Beethoven's Sixth Symphony and the Expression of Feeling through the Arts

After exploring nature and country life through literature, poetry, visual art, science and social science, young children will explore feelings about nature by responding with movement to Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Opus 68, known as Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life. By listening to the words of Beethoven (from documented source materials), students will become familiar with his feelings and his desire to express these feelings through his Symphony No. 6. Students will explore and identify images and feelings about the countryside, and note the differences. Students will identify and explore the range of possible feelings one may have when in the countryside and respond to Beethoven's music and feeling through creative movement.