So, you like the idea of Class Songs and you’re sold on why they are so important, BUT, you need some help getting started. Maybe you’ve tried a few songs and feel a bit lost, or perhaps you have a song resource but have yet to use it. Sound familiar? If so-this blog post is for you!
In case you missed it…
Using Class Songs is an incredibly powerful tool your classroom needs! My last blog post covers the why of using songs-regardless of your musical abilities. You’ll also find helpful resources you can use in your class. If you missed it-read that post first here.
Ready to Roll….
Now you’re ready. You’ve found a song you want to teach your class. But…what do you do first?! There are four things I do every time I introduce a new song to my students. Think of them as your “Class Songs Checklist to Success!” Below I’ll break down each step in detail:
1) Get Excited!
Of all the steps-this is the most important one. Your students will feed off the energy YOU give! If you come bearing a new song with embarrassment-your kids will know. They can sniff it when you’re not into it. Thus, you’ve got to fake it till you make it here!
Show your class level 10 excitement and expect to get back a 7-9. Yes- there may be a few who give back a lot less-and that’s ok! Aim for the majority.
I like to do this by saying “Today I have some exciting news…we’re learning a NEW class song! Do you want me to show it to you?!” You could also do this by saying “We’re going to learn a new song, let’s see who knows the original tune…” followed by playing the karaoke track (if applicable.)
Students will eat up the opportunity to do something different and new when YOU lead the way. If you present it as gold-they’ll be much more interested than if you present it as metal. 😉
2) Model Model Model your Class Songs
Another crucial step-your class needs to hear the song in action before they can be expected to sing it! This is how students catch the rhythm and flow.
There are a few ways to do this. For the confident of heart-sing it yourself! This is what I do when introducing brand new songs I have just written. My kids listen as I walk through the lyrics and then I go back and talk them through slowly.
Does the thought of that make you want to gag? Then have a video tutorial ready to display! Students need to HEAR how the song should sound before they try it-but they don’t have to hear it from you in person. You could also record yourself or another student/friend singing the song.
I know many teachers prefer having video tutorials for new songs-so this is something I provide in the Class Songs Growing Bundle! Many say it makes their life easier to play the video each time the class practices the song, up until the class has the song down.
3) Give the Lyrics to Class Songs
This helps with memorization SO much! Seeing the lyrics on a screen and on paper helps cement the concepts for students. Personally, I print and pass out lyrics on the first day with a new song. I also display a slide with the lyrics and karaoke music linked so it plays automatically each time the slide is pulled up.
Bonus: It’s so sweet when students bring printed lyrics home and show their families! I love when families tell me about how many times they’ve heard our class song at home. 😉
Even if you work with pre-readers, I’d still recommend this tip! Though not as beneficial, students will still learn how to track words on a line and may be able to recognize sight words you work on.
4) Keep it Short
We all know too much of a good thing is BAD. Don’t let the class song become exhausting! Learning something new takes time. Practice in small chunks (no longer than 10 minutes) over a week of time. Your students will have it down soon!
Below is a typical week’s process for introducing a class song in my room. Use it as a guideline for what things can look like in your classroom. Adapt it to fit your needs!
| M | Model the song several times. Talk through the lyrics with no music. Practice first section through chorus several times without and then with the music (no motions created yet.) | |
| T | Talk through lyrics again. Collaboratively create motions for first section through chorus. Practice with and without music several times through. | |
| W | Review motions and lyrics for first chunk. Practice with music. Talk through and collaboratively creative motions for the next section through end of song. Practice with and without music several times. | |
| T | Practice all lyrics and motions with and without music twice. Talk through rough spots if needed. | |
| F | Sing the song all the way through! Go over rough or confusing parts if needed. |
In Summary…
Start strong by showing excitement, modeling, and sharing the lyrics. From there, take things little by little in small doses of time. Following all these steps is sure to make the magic of class songs come alive in your classroom! Have other questions? Write them below! Class Songs are my jam, and I’m happy to share all the tips with you.
Additional posts you might enjoy:
Leave a Reply