Carnival of the Animals – Differentiated Leporello

Carnival of the Animals – Differentiated Leporello

This teaching material is designed for elementary music classes and focuses on the classical piece Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns. Students explore the music through a creative booklet project. The resource supports listening skills, musical understanding, and knowledge about the composer. It is suitable for students in grades 2 to 5.

The main component of this resource is a foldable booklet, called a leporello. It allows students to document their listening experience while interacting with the music. The leporello includes spaces to match animals, name instruments, and complete short texts. The goal is to help students remember key musical movements and understand how music can tell a story.

The resource offers four levels of differentiation. Version 1 is fully guided and includes all labels. Version 2 includes cut-and-paste cards for matching. Version 3 is a cloze text version with a word bank. Version 4 has no support and is suitable for students who can write independently.

The download includes color and black-and-white versions. Students can color the animals, match instruments, and fold the booklet themselves. A teacher guide is included with step-by-step instructions for preparation, printing, and usage in the classroom.

The material can be used in different teaching formats:

• Whole-class listening sessions

• Music centers or stations

• Homework or individual work

• Substitute teacher plans

• Interdisciplinary projects (music, art, literacy)

Learning goals:

• Listen to music attentively and describe it

• Learn the names and sounds of orchestral instruments

• Recognize the connection between animals and music

• Know basic facts about Camille Saint-Saëns and his life

• Express musical impressions through writing and coloring

Included in this download:

• 4 differentiated leporello templates

• Animal and instrument cards for cut-and-paste activities

• Cloze text about the composer

• Color and B/W versions of all pages

• Teacher instructions for classroom use

No additional materials are required, but you will need access to a recording of Carnival of the Animals to use this resource effectively.

This activity supports visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. It is also suitable for inclusive classrooms, English language learners, and students with different ability levels.

Best Wishes,

Doreen Blumhagen - Die Relitante