How to Teach a Song to Children

What's the science behind teaching kids to sing a song? Teachers interested in integrating the arts into their classrooms frequently ask us some variation of this question. This article provides a step-by-step sequence for teaching a song in the classroom. There is a basic and more brief sequence presented at the top of the article, and a "whole-part-whole" method at the bottom.

The Basics to Teaching a Song

1. Students connect the song to their own experiences, a culture, or something they are learning about.

2. Before singing the song, students hear the whole song (4-5 times) with directed listening, playing, or movement activities. Read the blog"What Can I Do with a Folk Song?"

3. Students may sing part of the song every time it occurs.

4. Play singing games as students become familiar with the song.

5. Add body percussion and instruments.

6. Include movement.

7. Extend learning by having students identify or create form, discover patterns and sequences, count, group, read or write lyrics, make connections to other cultures or classroom subjects.

The Whole-Part-Whole Method for Song Instruction

It should be noted that "whole song" refers to a simple song that includes a lot of repetition and a recurring, obvious form. For more complex songs, use the "whole song" method with just one section of the piece. It is not necessary to start at the beginning of a song. Begin where students will experience the most success. Adapt your teaching strategies to match the requirements of the song. The structure and demands of different songs might require different teaching strategies.

Whole

1. Let the children hear the song a few (or many!) times before they are called upon to sing the song.
2. With each hearing direct students' listening or have them engage in some of the ideas listed on the "What Can I Do with a Folk Song?" blog.
3. After they have heard the song 4-5 times, the children sing the entire song if it is a short simple song, or join in singing one phrase, verse, or the refrain of the song whenever it occurs. It is not necessary to start teaching the beginning of the song. Teach just one main section or part of the song. Providing picture or word cues, lyrics, or sheet music can be helpful, but isn't necessary.

Part

4. Define vocabulary words, review difficult phrases, practice melodic intervals, strengthen insecure parts, and correct any sections where students are making errors.
5. If students have only learned one part of the song, teach the other parts of the song adding one part at a time until they know the entire song.

Whole

6. Sing it DIFFERENTLY every time by adding various elements such as body percussion, instruments, or movement. Vary dynamics and/or tempo. Add rhythmic ostinatos with non-pitched percussion or body percussion. Play harmonic accompaniments on boomwhackers, bells, Orff instruments, or ukuleles. Divide the song into sections and have a different group sing each section, line, verse, or part. Students may sit or stand. Teach them how to conduct the meter of the song as they sing. Be creative and have fun!

7. After experiencing the song many different ways, students may help determine how to most effectively perform it. When practicing to perform, concentrate on consistency in tempo, dynamics, conducting cues, breathing, pronunciation, etc. Emphasize in-tune singing and good vocal tone. The time to sing it the SAME way every time is when students are practicing to perform a song.