The words are put up around the room. The children notice them as they walk in. When it is time for music, I put up the melody map out of order and ask some questions. (click on that word … Continued
If I Listen with My Heart Monthly Plan The brain craves variety, but needs repetition Repeating that one more time: the brain craves variety, but needs repetition. How can I repeat a song with the children enough times that it will go deep … Continued
Windwands are magical! Every time I bring out the windwands, there is a buzz in the room of children. They are interested. They want to participate. They want to hold the ribbons and stick in their hands. Here … Continued
How do you represent words to a child that doesn’t read? One way is Action Word Actions. A young child learns best through his body (think of learning to crawl, learning to walk, touching everything), so using his or her … Continued
There are 32 puzzle pieces put up around the room and 8 pieces of paper up at the front. I tell the children that there are lots of puzzle pieces around the room. I will tap a person on the … Continued
“Find a group of three or four friends. Every group needs an envelope.” My pianist and other adults help pass out the envelopes to each group (as well as help find a place for every child in one of the … Continued
Once you have taught this song in two or three different ways, a fun way to “review” it (without the children knowing it is a review) is to put some handbell harmony with the song as they sing. Children take … Continued
I’m not sure what is so magical about paper plate patterns and children, but children love to move to a song with paper plates! Here is an idea for Younger Children: Younger Children Pass the plates out under the teachers’ … Continued
Sway… swishing your whole arm and hands to the right. Now sway the other way to the left. “Can your hands follow my hands?” you ask the children. Begin to sing as you move and the children follow you. If … Continued
A melody is something you can’t touch or see, you can only hear! How do you help a concrete thinking child to visualize a melody? Try a melody map! Below is a melody map for If I Listen With My Heart. … Continued