October:
Chestnut Time - for 6-8 year olds
Fun way to introduce Chestnut Time
Fill a small bag with chestnuts (so the children can’t see inside). Pass the bag around the circle and chant together:
"What’s in the bag? What can it be?
What’s in the bag? Let’s touch and see!"
Talk about what's in the bag, and tell the students they can say "I don't know" if they can't guess. Let a few children feel inside the bag and guess what’s in it. Then invite one child to open the bag and reveal the chestnuts!
A fun English-learning song inspired by Catalonia’s La Castanyada — “Chestnut Time.” Families share roasted chestnuts, panellets, and laughter together. With its strong rhythm and hand movements, this song helps children enjoy English through music, rhythm, and tradition.
Teacher Tip:
Encourage children to invent their own hand movements for parts of the song.
When they help create the actions, they become more engaged — and they learn the song much faster!
Visit the 'Chestnut Time' work unit, and get access to a teacher's guide, video with actions, flashcards, images and activity ideas.
How to teach Chestnut Time
Spend 10-15 minutes of your English class learning the song for around 4 sessions. If you want to do the additional activities (wordsearch, bingo, gap fill) allow an additional 15-20 minutes.
1. Start with a game of Hangman
Sit the children in a circle and tell them you’re going to play Hangman. On the board, draw the gaps for the letters in the word “chestnuts.”
Ask the children to suggest letters — for example:
“A for apple,” “B for banana.”
When they’ve guessed the word chestnuts, show them real chestnuts or a photo.
2. Introduce the song
Tell the children you’re going to listen to a song about Chestnut Time, which is "La Castanyada" — a Catalan celebration held on October 31st.
Play the song and ask the children to raise their hand whenever they hear the word chestnuts.
3. Learn and explore
In later sessions, show the children the images from the resource pack (click the Resources button on this page).
Go through parts of the song, helping them learn key words and phrases.
Try out the different suggested activities:
🧩 Word search
✏️ Gap fill
4. End with games to reinforce learning
Finish each session with a fun game to help review the language from the song.
Here are some ideas:
- Simon Says using words or phrases from the song.
- Action repeat game — say a lyric and have the children repeat it with the matching movement. Turn it into a competition: the last person to do the action is out.
If you’re teaching a large class, divide them into two teams and play rounds so no one has to sit out for long.
NOVEMBER:
Mushroom Picking - for 6-8 year olds
Available on Spotify. Search for 'Mushroom Picking' by Genevieve Shaw
A fun English-learning song inspired by the Catalan autumn tradition of going to the forest to pick mushrooms as a family day out. Children learn English through rhythm, movement, and nature — singing about baskets, woods, and the thrill of finding a hidden mushroom! A playful way to connect language, music, and the magic of the season.
Teacher Tip:
Encourage children to invent their own hand movements for parts of the song.
When they help create the actions, they become more engaged — and they learn the song much faster!
How to teach Mushroom Picking
Spend 10-15 minutes of your English class learning the song for around 4 sessions. If you want to do the additional activities (wordsearch, bingo, gap fill) allow an additional 15-20 minutes.
Visit the 'Mushroom Picking' work unit, and get access to a teacher's guide, video with actions, flashcards, images and activity ideas.
1. Start by passing a wooden mushroom in a bag around the circle
Sit the children in a circle and tell them you’re going to start a new song. They have to guess what it's about. Pass the bag around the circle, chanting: "What's in the bag? What could it be? What's in the bag? Let's touch and see." Do the chant in a loud voice, soft voice, whisper, singing voice, happy voice, sad voice etc. Then ask the children to guess what's in the bag. Make sure everyone guesses.
2. Introduce the song
Tell the children you’re going to listen to a song about Mushroom Picking. When you say the words "mushroom picking" always do an accompanying hand movement. Ask the children if they go mushroom picking. Ask them where they go and who they go with. They can talk about it in their own language. Play the song and ask the children to raise their hand (or so the mushroom picking action) whenever they hear the word "mushroom picking".
3. Learn and explore
In later sessions, show the children the images from the resource pack (click the Resources button on this page).
Go through parts of the song, helping them learn key words and phrases. Teach them one part of the song each week over 4 weeks.
Try out the different suggested activities:
🧩 Word search
✏️ Gap fill
4. End with games to reinforce learning
Finish each session with a fun game to help review the language from the song.
Here are some ideas:
- Simon Says using words or phrases from the song.
- Action repeat game — say a lyric and have the children repeat it with the matching movement. Turn it into a competition: the last person to do the action is out.
If you’re teaching a large class, divide them into two teams and play rounds so no one has to sit out for long.