Feathers, Fur and Fins: A song about emus

SUBJECTS:  English

YEARS:  F–2, 3–4

Imagine you are an Emu. What it would be like to be a bird that cannot fly?

Watch the clip and listen to the song by Don Spencer that captures in words and rhythm how the flightless emu thunders through the Australian bush.

Things to think about

1. 1.The emu is the second largest bird in the world. They have feathers and wings, but they cannot fly. How do you think they move? Think of some words that might describe how an emu gets around.
2. 2.As you listen to the song, think about what the emu looks like and how it moves around. What words are used to describe its feathers and the way it moves? In the song, what does the emu think about not being able to fly? Does the emu make any noise?
3. 3.What did you learn about emus? How did the phrases: 'really down to earth', 'two feet firmly on the ground', and 'long legs pumping,' help you understand the emu? Why do you think that the songwriter chose these descriptive phrases?
4. 4.There are lots of interesting words and phrases used to describe emus in this song. The speed and rhythm of the lyrics (words) reflect the way the emu moves. Choose another Australian animal and describe the way that it moves. Try to show the movement of the animal through the rhythm of the words you choose.

Date of broadcast: 12 Sep 1986

Copyright

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