Lesson After a Storm

Title

STRONG LIKE A PALM TREE

Subject

Resilience

Author

Donna Backues

Grade level
Time duration

7-11
2 hours

Overview

Lesson will use percussion music, singing, movement, inquiry and the
metaphor of a palm tree to emphasize the importance of being strong in body,
mind & spirit to be able to withstand difficult times.

Objective

Children understand the importance of being strong in body, mind & soul.
And to realize that they survived the storm and can continue to be strong.
Finally, the sessions will bring some relief and distraction from the crisis.

Materials

Name tags with string (pre-cut and tied)/Markers/Emoji stickers/Talking

stick/percussion eggs/Scarves for movement/Printouts of palm trees in the
wind/Percussion Instruments/Printout of Motto/Lg. Paper for rules/Large
paper/tape/Cut out images of families, healthy foods, exercisers, friends,
school, etc.

Activities and procedures

INTRODUCTIONS AND OPENING RITUAL:

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Greet children with a handshake as they enter

Direct them to create a name tag with markers only & emoji stickers
Circle up and introduce yourself and ask each child to say their name
and their favorite animal
Obwisana Song with percussion eggs (teach song first then motion)
Inquiry How is this like life? (working together and practicing
helps us when life gets too crazy, it can fall apart)
Teach Motto and have children repeat it back
Rules Ask what they would like as a rule (pass the talking stick)

MUSIC & MOVEMENT SESSION - STRONG LIKE A PALM TREE:

A. Part One Music Session

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Each child picks out a percussion instrument.

Sit in a circle
Teacher begins with a steady drum beat
Each child one by one adds to the rhythm
Slowly build up the speed until very fast then slowly bring it down

B. Part Two - Palm Trees in a Storm Dance

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Ask for 3 volunteers (If children are too shy get assistant to do it
with them)
Instruct the 3 children to each grab 4 scarves that are tied together
at one end to form palm fronds. Their bodies will be palm
trunks as they hold the fronds above their heads.
They will sway to the wind (the percussion sounds) and will
sway faster as the wind blows harder but they wont fall down.
When music stops they stand tall.

C. Part Three - Inquiry

1. What was that like?
2. How did it feel?
3. How is that like life?
4. How can we be strong like a palm tree?
5. What makes you strong in body? Mind? Soul?
BREATHING EXERCISE

Hand out pinwheels to each child. Teach them to breathe in

through their noses in a natural way (not too deep) and as slowly as they
can blow out through their mouths to move the pinwheel as long as they
can. Do this for as long as the children are interested. Afterwards tell
them they can do this on their own as a way to feel less stressed or afraid.

Closing Ritual

REPEAT MOTTO
SING CLOSING SONG (One that is familiar to the children)
CLOSING GOODBYE SIGNAL