The moment of singing

 

It is also a way of memorizing the Word of God. Moreover, this moment when we sing together brings us closer to each other. We find that while singing can be enjoyed by some children, it is not the case for others at all. Let’s look at possible causes and the solutions we can provide.

beat hands

 

Let’s make this moment of the session joyful and full of life. Children love rhythm, they like to move and express themselves with their bodies. In this way, they can release their energy in a framed and positive way.

Let’s choose the songs according to the age of the children: the little ones like the songs with gestures, the big steps at all. Maybe they’ll prefer adults’. Let’s go the style: recollection, praise, consecration, account of biblical stories, verses set to music, fun songs …

The lack of instrumental accompaniment can weigh on the timing of the songs. We would soon tire of singing hymns, at our adult meetings, without the support of the musicians. Today’s children are immersed in a musical environment like never before. It is therefore preferable that their songs be accompanied by:

childguitare

 

The best-suited instrument is undoubtedly the guitar, because it gives not only the tone, but also the rhythm and it leaves the possibility for the instructor to sing and direct. You can play sitting or standing, and even moving. It can be taken anywhere and it does not require installation. It is not a difficult tool to learn, but it requires training and perseverance.
Music bands can help, but sometimes it’s hard to sing in the imposed rhythm.
You can ask musicians from the church to come, for example in turn, to accompany the children. Is children’s time less important than that of adults? No, because this is where the weakest of the church prepare to become pillars tomorrow.
Preteens, out of shyness or because their voices are muted, no longer want to sing. Let us avoid putting them uncomfortable and coercing them. Let’s try to find out what they would like to sing and how. They can also be included in a group of means, often more enthusiastic for singing, or in the choir or in the church singing group.

Occasionally, one can comment very briefly on a song, but be careful not to over-detract from the children’s listening capital which is very short!

 

 

Teaching children a song

Here are some tips that will allow you to succeed in this learning without difficulty and with precision.

Preparing for learning

  • Know the song perfectly.
  • Find the right tempo and tone for children.
  • Distribute the score to the musicians.
  • Write the lyrics on a removable medium or a video projection, in cursive writing, i.e. attached (avoid script or capital), because it is the easiest to read for all children.
  • Start learning without an instrument or with melody only
  • Make sure that the children are attentive, and explain to them we can only repeat well if we have listened well.
  • Place the intonations and gestures now, if they are simple (otherwise let them learn in a second time).
  • If some lyrics are difficult to pronounce, practice articulating them in rhythm slowly without singing at first, then add the melody.
  • The monitor alone sings once the entire song (or the first stanza and chorus) to give a general overview, with gestures if necessary, and instrumental accompaniment if possible.
  • The monitor alone and without music sings the first sentence 3 times, without pausing, while the children listen attentively.
  • Repeat the children alone twice.
  • Do the same with the second sentence.
  • Sing the 2 sentences learned alone, then have them repeated by the children.
  • Continue this way without trying to skip steps.
  • When all the singing is known, we can use a musical accompaniment.

If the singing is long, you can do it several times. It is better to work hard and short than to arrive at the demobilization of children.

Tip to start a song

Before the children start singing, hum the beginning of the first sentence with the right rhythm and tone; and then give the start. So the children will know on what note and on what rhythm to sing.