Charlotte Mason music and art study, Carnival of the Animals Study, Homeschool Music Unit Study

Carnival of the Animals Music Unit Study

I know how overwhelming it can feel to add “one more subject” to your homeschool day—especially one that’s as unfamiliar as classical music!

That’s exactly why I created this open-and-go, 70+ page unit. With my background in music performance, I designed this resource to help moms like you make classical music come alive for your children in a way that’s easy, enjoyable, and enriching for everyone.

(please Note there is another listing of this unit on Etsy...both listings are mine and are the same, you do not need to purchase both.)

This instant download is ready to print and use right away, guiding you step-by-step through Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals with a gentle, Charlotte Mason-inspired approach. Your family will move beyond “checking a box” to truly appreciate music and art together—all without needing extra preparation or special knowledge.

Here’s how this unit invites you into a whole new way to experience music and art:

Feel the Story in Each Movement – The 14 movements in Carnival of the Animals bring different animals and musical elements to life! Together, you and your kids will:

Feel the lion’s strength as he marches
Laugh along with the tortoise’s slow-motion can-can
Hear the clarinet echoing the call of a cuckoo bird
Giggle at pianists imitating donkeys with their scales
Soak in the elegance of a swan gliding through its melody
Effortless Learning through Music & Animal Facts – Each movement introduces a musical term, an instrument to focus on, and a few fun animal facts to keep your kids engaged. Thoughtful questions guide you to enjoy the music together without extra prep.

Instrument Flashcards & Hands-On Activities – Flashcards and an instrument and stage layout help children visualize each instrument’s role in the music. (Tip: For added durability, print on cardstock!)

Composer Study on Saint-Saëns – Learn about the playful composer who created Carnival of the Animals, adding even more depth and curiosity to your music study.

🎨 Art Studies for Creative Exploration 🎨

Each animal theme includes a beautiful art study featuring masterpieces by Van Gogh, Renoir, Audubon, and more, with background information and questions to encourage new ways of seeing art and music as a form of storytelling.

✨ Inside this Unit, You’ll Find:

Music & Art Studies for each animal-themed movement
Composer Study on Saint-Saëns
Instrument Flashcards & Stage Layouts
Carnival & Animal Cutouts for hands-on fun and creativity

Instantly download, cut out the animals, instruments, and flashcards, and start —designed for busy moms who want to enrich their homeschool with minimal extra effort. This unit is a joyful invitation to bond with your children over music and art, creating memories that go beyond the textbook. Cozy up with your little ones, press play, and let the beauty of Carnival of the Animals fill your home with music and laughter!