I have used the song Shake the Papaya Down many times over the years and always have to give an explanation on what are papayas and why are we shaking them down? Students will become more engaged with a lesson when they have some background knowledge on the topic. Papayas aren’t found in too many grocery stores, so not many families are able to include them in their regular meals.
I know my students would love to see my pictures. Maybe you and your students will like to see them, too.
What are papayas?
Papayas are a soft tropical fruit that is yellowish-orange in color. They are healthy, low-calorie food, with lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Central America
Papaya Trees Grow Fast!
With the right growing conditions, a papaya seed will grow and produce fruit within one year. In a hot climate, they will produce fruit in 6-9 months.
Growing Papaya Trees
Papaya Leaves are BIG!
Papaya Flowers
Papaya trees can bloom year-round. The blooms then produce the fruit.
Papaya Fruit
Papaya fruit grows in clusters near the top of the tree. Green fruit is not yet ripe.
Do Papayas Taste Good?
Yes! Papayas taste very similar to cantaloupe melons or mango. Ripe papayas have a buttery texture and seem to melt in your mouth. It was sweet to have fresh papaya every morning for breakfast!
Harvesting Papayas
Shake the Papaya Down
This Jamaican folk song tells the story of children completing their mother’s chores by climbing up the tall tree and shaking the papayas down.Lyrics
Mama says no play, this is a work day.
Up with the bright sun, get all the work done.
If you will help me, climb up the tall tree
Shake the papaya down
Listen to Shake the Papaya Down
Safeshare Link: https://safeshare.tv/x/ss6178832d427a6#
Using the linked video, listen to the song. Discuss how the song makes them feel. Identify the musical style as calypso, originating in the Caribbean islands. Consider adding beat movements as you listen again. Sing the song along with the video.
Movement Ideas from YouTube
Dance with creative interludes
Mixer
Depending on the age of your students and your curricular goals, you can stop with singing and movement or extend the lesson by teaching additional concepts using the song.
Extensions
Rhythm Reading
Safeshare Link: https://safeshare.tv/x/ss617883c9ddd03#
Part Singing
The sheet music on the following link includes three distinct parts which can be sung at the same time, as partner songs.
https://www.bethsnotesplus.com/2018/05/shake-the-papaya-down.html
This choral arrangement video gives you a beautiful idea on how this could sound. The hand movements are especially nice, even if you choose to sing the 3 parts separately rather than as partner songs.
Choral Arrangement with Hand Movements
https://www.bethsnotesplus.com/2018/05/shake-the-papaya-down.html
This choral arrangement video gives you a beautiful idea on how this could sound. The hand movements are especially nice, even if you choose to sing the 3 parts separately rather than as partner songs.
Choral Arrangement with Hand Movements
Safeshare link: https://safeshare.tv/x/ss61796d537b172#
Lesson Slides Resource
You are more than welcome to scroll through this blog post with your students!
If a Google™Slides version would be easier for use in the classroom, please consider this resource in my shop. In addition to 20 lesson slides that include the photos and facts, there are 2 quick quiz slides for use as discussion starters or exit ticket questions and 2 lyrics/coloring pages for use as a take home sheet or a listening activity. The lesson slides and color page would even make a great sub plan!
References
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/months-papaya-trees-ready-picking-63902.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/papaya/growing-papaya-fruit.htm
https://www.mamalisa.com/?t=es&p=4978
https://www.bethsnotesplus.com/2018/05/shake-the-papaya-down.html
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