SPOILER ALERT: I’m about to tell you that you most definitely need to try Class Songs. I’ve become utterly convinced they really do create positive changes in the classroom-and thus-I have to share them with you!
However-this doesn’t mean you need a personality transplant if the idea doesn’t naturally appeal to you. You can still be you are do Class Songs. I’ll be here to offer lots of tricks along the way-and yes-you may have to get out of your comfort zone a time of two-but no matter who you are or what your personality may be- class songs are for YOU.
What are Class Songs?
In a nutshell-Class Songs are fun, short tunes (often set to popular music) the teacher and class sing together to build community or learning engagement. Song lyrics can be created by the class, teacher, or other teachers via sources such as Teachers Pay Teachers. Some teachers pair movements or motions with song lyrics, particularly in primary grades.
Why Would I Want to use them?
So here is where we get to the good stuff. The reasons are limitless, but four main points come to mind.
1) Singing Together Builds Community:
Music is a powerful thing. Words in songs can move and uplift us in ways lectures and work-pages cannot. When music is combined with singing together as a class-it creates something magical. The experience of singing together is both memorable and beautiful to share. It makes the class feel united in a unique way that it felt.
2) Novelty Creates Memories:
As touched on in the first tip-singing together is memorable! This is something that doesn’t happen often outside of music class. Students will look forward to the opportunity to sing in your room and will be begging to do it again!
You will also be surprised just how quickly the class picks up new songs and lyrics. Their ability to retain information via song is so much greater than their ability to remember the lesson they learned in class yesterday. The compact and rhythmic nature of songs helps support this.
3) Bang for your Buck:
Singing together takes a relatively small amount of time-but pays back in big ways! Students will be more engaged in class and more connected together, which is already a huge score. But furthermore-this is often the thing students talk about at the dinner table each night (insert chills.)
Steve Spangler, an amazing educator and presenter, once said the following at an education conference I attended; “If it gets to the dinner table, you win.” Wow. That one stuck with me. It’s an amazing thought to keep in mind as a teacher. Ask yourself “What could I do today that will make it back to the dinner table tonight?”
I’m in awe of how many times families have told me-it’s the songs they hear about. Students bringing home their lyrics and showing their families, students practicing the songs in the car, students annoying the crud out of their parents as they sing the song over and over-whew! It brings tears to my eyes (and I’m not a crier!)
How can something so small make such a big impact? It’s the magic of Class Songs.
4) Learning will Stick:
Finally, using songs with a learning focus will help students recall important information. They will be able to recall the song MUCH easier than a full lesson. Have a tricky concept students are struggling with? Make it a song. Have a unit that feels a bit lackluster? Add in a song. You’ll see the magic.
I like all of that but…
Undoubtedly, singing is more comfortable for some of us than others. Some of you will have worries, and I get it. You like the idea of all the things mentioned above…but you have personal hurdles to jump through. Below are some common anxieties I hear about and how I would answer them:
“But I have the worst signing voice.”
Despite your lack of tune-you can still teach your class a song. I promise! You don’t need an amazing voice. Class songs are not about you-they are about the class as a whole. You just have to be brave enough to start. And my advice? Do it afraid. Do it even when you feel nervous-there won’t ever be a time you feel 1000% ready. And that’s ok!
“I wouldn’t even know where to start.“
Start with what your class needs. Lacking community? Start with a morning song. Lacking engagement? Start with a learning song. Think of what songs your kids already know and love. Rewrite them with lyrics that fit what you need.
“I don’t have the time or energy to write a song.”
This one I relate to most. Writing a song can be a difficult, but it is doable (more on that at a future time perhaps.) This is where resources come into play. The teachers of the TPT community have got you covered! Buying pre-written songs is the easiest way to jump right in.
Which Resources do I pick?
Of course, I’ll have to suggest you check out my Class Songs Growing Bundle! This resource consists of two sets of songs-one for learning (best suited for 1st-3rd grade) and one for community building. The sets can be purchased separately or all in one for a discounted price.
Each song from my store comes with a video tutorial to show your class-meaning you never have to introduce a song alone! Use the videos to help you start and assist the class in finding the syncopation of the lyrics.
Additionally-I want to link two other wonderful Class Song resources not made by me. These resources are a great fit for 3rd-5th grade learning topics not covered in my learning songs. Check out Skip Counting Songs here and 3rd-5th Learning Songs here.
In Summary…
Regardless of if you choose to purchase a song set or not-I hope you now see the value Class Songs can bring to your classroom! The Magic is available to all and ready to be active in your room. Don’t miss out on it!
Ready for the next steps right now? Check out Make the Magic: How to Introduce Class Songs here!
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Hi. I downloaded the song to use for my 3rd graders to sing at our end of year celebration for their parents. When I click on the link for the Christian tutorial, it’s just a video of the kids singing the song. Is there a link to the Christian lyrics. I teach at a Catholic school and I wanted this version instead.