LIFE AND TIMES
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SINGING THE STORY SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS FOR KS2 A HALF-DAY WORKSHOP ‘They are both really good teachers and musicians.’ CHILD AT ONE OF OUR NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WORKSHOPS
WHAT DOES THIS WORKSHOP DO?	Introduces the concept of songs as stories Develops skills in focussed narrative writing, recognising rhythm and poetic structure Encourages co-operation in a group activity Encourages an interest in local history and geography As a group, the children will have their own song to sing, on the subject of a local topic, by the end of the session
CURRICULUM AREAS COVERED	Literacy History Music Geography Art/Design
METHOD	Workshop introduced using examples of genuine historical broadside ballads and illustrative examples of existing songs, sung to the children Introduction to the mechanics of songwriting Introduction and discussion with children of songwriting topic Introduction of the tune upon which the song is to be based Chorus composed by means of whole group activity Groups work on individual verses Performance of song composed by the children
LOCAL INTEREST	The songwriting topic can be a local history story suggested by the school or it can be provided by Life & Times. If provided by the school, Life and Times would appreciate suitable notice of subject matter to allow for preparation.
FOLLOW UP	Life & Times can provide ideas for follow-up work.
EQUIPMENT	If possible, a computer with word processor and screen (not interactive) would be helpful. If necessary, Life & Times can provide this.
USEFUL INFO	This workshop fits neatly into the school morning or afternoon, around any breaks in lessons Workshops successfully piloted in May 2009 in several schools in East Northamptonshire. Children then had the chance to perform their finished songs in front of an audience at Raunds Music Festival at the end of the week Workshop title coined by Raunds Music Festival
	When I sang the Bootmaker’s song it felt like I was one of them.’ CHILD AT ONE OF OUR NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WORKSHOPS SEE ALSO WORKSHOPS ON OUR TESTIMONIALS PAGE