Based on the story by Cedella Marley
Music & Lyrics by Bob Marley
Adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt
Additional music & lyrics by John L. Cornelius, II
Study Guide for “Three Little Birds” (ATMTC 2015/2016 National Tour)
7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Historic Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, MD. 20812
This Study Guide created by ATMTC March 2013/January 2015
Three Little Birds
“Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright.” - Bob Marley, Three Little Birds
January 2015
Dear Teachers,
Get ready to experience the most lovingly nurtured creation to touch the theatrical stage this year in Three
Little Birds, inspired by the music of Bob Marley, written for children to enjoy by his daughter, Cedella and
adapted for the stage by our own Michael J. Bobbitt. The story of little Ziggy, who is trepidatious to step
beyond the reach of his front doorstep and experience life, provides a strong backdrop for the themes of the
play: friendship, love, and self confidence.
As we work with our students towards understanding these sometimes intangible concepts, we find that
Ziggy’s story offers much to teach, both about larger life concepts as well as the immersive and positive
culture of a country different than our own and the music of a man whose opus was and is arguably a major
catalyst for social change, love, and peace.
The information in Section 1 of this Study Guide includes discussion topics and points that been designed
for you to share with your students before seeing our show; Section 2 contains lessons, activities and
exercises for use in your classroom, along with their associated State Curriculum Standards, and Section
3 includes all the Study Guide answer keys, as well as a Study Guide Evaluation form. I would be most
pleased if you would take a moment to tell us how we are doing in preparing these guides for you!
As you work through this study guide with your students, both before and after the show, feel the love, as
we have, for this production, its beauty and life affirming credo.
Onwards and Upwards!
Kathryn Hnatio Vicere
Education Director, Adventure Theatre MTC
Adventure Theatre MTC’s Showtime Rules
Before coming to see the show you may want to prepare your students for the experience by going over the
basic rules of theatre etiquette.

Please remain settled and seated during the performance. Remember, the actors on stage can hear you!
And, no feet on the seats! Of course, laughter and applause at appropriate times are always appreciated!

Please leave all candy, food and drinks (including water) outside of the theatre. Eating during a performance is very distracting and can get messy!

Because the theatre will be dark during the performance, please use the restroom before the show! If it is
an emergency, alert an usher, teacher or chaperone who will help you leave and re-enter the theatre.

Please turn off all cell phones and electronic devices that might interfere with theatre equipment and everyone’s enjoyment of the performance.

After the show, please follow your teachers’ instructions- the bus might not be in the same place it
dropped you off!
Pre-Show Discussion Topics
Before seeing the show, engage in one of the following discussions:
1. A Duppy is a character in Jamaican folklore who is seen as an evil spirit. What kinds of spirits
can you think of that might be similar to a Duppy?
2. What do you think it would be like to live on a tropical island? What is the weather like? What
kinds of things could you do every day for fun?
3. (If exposing students to Bob Marley’s music) How does Bob Marley’s music make you feel? Do
you feel sad or happy? Does the music make you want to dance or would you rather sit still?
Vocabulary
All Grades: Feel the rhythm of Jamaica! Add these words from Three Little Birds to your
vocabulary this week. Create definitions with your students and use each in a sentence.
Reggae
mongoose
paradise
crumpets
tourist
hurricane
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
Who is Bob Marley?
Bob Marley wrote the song “Three Little Birds” that inspired the play we are going to see on stage.
Robert “Bob” Nesta Marley was a famous singer and musician, who performed a style of music
called Reggae. Through his music, Bob Marley spread messages of peace, unity and love to the
world. His music and lyrics share these three ideas.
Marley was born in 1945 in a small village in Jamaica. His mother was Jamaican and his father was
Caucasian. As a small child, Marley was bullied by his peers because of his mixed racial
background. The bullying he received had an impact on the music he wrote as an adult: Marley
wrote often about loving all people, showing kindness and being peaceful towards others.
In 1976, as Marley became known worldwide, he left Jamaica to tour his music and spread his
messages of love. He toured for many years sharing his music and his message. He died at the age
of 36 and was given a state funeral in Jamaica– a very high honor. He continues to be a very
important influence on modern music.
What is Reggae?
Reggae music typically has a slower tempo than pop or rock music. Reggae uses guitar, piano, and
snare drums, and horns as its main instruments. The emphasis of reggae music is in it’s syncopation
and melodic bass lines.
Who is Anansi?
Anansi is a fictional character in Caribbean folklore. She is typically talked about in oral fables as a
spider, playing tricks on those she meets and is considered to be the voice of wisdom and strength.
The Anansi stories are shared as a way to teach children and adults about overcoming a difficulty or
hardship through self-reliance and strategy.
Who is Duppy?
Duppy is a Jamaican word meaning ghost or spirit. Much of Caribbean folklore revolves around
duppies. Duppies are generally regarded as trickster and evil spirits.
What is Jamaica?
Jamaica is an island and a country in the Caribbean that lies about 90 miles south of Cuba in the
Atlantic Ocean. Jamaica is the fifth-largest island country in the Caribbean. The climate in Jamaica
is tropical, with hot and humid weather. The majority of Jamaica's population is of African descent.
The official language of Jamaica is English.
Music Connection/ELA Lesson: Reggae Music
INTRODUCTION
There are many varieties of music in today’s world. In the musical Three Little Birds, the Reggae music of Bob Marley
is used to tell the story of a boy named Ziggy as he gains the courage to experience life, friendship and love within the
framework of Jamaican culture.
LESSON OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to distinguish Reggae Music by sound, and tell the difference between Reggae and other
kinds of musical genres.

Students will be able to identify country of origin and main musical instruments in Reggae music.

Students will develop listening and response skills to music.
MATERIALS

Reggae music worksheet and sound clips of Reggae and instruments: Suggested media: YouTube
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
The teacher will (TTW) lead students in a class discussion about their favorite types of music.
TTW ask why students like that style of music. What kinds of instruments do they hear? Is the music fast or slow?
Happy or sad? What makes the styles different? Is it instruments, what the songs are about, who sings or writes the
music, or where the music comes from?
TTW explain that it is the combination of ALL those factors that make a musical style special. Today we are going to
learn all about Reggae music!
1) TTW will play examples of Reggae Music. I.e. Bob Marley’s “One Love”.
2) TTW ask the students to discuss what they like about the music and what makes it special or different.
3) TTW pass out “Reggae Music” sheet. As the sheet is reviewed, TTW play examples of the instruments pictured.
TTW identify the instruments as they are played and have students discuss what they sound like, how they change the
music, or how they make them feel: i.e.: “The guitar makes the music sound happy, like I want to dance.”
4) TTW pass out the “New Music Style” worksheet. TTW choose a different style of music and play clips of it for students : (Ex. Folk Music, Famous Artist Willie Nelson or Classical Music, Famous Artist Bach). Using the musical clips
TTW guide students through the worksheet.
5) The students will (TSW) discuss the differences between the new music style and Reggae.
CLOSING
TSW engage in discussions about what kind of music they would play for different situations, like when they want to
relax, or go on a car ride, etc. TTW encourage students to listen to many kinds of music.
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
New Music Style!
What is the name of this new music style?
Where does this music come from?
Draw pictures of the most important instruments in this style.
THINK ABOUT IT:
How is this music different from Reggae? How is it the same?
REGGAE MUSIC
Where does this music come from?
Jamaica
What are the main instruments in Reggae?
Bass Guitar
Horns
Snare Drum
Who is the most famous Reggae musician?
Bob Marley
Social Studies/ELA Connection: Travel to Jamaica!
INTRODUCTION
In Three Little Birds, Ziggy explores outside of his rural village in Jamaica and gets to see the wonderful culture
of Jamaica. Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean and a popular tourist destination.
LESSON OBJECTIVES



Students will be able to define tourism and tourists.
Students will learn about Jamaica and its culture.
Students will create an advertisement to encourage tourists to come to Jamaica.
MATERIALS



Jamaica Brochure
Blank paper and art supplies
Magazine ads from travel magazines (optional)
LAUNCHING THE LESSON
The teacher will (TTW) remind students about the Jamaican setting of Three Little Birds. TTW define tourism
and tourists, explaining that tourists visit Jamaica for many reasons, including the beautiful scenery, tropical
weather, and vibrant culture. One way tourists choose where they will go on vacation is though advertisements.
TTW explain that today, the students will (TSW) imagine that they work at a travel and tourism magazine. It is
their job to create a advertisement that will encourage people to travel to Jamaica.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
1) TTW hand out the Jamaica Brochure and review the information aloud with students.
2) TTW show the student examples of print advertising from real magazines.* (Optional)
3) Based on the information in the brochure, information taken from the play Three Little Birds, and any other
research source, TSW pick a main idea and supporting details for their advertisement .
4) TSW use their answers to create an advertisement for tourists to come to Jamaica. TTW encourage
students to think about what will make people want to read their ad: Is it neat? Colorful? Does it give useful
information?
CLOSING
TSW “pitch” their advertisement to class, describing why they picked their specific focus for their advertisement.
Why do they think that will make people come to Jamaica? Give evidence from their advertisement to support
their answer.
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
Use the information in this brochure to create your own advertisement for Jamaica.
Jamaica is a tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean.
The weather is warm and the oceans are
beautiful
Cattawood Springs– A
Mongoose– On your visit
small settlement, that is
to Jamaica, you will most
like an American town,
likely see one of these
this village is a huge hit with
furry wild animals. They
tourists! Many people live there
look a little bit like ferrets,
and there is easy access to the but don’t touch them! They are
port where the ships come in to definitely not as tame and
deliver food, supplies and
friendly!
visitors.
Reggae music is fun to dance to and can
be heard all over the island!
Dr. Bird– The swallow
tail hummingbird is
one of many pretty
birds on the island.
This bird is called Dr. Bird by the
local people and is Jamaica’s
National Bird. Make sure to see
one while you are on the island!
Plantains look a lot like bananas, but
are more firm on the inside. These fruits
are delicious fried– try one today!
The most popular regA Duppy is a folklore
Anansi is another
gae music was written
character who is an
folklore character
and performed by Bob
evil spirit, like a
who is usually a girl
Marley, who lived on
ghost. A Duppy is like and presented as a spider. She
the island and is fathe big bad wolf in
likes to play tricks on people!
mous around the world for his American stories.
music.
Math Connection: Rhythm
INTRODUCTION
Reggae music is characterized by specific musical rhythms. In order to fully understand these rhythms, students must first understand basic rhythm and musical counting.
LESSON OBJECTIVES



Students will be able to define rhythm.
Students will be able to recognize and count different rhythms.
Students will understand how numbers and music relate through counting.
MATERIALS


Rhythm sheet
Drum (optional)
LAUNCHING THE LESSON
The teacher will (TTW) remind students that the musical Three Little Birds was based on the Reggae Music
of Bob Marley. TTW define Reggae music, explaining that Reggae has a specific kind of rhythm. TTW play
an example of Reggae. (suggested link to Bob Marley’s music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=zaGUr6wzyT8. TTW explain that music follows a beat and will count the beat, clapping or drumming on
each note. Songs are made up of different kinds of rhythms. In this song, each measure of music has 4
beats. TTW explain that one “measure” of music is 4 beats. You can make combinations of notes that add
up to 4.
TTW explain that today, the students will (TSW) learn about how to count rhythms and create their own.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
1) TTW hand out the Rhythm Sheet.
2) TTW demonstrate each different note value, by clapping and counting aloud. TSW repeat and demonstrate as necessary. TTW use techniques of call and response, question and answer to ensure understanding of counting and beats.
3) TSW practice adding note values using the Rhythm worksheet.
4) TSW create 1-2 measures of music based on the 4 note values on the Rhythm worksheet. TSW share
their rhythms with the class, counting and clapping.
CLOSING
TTW pick different student to stand next to each other and clap their rhythms in time, creating a longer
“song.” Have students experiment with clapping different rhythms at the same time, or performing rhythms at
different speeds.
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
NOTE VALUES
Quarter Note
Dotted Half Note
Half Note
= 3 Beats
= 2 Beats
= 1 Beat
Whole Note
= 4 Beats
1 Measure has 4 Beats. You can make a measure in different ways.
= 1 Measure
1 + 1
+ 1 + 1
=
= 1 Measure
4 beats
2
+
2
= 4 beats
= 1 Measure
3
+
1
= 1 Measure
4
= 4 beats
+
0
= 4 beats
Practice making measure by solving the math problems. Fill in the blank with a number or a note!
3
+
1
___ + ___ +
2
+
= ____
2
2
____ +
= 4
1
= 4
1 +
0
+
1
3
+ 1 +
= 4
___
= 4
4
1 = 4
+
+
__
____
= 4
0
= ___
+ 1 + 1
= 4
Using what you know about Jamaica from Three Little Birds, color the picture. Add your own characters
or characters from the play. Have fun!
Name:_________________________________________________________
Help Ziggy escape Duppy and make his way home!
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
Directions: Put the words in alphabetical order.
Jamaica
Anansi
Cattawood Springs
Duppy
Mongoose
Reggae
Bird
Plantain
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
Below are some terms used in the musical Three Little Birds. Use the brochure about Jamaica and
match the words with their definitions by writing the letter of the correct definition next to the word.
1.
Duppy
a.
A Jamaican fruit, similar to a banana
2.
Jamaica
b.
A type of music
3.
Bob Marley
c.
A Jamaican settlement
4.
Anansi
d.
A folklore character who is a trickster
5.
Cattawood Springs
e.
An animal that looks like a ferret
6.
Plantain
f.
A folklore character who is an evil spirit
7.
Dr. Bird
g.
A tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean
8.
Reggae
h.
The nickname of Jamaica's National Bird,
the Swallow-Tail Hummingbird
9.
Mongoose
i.
A famous musician
J.
The main character in the play Three Little
Birds, who is a little boy afraid to explore
his island home.
10.
Ziggy
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
Definition Match
Alphabet Order Worksheet
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
Curriculum Standards Index
page 3
Vocabulary
All
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
W. (K-3).4
pages 4-6
Reggae Music
K-3
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
W. (K-3).7
pages 4-6
Reggae Music
K-3
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
W. (K-3). 8
pages 4-6
Reggae Music
K-3
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
SL. (K-3).1
pages 4-6
Reggae Music
K-3
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
SL. (K-3).2
pages 4-6
Reggae Music
K-3
National Arts Standards
Responding: Anchor Standard 9
MU: Re9.1.K-3
pages 4-6
Reggae Music
K-3
National Arts Standards
Responding: Anchor Standard 7
MU:Re7.2.K-3
pages 4-6
Travel to Jamaica!
2-5
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
RI. (2-5).2
pages 7-8
Travel to Jamaica!
2-5
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
RI. (2-5).7
pages 7-8
Travel to Jamaica!
2-5
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
W. (2-5).8
pages 7-8
Travel to Jamaica!
3-5
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
W.(3-5).1.A
pages 7-8
Travel to Jamaica!
2-5
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy
SL.(2-5).4
pages 7-8
Travel to Jamaica!
2-5
National Arts Standards
Creating: Anchor Standard 2
VA:Cr2.2-5a
pages 10-11
Rhythm
K
Common Core Standards
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT
K.CC.B.4
pages 10-11
Rhythm
K
Common Core Standards
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT
pages 10-11
Rhythm
1
Common Core Standards
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT
page 12
Color an Island
K-3
National Arts Standards
Creating: Anchor Standard 2
page 13
Maze
K-3
Common Core Standards
CCSS.Math.Practice
MP1
page 14
Alphabetical Order
2-5
Common Core Standards
CSS.ELA-Literacy
L.(1-5).5.B
Page 15
Definition Match
2-5
Common Core Standards
CSS/ELA-Literacy
RI.(2-5).4
Study Guide prepared for Three Little Birds by Adventure Theatre MTC March 2013/Edited for National Tour January 2015.
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