Submitted by Connie Herbon, Iowa

Idea posted December 16, 2002

I've finally settled on a ditty that will work with my little ones for a Zoo Pal song. Since I'd never use these beyond the primary level, it has to be something that is extremely simple and versatile. ANY of the animal names can be plugged into the lyrics without changing any other words.

The first phrase is meant to be sung by the class, and phrase 2 is a solo. (Of course, change the rhythm to fit the names!) I'd use I and V7 guitar chords if I chose to add an accompaniment or just a bordun on the BX if the students accompany.

Rhythm:
ta

ta  ta  ta  ti-ti  ta  ta  Z

ti-ti

ta  ti-ti  ta  ta  ta  ta  Z

Pitches:
s

m  s  m  r-d  r  m  (rest)

s-s

s  s-s  f  m  r  d  (rest)

Lyrics:
(group or teacher) Leop-ard, Leop-ard where have you been?
(solo) Vis-it-ing Bum-ble-bee; she's/he's my friend.

Hope this works for some of you. Perhaps it could be used as a follow-up activity for LITTLE BEAVER AND THE ECHO. After all, Little Beaver keeps picking up new friends in his canoe, and the last line is something like "I have lots of friends now!"