Mwana Wangu Wakura

Lesson Plan: Teaching the Zimbabwean Song "Mwana Wangu Wakura"

Objective: Students will learn and perform the Zimbabwean song that celebrates the success of a child and acknowledges the challenges of parenting.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Materials Needed:

• Lyrics of the song (English translation and Shona lyrics)

• Pronunciation guide

• All provided on the Zimbabwe Folk Songs Website 

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Begin by discussing the theme of the song with the students: the challenges of parenting and the celebration of a successful child.

   • Encourage students to share their thoughts on the topic and any personal experiences they may have related to it.

2. Learning the Lyrics (5 minutes):

   • Display the English translation and Shona lyrics of the song on the board or printable handouts. 

   • Pronounce and explain the meaning of the lyrics to the students.

   • Practice reading and repeating the lyrics together, focusing on correct pronunciation.

3. Understanding the Rhythms (5 minutes):

   • Introduce the concept of time signature and explain that it determines the rhythm of the song. 

   • Speak and clap the rhythms of the song, emphasizing the beats and pauses.

   • Guide students in practicing the rhythms by clapping along.

4. Learning the Song (10 minutes):

   • Divide the students into two groups: Leaders and Responders.

   • Teach the Leader line (Mwana Wangu Wakura) by singing it yourself and having the students repeat after you.

   • Practice the Leader line multiple times until students feel comfortable.

   • Teach the Response line (Huya Uwone) using the same call-and-response method.

   • Sing the Leader line and have the students respond. Reverse the roles, allowing students to lead while you respond.

   • Mix it up by splitting the class into groups and having them take turns singing the Leader and Response lines.