Basic 2 · Ghanaian Language · Songs
Work Songs and Play Songs
In this topic you will sing work songs and play songs in your Ghanaian language and talk about why they are important.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Sing a work song and a play song
- Explain what each type of song is for
- Say why songs are important
What you already know
- Singing songs in our language (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Listening and Speaking
- Sub-strand
- Songs
- Indicator
- B2.1.1.1.1 – Sing work and play songs and discuss their importance
Introduction
Fishermen sing as they pull their nets. Children sing as they play ampe. Songs make work and play more fun.
1. Two Kinds of Songs
| Type | When we sing it | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| work song | while working | pulling fishing nets, pounding fufu, farming |
| play song | while playing | ampe, clapping games, hide and seek |
2. Why Songs Are Important
- They make work feel lighter.
- They help people work together in time.
- They teach words and good values.
- They make play fun.
Tip: Clap or tap to keep the beat as you sing.
New words
- work song
- A song sung while working.
- play song
- A song sung while playing.
- together
- With each other.
- value
- A good belief, like hard work.
Summary
- Work songs are sung while working.
- Play songs are sung while playing.
- Songs help us work together and learn.
Class activity: Sing and Act
- Sing a work song in your language and act out the work.
- Sing a play song and play the game.
- Tell the class why the song is useful.
You need: Locally made song or poem cards, Local drum, Gourd shaker
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. When is a work song sung?
- A. While working
- B. While sleeping
- C. While reading silently
- D. Never
Show answer
Answer: While workingIt helps people work.2. Why do fishermen sing as they pull nets?
- A. To pull together in time
- B. To scare fish
- C. To sleep
- D. To eat
Show answer
Answer: To pull together in timeSinging keeps them together.3. Play songs are sung during games.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueThey make play fun.4. Songs cannot teach us anything.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseSongs teach words and values.5. A song sung while playing is a ______ song.
Show answer
Answer: playThat is a play song.6. Name one work you can sing a song for.
Show answer
Answer: E.g. farming, pounding, pulling nets.Many jobs have songs.
Homework
- Learn a work song from an elder at home.