a poised bow: feet together, head nod, smile.

5 min Calm Close

Purpose: To help children wind down and leave the session feeling proud and calm.

• Lead a gentle humming exercise using the melody of Humpty Dumpty.

• Invite children to sit or lie down and listen to soft instrumental music.

• Thank children for their effort and preview the next lesson: “Next time, we’ll explore how our voices can become animal sounds in a story.”

Extension Ideas:

• Use soft props (e.g., plush eggs) to enhance the fall gesture safely.

• Practice articulation during transitions (e.g., saying “All the king’s horses” when lining up).

• Reinforce cue awareness with a “freeze and start” game—who can begin and end on signal?

  ---