Before the visit: Grades 0–5
Classroom Preparation
The students explore autumn through song, conversation, and drawing. Along the way, they focus their attention on the signs of autumn they will soon experience at Deep Forest Art Land.
Before You Get Started
| Course of Events | Find Your Own Voice on an Expedition of Discovery in Deep Forest Art Land |
| Grade Level | Grades 0–5 |
| Duration | Approx. 35–50 minutes |
| Materials | Worksheets, pencils, and colored pencils. |
| Organization | The whole class, movement around the room, and individual work. |
For the Instructor
→ Student Worksheet
→ Teacher's Guide (PDF)
The lesson is structured so that students are first introduced to the song without any prior knowledge. They then examine some of the song’s lyrics, listen to it again, and begin to recognize signs of fall.
Choose the questions and extensions that are appropriate for your class’s age, experience, and the time you have available.
The goal is not to arrive at a single “correct” interpretation, but to make students more aware of what they hear, see, feel, and wonder about.
| LISTEN | INVESTIGATE | DISCOVER |
|---|---|---|
| The students are introduced to the song and listen for imagery and moods. | The students explore the song's lyrics, images, and signs of fall. | The students notice signs of fall in their own surroundings. |
From song to signs of fall. From the classroom to the forest.
1. Before the first listen
Grades 0–5
Tell the students that they are now going to listen to the song “Efterårsblæst,” with lyrics by Ole Hyltoft and music by Finn Jørgensen.
Play the song without first showing the lyrics or explaining what it's about.
Before the song, you can say:
As you listen, don't try to find specific answers.
Just take note of:
- What kinds of pictures will pop up?
- What's moving.
- How the song feels.
- Whether there's something you can almost feel in your body.
2. Listen to "Efterårsblæst"
Listen to the entire song once without first showing the student worksheet or explaining the lyrics.
→ Autumn Breeze // Morning Song
The song opens in a new tab
When the song is over, return to this page and continue with the questions below.
3. After the first listen
Ask the questions one at a time and give the students 30–60 seconds to discuss them in pairs before addressing the question as a class.
Grades 0–5
For example, ask:
-
- What came to mind while you were listening?
- What in particular caught your attention?
- What did you think of the song?
- Was there anything that piqued your curiosity?
Grades 4–5 · Extension
If you want to open up the conversation a bit more, you can add:
- What is the mood of the song?
4. Before the second listening
Work on the words before you listen
The song contains words that some students may not know. Choose the words that are appropriate for your class, and discuss them briefly as a group. Read the words aloud to the students one at a time, and again give them 30–60 seconds to discuss them in pairs before having a group discussion. They can work together to guess what the word means and explain their reasoning. This way, everyone gets a chance to think aloud and test their ideas before sharing them with the class.
Foal • Twig • Dinghy • Keel • Dizzy • Whirling • Swelling • Swirling • Lively • Pious
For example, ask:
- Have you heard that word before?
- What do you think that means?
- Is it a thing, a movement, or a mood?
- Does the word sound like something that stands still or moves?
- What words does it remind you of?
- Can the meaning be inferred from the context?
-
Word Description Foal A young horse. Kvas Small branches and twigs. Dinghy A small boat. Refrigeration The bottom part of a boat. Dizzy I feel dizzy or almost lose my balance. Buzzing Moves quickly and easily, often through the air. Buldner Grows or advances rapidly. Vortices Moves around in circles. Liflig Pleasant or enjoyable—for example, a scent. From Gentle, peaceful, or thoughtful.
5. Second Listening — Signs of Fall
MATERIALS: STUDENT SHEETS + DRAWING TOOLS
You should listen to the song now; this time, the students will use the song as inspiration to draw their own picture of fall once you’ve finished listening to it.
After you've listened and before they start drawing, you can have a brief discussion with the class:
- What images came to mind while you were listening?
- What do you think you could draw?
- What in particular caught your attention?
- What colors, places, or movements do you remember?
Tell the students that they don't have to draw the same thing. They can choose to draw something they heard in the song, something they imagined, or something they personally associate with fall.
Feel free to play the song on repeat while the students draw for about 10 minutes.
6. Choose your fall sign
MATERIALS: STUDENT WORKSHEET + DRAWING AND/OR WRITING TOOLS
Now the students have created their own picture of fall.
Before visiting Deep Forest Art Land, they should choose one or more signs of fall that they want to pay special attention to.
It could be something they've already seen, or something they're curious to discover.
For example, these could be:
- leaves that change color
- something the wind moves
- a specific sound
- something that changes
The students write or draw their chosen autumn symbol on the worksheet.
7. On the Way to the Forest
Now the students have listened, drawn, and chosen what they themselves want to pay special attention to.
Before you leave, you should briefly discuss how you’ll move through the forest and take care of the place you’re going to visit.
Take Care of Nature
- How do we get around in the forest?
- How do we take care of animals and plants?
- How can we leave the forest just as we found it?
Take care of each other and the arts
- How do we take care of the artworks?
- How do we show consideration for other guests?
- How can we help each other have a great experience?
See you at Deep Forest Art Land
Now you're ready for your visit to Deep Forest Art Land.
You've listened to the song, explored autumn, and shared your own thoughts and photos.
When you get to the forest, there isn't just one right way to experience fall.
Use your senses, notice what’s changing, and be curious about the signs you encounter along the way.