Music on Monday

Spring 2026

This term our focus is 'Caring for Others' where we will be thinking about how we can show kindness, respect and consideration in our everyday actions. As we introduce OPAL play (Outdoor Play and Learning), we will be linking our music and discussions to how we care for one another during playtimes.

Through music, songs and reflection, children will explore ideas such as sharing, taking turns, listening to others and including everyone in play. We will talk about how our words, actions and choices can help others feel safe, happy and valued, especially when playing outdoors with new equipment and opportunities.

2nd February

The Wonky Donkey

MC Grammar

This week is National Storytelling Week, so we’ve chosen some music linked to a popular children’s story book. KS1 will be looking at putting music to stories, whilst KS2 will be learning about rap music-therefore we’ve chosen MC Grammar rapping the story of The Wonky Donkey as this week’s music on Monday piece! 

What Is Rap Music?

Rap music is a fun and exciting way of telling stories using rhyming words and rhythm. Instead of singing different pitched notes, rappers talk or chant their words to a beat. These words are often called raps, and the person who performs them is called an MC, which means Master of Ceremonies.

Rap can be funny, serious, clever, or silly- and it’s all about playing with words!

Where Did Rap Music Come From?

Rap music started in the 1970s in a place called New York City in the United States. It grew out of block parties where DJs played music and people danced together.

Rappers began talking over the music to:

• Tell stories

• Make people laugh

• Share ideas

• Get the crowd excited

Over time, rap became part of hip-hop culture, which also includes dancing, DJ-ing, and art like graffiti.

MC Grammar and The Wonky Donkey

MC Grammar is a rapper and a teacher who loves mixing music and learning. He became very popular for rapping the children’s book The Wonky Donkey.

Instead of just reading the book, MC Grammar:

• Turned the words into a rap

• Added rhythm and beat

• Made the story even funnier and more exciting

Children (and grown-ups!) loved it because it showed that rap can be playful, great for stories and a fun way to enjoy books. 

26th January

Schindler's List Violin Solo

Braimah Kanneh-Mason

Schindler’s List is a film that tells a true story from history. It is about a man named Oskar Schindler, who helped save many Jewish people during World War II. The film is set at a very sad time called the Holocaust, when millions of people were treated cruelly and unfairly just because of who they were. The film helps us remember what happened and why it is so important to be kind, fair, and caring to everyone.

The music for Schindler’s List was written by a famous composer called John Williams. He is one of the world’s most well-known film composers and has written music for many movies, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park. For Schindler’s List, John Williams wrote very gentle and emotional music to help us feel the sadness, pain, and hope in the story.

The main instrument we hear in the music is the violin. The violin often plays slow, quiet melodies that sound like a human voice. This helps the music feel personal and emotional, as if it is telling the story of the people in the film. The violin is supported by an orchestra, which includes string instruments, woodwinds, and very soft brass. The instruments work together to create a calm, thoughtful sound rather than loud or exciting music.

The music helps us understand the themes of the Holocaust. It reminds us how important it is to remember the past and learn from it. The quiet, sad sound reflects how much people suffered, but it also portrays kindness and hope, especially when people help one another.

When we listen to this music and understand it’s context within the film, we can learn an important lesson: everyone matters. The story of Schindler’s List teaches us that we should allow everyone to belong, no matter how different they are. Whether people look different, believe different things, or come from different backgrounds, we are all human and deserve to be treated with respect. Music, like this piece, brings people together and reminds us to be kind, welcoming, and understanding.

19th January

Friend Like Me

from the Disney film Aladdin

“Friend Like Me” is a super lively and joyful song from the film Aladdin. This version is performed by the famous American actor and singer, Will Smith. 

In the story, Aladdin has just found a magical lamp, and when he rubs it, out pops the Genie- a funny, amazing character who can grant wishes! The Genie sings this song to Aladdin to show how powerful and helpful he can be.

When the Genie starts singing “Friend Like Me,” he’s showing Aladdin all the incredible things he can do. He transforms into all sorts of silly and exciting versions of himself- like a marching band or a cowboy, just to make Aladdin laugh and have fun. The Genie wants Aladdin to know that with him around, there’s never a dull moment!

It’s not just about the magic- it’s about being a great friend. The Genie sings about how he’ll help and celebrate with you, and how life is better when you’re having fun together.

“Friend Like Me” is a big, bouncy, and jazzy song full of energy, and has lots of:

•  Jazz and swing rhythms- It makes you want to tap your feet!

• Fast, playful lyrics- The Genie talks quickly and confidently, like a friendly showman.

• Fun sounds and surprises- The music jumps from one exciting idea to the next, just like the Genie does.

How many different instrument sounds do you recognise when you listen to the song? 

The song teaches a great lesson about friendship: a good friend helps make sure others are having fun too. The Genie isn’t just showing off- he’s trying to cheer Aladdin up and make him feel special. That’s what friends do! They lift you up, make you smile, and make ordinary moments feel magical.

12th January

With a Little Help From My Friends

The Beatles

The Beatles were a very famous band from England. There were four members in the group: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They loved making music together and became one of the most popular bands in the world. Their songs are still enjoyed by people of all ages today.

One of their songs is called “With a Little Help From My Friends.” This song is about friendship, teamwork, and helping one another. It reminds us that things are easier and more fun when we don’t try to do everything by ourselves.

In the song, the singer talks about how friends can help when someone feels tired, stuck, or unsure. Friends can cheer each other up and work together to get things done. That’s why this song is a great match for our theme of “who should clean up?”!

When everyone helps to clean up together- putting toys away, tidying tables, or picking things up- it doesn’t take very long and feels much nicer. Just like in the song, a little help from our friends makes a big difference. By working as a team, we can keep our space clean and show kindness to one another.

5th January

'Winter' from The Four Seasons

Antonio Vivaldi

Welcome back to school! To match today’s snowy return, this week’s Music on Monday is “Winter” from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi. 

The Four Seasons is a set of four violin concertos, each representing a different season of the year. Written in 1725, the music is a famous example of program music—music that tells a story. Vivaldi even included short poems (sonnets) to describe what’s happening in each season. In Winter, listen for the shivering strings, icy winds, and stamping feet as people try to stay warm in the cold weather. 

This energetic and imaginative piece is the perfect way to welcome us back and kick off our week!