Pitch Year 3 Notations - Bobby shafto

A delightful musical game for Year 3 students is centred around the traditional folk song "Bobby Shafto." The song's notation is presented in a simple format, suitable for young learners, with a 4/4 time signature and the melody transcribed with standard musical notes. The lyrics narrate the tale of Bobby Shafto going to sea with hopes of returning to marry the singer, featuring catchy lines such as "Bobby Shafto's gone to sea, silver buckles on his knee." This engaging and repetitive song is an excellent tool for teaching children about rhythm and pitch, particularly the Mi, So, and La intervals, which are fundamental in early music education.

The game designed to accompany "Bobby Shafto" requires children to be organised into groups of three, where two children form a 'boat' by holding hands around the third child. As they sing, they sway in time to the music's pulse, simulating the motion of a boat on the waves. Meanwhile, other children play the role of 'sharks,' circling the groups and waiting for the opportunity to join a boat. At the song's conclusion, the 'boats' open up, releasing the middle child to find a new group, while the 'sharks' attempt to take their place. This simple yet entertaining game encourages multiple renditions of the song, allowing children to practice and internalise the melody and intervals, all while enjoying an interactive and physical activity.