How to Get Children Singing in the Classroom
Music is an excellent educational tool. However, giving children
the confidence to express themselves through song - and finding that
confidence within yourself - can be easier said than done. These top
tips will help you to get them singing in the classroom with gusto, even
if you're not much of a musician yourself.
Before I begin, let's make one thing clear. This isn't the X Factor, and the children aren't budding Simon Cowells, poised to step in and mockingly criticise your singing ability (or lack thereof). If anything, they're more likely to judge you for not giving them the opportunity to sing themselves!
If you're nervous about singing in the classroom, don't be afraid to acknowledge this. Invite the more confident singers in your class to help you. Tell them that you weren't encouraged to develop a confidence in singing when you were younger, and that you don't want the same thing to happen to them.
Children love being given the opportunity to teach their own teachers, and this is a great way for them to consolidate their own knowledge. The less confident singers in the class will also benefit from this experience, as once they have realised that even their teacher gets nervous about singing in the classroom, they will understand that their own worries are completely natural.
Group singing activities are a fantastic opportunity for these children to find their voices in public without feeling too exposed. Once they lean that they have a safe space in which to express themselves, their confidence will grow and flourish, and you might even find that they're volunteering to sing the solo parts by the end of the school year.
Secrets of Singing in the Classroom
Before I begin, let's make one thing clear. This isn't the X Factor, and the children aren't budding Simon Cowells, poised to step in and mockingly criticise your singing ability (or lack thereof). If anything, they're more likely to judge you for not giving them the opportunity to sing themselves!
If you're nervous about singing in the classroom, don't be afraid to acknowledge this. Invite the more confident singers in your class to help you. Tell them that you weren't encouraged to develop a confidence in singing when you were younger, and that you don't want the same thing to happen to them.
Children love being given the opportunity to teach their own teachers, and this is a great way for them to consolidate their own knowledge. The less confident singers in the class will also benefit from this experience, as once they have realised that even their teacher gets nervous about singing in the classroom, they will understand that their own worries are completely natural.
Group singing activities are a fantastic opportunity for these children to find their voices in public without feeling too exposed. Once they lean that they have a safe space in which to express themselves, their confidence will grow and flourish, and you might even find that they're volunteering to sing the solo parts by the end of the school year.
Top Tips for Using Song in the Classroom
- Get your class doing vocal warm-ups beforehand to prepare their voices and get them in the mood for singing. Keep it basic: try arpeggios or 'boom chicka boom' for starters.
- Pick fun, engaging songs for primary school children to encourage them to participate and give it their all.
- Use classroom songs to supplement the curriculum, topping and tailing them with teachings and classroom activities to help children consolidate and retain the information.
- Come up with actions to go with the songs, or get the children to do this for you, as this will help them remember the lyrics and the meanings behind them.
- When you see their concentration starting to wane during class, surprise them by suddenly launching into their favourite song and encouraging them to sing along. It might seem strange, but it'll instantly boost their energy and their mood.
Bronwyn is writing on behalf of Out of the Ark.
Out of the Ark supplies a great selection of quality musical resources for children, from classroom songs to nativity plays. Visit their website to browse the full range and order online for delivery.
Out of the Ark supplies a great selection of quality musical resources for children, from classroom songs to nativity plays. Visit their website to browse the full range and order online for delivery.
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