Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have the lyrics for “Doh a Dear” ready, ideally on a chart, and prepare a clear space in the classroom for pupils to move freely. The central idea is for pupils to learn the song and its associated actions, fostering their listening skills, memory, and coordination. Observe pupils’ active participation in singing and performing the actions as a sign of successful learning.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 8
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Songs and Rhymes
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Pupils listened to and recited simple rhymes and songs.
Topic: DOH A DEAR
Subject Matter: DOH A DEAR.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the first musical sound “Doh”.
- Recall and recite the lyrics of “Doh a Dear”.
Affective Domain
- Show enjoyment while singing the song.
- Participate enthusiastically in group singing and actions.
Psychomotor Domain
- Perform the simple actions associated with “Doh a Dear”.
Social Domain
- Sing together as a group, showing cooperation.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
Instructional Materials
- Chart with “Doh a Dear” song lyrics.
- Pictures of a deer.
- Age-appropriate classroom materials.
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning songs like “Doh a Dear” is important for preschoolers as it enhances their listening skills, memory, and ability to follow instructions. It also introduces them to musical concepts in a fun and engaging way, promoting language development and physical coordination through actions.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can listen attentively to songs, repeat simple words, and follow basic instructions for movement.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
DOH A DEAR
The song “Doh a Dear” is a fun way to learn about musical sounds and animals. “Doh” is the first note in a musical scale, and a “dear” (or deer) is a beautiful animal.
Song: Doh a Dear
Tune: Do-Re-Mi (from The Sound of Music)
Lyrics:
Doh, a deer, a female deer
Ray, a drop of golden sun
Me, a name I call myself
Far, a long, long way to run
Sew, a needle pulling thread
Lah, a note to follow Sew
Tea, a drink with jam and bread
That will bring us back to Doh! Oh-oh-oh!
Actions:
- Doh, a deer: Point to self, then make antlers with hands.
- Ray, a drop of golden sun: Make a circle with hands above head.
- Me, a name I call myself: Point to chest.
- Far, a long, long way to run: Run in place or make running motion with hands.
- Sew, a needle pulling thread: Make sewing motion with hands.
- Lah, a note to follow Sew: Wave hand gently.
- Tea, a drink with jam and bread: Pretend to sip from a cup.
- That will bring us back to Doh! Oh-oh-oh!: Point to self, then raise hands in excitement.
Key Words
- Doh – The first sound in a musical scale.
- Deer – A type of animal with antlers (male deer) or no antlers (female deer).
- Actions – Movements we make with our bodies.
Watch and Practise
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce the song by showing a picture of a deer and explaining that “Doh” is a special sound in music. Explain that the song helps us remember these sounds with fun words and actions.
What to show or demonstrate: Point to the lyrics on the chart. Clearly demonstrate each action for “Doh a Dear” slowly and then at a normal pace. Emphasize the “Doh, a deer, a female deer” part as the primary focus for this lesson.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the song clearly and enthusiastically, encouraging pupils to join in. Repeat the song several times, focusing on the actions. Start with the first line and gradually add more as pupils become comfortable.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see how others sing and act out the song. Play the video and encourage pupils to sing along and mimic the actions they see. Pause if needed to review actions or lyrics.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are attempting to sing the words and perform the actions. Encourage participation from all pupils, providing extra support to those who are shy or struggling with the movements.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Imitation
- Repetition
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Warm-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads a short, familiar warm-up song with simple actions (e.g., “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”) to get them ready for activity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher and participate in the warm-up song and actions.</
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready for the lesson.
Step 2: Song Introduction
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the topic “Doh a Dear”. The teacher shows a picture of a deer and asks pupils what they see. The teacher explains that “Doh” is a special sound in music, and today they will learn a fun song about it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the picture, name the animal, and listen to the teacher’s explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the topic and visual cues related to the song.
Step 3: Teacher Recitation & Demonstration
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher sings the “Doh a Dear” song clearly, pointing to the lyrics on the chart. The teacher demonstrates the actions for each line, focusing on the first few lines, especially “Doh, a deer, a female deer.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively to the song and observe the teacher’s actions.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the song’s melody, lyrics, and actions.
Step 4: Guided Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites pupils to sing the song along with the actions. The teacher guides them, repeating lines and actions slowly, providing support and encouragement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to sing the song and perform the actions with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils practise the song and actions, building confidence.
Step 5: Video Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Multimedia Integration/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the video as another way to learn the song. The teacher plays the “Doh a Dear” video and encourages pupils to sing and do the actions along with the characters in the video.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, sing along, and imitate the actions shown.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning through visual and auditory stimulation.
Step 6: Role-play/Application
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Participation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks individual pupils or small groups to lead a line of the song and its action. The teacher offers praise and gentle correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take turns leading parts of the song or demonstrating actions, showing care and participation.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their learning and demonstrate individual understanding.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Can you make the action for ‘Doh, a deer’?”
- “What animal is in our song?”
- “Can you sing the first line of ‘Doh a Dear’?”
- “Show me the action for ‘Far, a long, long way to run’.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarising/Praise
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their active participation and good singing. The teacher reminds them to keep singing and practising the song at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the praise and express their enjoyment.
Learning Point: Pupils feel a sense of accomplishment and are encouraged to continue learning.
Lesson Keywords
- Doh – The first sound in music.
- Deer – An animal that looks like a large goat with antlers (for males).
- Sing – To make musical sounds with your voice.
- Actions – Movements you do with your body.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling with the lyrics or actions, the teacher can provide hand-over-hand guidance for actions, repeat lines more slowly, or pair them with a more confident peer. Use larger pictures of the deer.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly master the song, encourage them to sing louder, try to lead a small group, or identify other animals they know. They could also try to recall more lines of the song.
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