Here’s an old song from a hundred years ago. It’s really short, so you can just play it a couple of times and ask students to listen close and write down the words.
Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone?
Oh where, oh where can he be?
With his tail cut short
And his ears cut long,
Oh where, oh where can he be?
Afterwards students can make their own question song, following this pattern:
Oh where, oh where is ______ ______ ______ ______?
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
______ ______ ______ ______ ______
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
I find that the blanks help students recreate songs. However, the number of words and syllables don’t need to be exact. Students may manipulate the phrasing as they see fit.
Here’s another example of the same song. It’s called “Oh Where, Oh Where is Jean Claude Van Damme.”
Oh where, oh where is Jean-Claude Van Damme?
Oh where is he when you need him?
When the enemy’s near, Jean-Claude isn’t here
He’s probably just at the gym.
Students may do their own “Where” song, or instead of a “Where” song, they might do a “When” song, or a “Why” song, or a “Who” song: “Oh who, oh who is that sitting on the roof?”
Below is a version of “Oh Where, Oh Where” sung by 11-year-old Chelsea Venuti; then Kevin’s Van Damme song; and then two karaoke versions to use for Recycle Songs.
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This song was recorded before 1923, and is in the public domain. That means I’m free to record it and publish it on my web site, and you’re free to use it.
Oh Where, Oh Where Is Jean Claude Van Damme, Karaoke [ 0:20 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (17252) Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone, Karaoke [ 0:28 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (5131)