Submitted by Pam Bennett Young, Brenham, Texas
Idea posted January 20, 2003
Question: I found a nice little black cauldron for 97 cents. Any ideas of what to do with it?
Answer: I'd use the cauldron to make imaginary pumpkin stew. It is one of my annual pumpkin activities...
Pumpkin Stew
Start this ostinato pattern:
Patsch, clap, snap, rest
Then begin singing:
Pumpkin stew,
(A,C,D)
pumpkin stew,
(A,C,D)
What shall we put in our
(F,E-E, D, C-C)
pumpkin stew?
(A,C,D)
Students then sign back what they want to put into the stew in groups of four before repeating the question.
Carrots, potatoes, etc. (Of course they love to put in strange things, too!) (F,D)
If time allows, words can be transferred to rhythm cards to put into the pot. I've actually used play food, too.
The children love to do this and find it fun to try to remember what each child put into the stew making for a fun memory activity. The ostinato (minor third, whole step) makes a good Orff accompaniment, as well.