Rattlin’ Bog – the Irish Song Your Students Love!

 

Today, we’re diving into a classic Irish tune and the world of the “Rattlin’ Bog.” Now, if you’ve never heard of this catchy Irish song, then stay tuned – because it brings with it lots of fun and exciting music activities. Let the journey begin!

 

What is a “Rattlin Bog”?

If you haven’t heard of the song, don’t worry – it will be stuck in your head soon! “Rattlin Bog” is a traditional Irish folk song about a bog, or swamp, and all the creatures that live there. The chorus is memorable with the repeated refrain “hi, ho, the rattlin’ bog.” The verses are cumulative and very catchy, each one adding a new element to the mix. 

 

 

 

Why “Rattlin Bog” in the Elementary Music Room?

The playful and repetitive nature of the lyrics makes “Rattlin Bog” accessible and fun for elementary students. As they sing or listen to each of the verses, students practice not only musical skills, but also memory and language skills. Also, the cumulative structure and upbeat tempo makes it engaging and exciting.

Encourage students to listen for repeated lyrics, added things found in the bog, any Irish instruments used in the performance, and other musical elements. Now doubt, students will be singing the refrain only shortly after first listening to it. It is very catchy. And they’re hooked!

 

 

Incorporating “Rattlin Bog” into Your Lessons

So now what? There’s so many possibilities for this song. Here’s a few of my favorite Irish music activities for “Rattlin’ Bog.”

 

1. Inspiring Creativity and Exploration

First, this song is great for encouraging creativity with your students. Ask them to think of their own things that could be down in the bog or in their bedroom or anywhere! Or maybe let students create their own motions for each of the items in the bog and “choreograph” the whole song.

You can also assign small groups to different parts of the song or items in the bog. Let them decide what they will do for their performance each time – instruments, movement, etc.

This activity not only reinforces teamwork but also provides an opportunity for students to showcase their storytelling abilities.

 

 

2. Adding Instruments

One of my favorite activities for this song is to spice up the song with different percussion instruments representing each item in the bog. Each student is given an instrument and plays only on their part – for example, the egg shaker plays on the verse “there was an egg, a rare egg…”

This is a great kindergarten music activity for St. Patrick’s Day since it’s simple, exciting, and requires very little prepwork. Click here to see the arrangement that I use with my students.

 

 

3. Exploring Irish Dance

Another idea for “Rattlin’ Bog” is to take advantage of the upbeat tempo and incorporate dancing. You can use the lesson to discuss and introduce basic Irish dance steps or create a dance of your own. At this time of the year, kids really need to get up and move (especially if it’s right before spring break). 

For younger children, add simple circle movements for each part. For example, try walking around in a circle for the refrain. Then on the cumulative verse, pat the beat or wave hands back and forth for each item.

With older students, it’s definitely a fun song to pull out your parachute! You can create your own routine or use this one that I use with my students.

• Refrain: walk to the right 8 beats/walk to the left 8 beats
• Verse: alternate moving parachute straight up and down for each new item/final phrase-pat parachute on knees
  

 

 

 

4. Visual Arts Integration:

Finally, you can use the song “Rattlin’ Bog” not only with music and dance activities, but also while integrating other subjects to encourage creativity.

• Art: students create a drawing of scenes from the song – bog, tree, branch, etc
• Social Studies: students take a virtual field trip to Ireland to view the beautiful country and learn about its heritage
• Writing: students write their own song with a list of cumulative items for each verse
• Science: students use soil, rocks, plants, etc to discuss a bog; list other possible animals living in a bog

 

 

So with its catchy melody, cumulative lyrics, and cultural background, “Rattlin Bog” is a great song for your Irish music lessons! Try out some of these ideas in your classroom, and see how long it takes to get the tune out of your head!

Let’s connect! Find me on Instagram @bethsmusicclassroom, or my email is  beth@bethsmusicclassroom.com.

 

 

 

Looking for more helpful teaching music tips, check out this post on using a parachute in the music room!