LESSON 6: Happy and Sad Sounds 
Lesson Focus: Emotional Vocalisation
Age Group: 2-3 years old
Duration: 30 minutes
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Remember: Highlight and label simple emotional vocal qualities (happy vs sad).
2. Understand: Link pictures/actions to matching vocal qualities.
3. Apply: Guide safe production of short, emotion-based sounds on clear cues.

MATERIALS:

1. - Picture cue cards: happy face, sad face (large, high-contrast).
2. - Optional props: colourful scarf (happy), blue cloth/tissue (sad), soft toy.
3. - Two-colour “feeling meter” (happy = yellow, sad = blue).
4. - Small drum/clapper for start/stop; soft chime for calm reset.
5. - Optional brief audio stings: bright tone vs gentle tone.
6. - Water access; hand sanitiser/wipes if using shared props.

LESSON PROCEDURES:

1) Welcome and Settle (2 minutes)
- Greet with a soft, friendly voice.
- Show the happy and sad face cards; name them: “Happy.” “Sad.”
- State the focus: “Explore happy sounds and sad sounds.”

2) Breath and Gentle Voice Warm-Up (3 minutes)
- Lead two slow breaths: “Smell the flower… blow the candle.”
- Model quiet “mmm” hums.
- Show a smile face shape, then relax to neutral; keep volume gentle.

3) Hearing and Seeing: Happy or Sad? (4 minutes)
- Hold up the happy card; model a short bright sound (e.g., “la!”).
- Hold up the sad card; model a short gentle/low sound (e.g., “oh…”).
- Point to the two-colour meter each time and label: “Happy.” “Sad.”
- Alternate twice more; use a clear “stop” hand and soft chime between examples.

4) Model Qualities with Gestures (4 minutes)
- Show Happy: smile, open hands; model “yay!” or “la!”
- Show Sad: soften shoulders/face; model “oh…” or “mmm.”
- Alternate happy → sad → happy with the drum cue for “your turn” and chime for “stop.”
- Keep all sounds brief (1–2 seconds) and projected safely to the back wall.

5) Guided Echo A: Match the Card (4 minutes)
- Lift one card (happy or sad).
- Count in “3-2-1” and model the matching short sound.
- Invite a brief echo; cut off with a “stop” gesture and chime.
- Vary order; insert short silent resets.

6) Guided Echo B: Add a Simple Action (4 minutes)
- Pair Happy with a small clap or gentle wiggle.
- Pair Sad with a slow hand pat to chest.
- Show the card and the action; model the sound.
- Invite one echo; reset to neutral posture before the next cue.

7) Sound-and-Picture Match: Quick Switches (4 minutes)
- Place both cards on display.
- Point to one card; model the corresponding sound.
- Switch cards more quickly after each chime; pre-cue with “Ready… 3-2-1.”

8) Optional Prop Moments (3 minutes)
- Show colourful scarf (happy) with a soft wave; model “la!”
- Show blue cloth/tissue (sad) lowering gently; model “oh…”
- Offer a visual “your turn” cue with the drum; collect props promptly between turns.

9) Cool-Down: Quiet Hums and Faces (2 minutes)
- Lead a soft “mmm” to very quiet.
- Smooth the face from happy to neutral; then sad to neutral.
- Guide two calm breaths; end with a whisper “thank you.”

ASSESSMENT:
- Present happy/sad cards and note recognition when modelling each.
- Cue short echoes and note approximate match to the modelled quality.
- Alternate happy → sad and note response to start/stop cues and brief duration.

REMARKS:
- Inclusion and Developmental Fit (2–3s, ESL):
  - Keep language minimal; pair every word with clear gesture/facial cue.
  - Use consistent, high-contrast visuals at children’s eye level.
  - Accept nonverbal participation (gaze, facial mimic, humming).
- Classroom Management:
  - Establish signals: drum = “your turn,” chime = “stop,” hand to ear = “listen.”
  - Keep turns very short; build in frequent neutral resets.
- Differentiation:
  - If needed, focus on one emotion at a time before alternating.
  - For confident groups, introduce a brief neutral face with a soft “hmm.”
- Environment:
  - Seat in a semi-circle for clear sightlines.
  - Remove distractions; keep props within easy reach and sanitise after use.