Swahili

“Pole, pole” is a Swahili phrase meaning “Slowly, slowly” or “Step-by-step.” It is pronounced “Poh-lay.” The phrase can mean “drive slowly” on a dangerous road. It also is used as a mantra similar to “take it easy”

Activity

This is a nice echo song using Swahili words and mentioning animals from Africa. Teach students to echo you as a group or by giving each student a solo turn.

This can also become a movement activity (think Snail Snail or Going on a Bear Hunt). Pretend to drive a truck on a safari, looking for animals.

Adaptations

Provide students a choice board of animals native to Africa, with pictures of each.

  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • African Elephant
  • Rhinoceros
  • Cape Buffalo
  • Giraffe
  • Zebras & Wildebeest
  • Cheetah
  • Hippo
  • Warthogs
  • Kudu

Extension

A cultural lesson is provided by NAfME, created by Jennifer Bailey.

Collage of Animals to place into Pole Pole

Recording

A recording of Ella Jenkins singing the song is available on Youtube.

Books

Cover of Jambo Means Hello

Jambo Means Hello

Muriel Feelings

Buy on Amazon
Cover of Moja Means One

Moja Means One

Muriel Feelings

Buy on Amazon
Cover of Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain

Verna Aardema

Buy on Amazon
Cover of We All Went On Safari

We All Went On Safari

Laurie Krebs

Buy on Amazon