Domesticated Animals

Typically in an all-school musical revue, we like to include at least one song that is simple enough for even your youngest students to sing. "Domesticated Animals" is that song for the revue, All Pets Great And Small. Of course, you can use it any way you like. It doesn't have to be in the revue. But it's certainly pertinent in this context. A quick listen or two while going over the words will have your kids singing along pretty quickly. It's set in a relaxed hip hop style (swing), which is familiar to kids.

As you can hear on the recording, the style also actually helps with pronouncing the word "domesticated." This word is of importance to the topic as well as the revue. Not all animals are domesticated, and you certainly would not want all animals to be pets! The word essentially means "tame," and is a contrast to a wild animal. This would make an excellent topic for discussion with your students. What are some domesticated animals? What animals are wild? Why should you not try to have a wild animal as a pet? Note that even with domesticated animals, there are rules to follow for safety, like leash laws or rabies vaccinations. So pet owners have to be responsible, too. Another great topic for discussion!

In the song, there are claps indicated on the off beats. These are optional and they discontinue during the bridge (measure 18), resuming at the D.S. (measure 9) on into the coda where they stop at the last bar.