CHILDREN AND MUSIC
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I.Why Have a Song Time?
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A.To sing praises to God (Psalm 47:6, 7)
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B.To teach spiritual truths (Colossians 3:16)
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C.To create a prayerful atmosphere by directing thoughts toward God
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D.To unify the group in a common activity
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II.Guidelines for Choosing Songs
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A.Adequate for the age group
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B.According to the child’s spiritual development
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C.According to the objectives and main teaching of the class that day
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D.Teaching a spiritual truth
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III.Teaching a Song
It is of utmost importance that you know the words and the melody before teaching a chorus or song.
Introduction
Spark interest in the spiritual truth the song teaches. Use questions, short illustrations, puppets, etc…
Presentation
Present the music and the words together, either by singing them or having the children listen to someone else sing.
Explanation
Explain difficult words and concepts, using a visual aid.
Application
Show clearly how the song relates to the child’s life so it will have spiritual significance for the child personally.
Repetition
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1.Have the group sing the whole song several times
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2.It is not usually necessary to repeat the words without the music, unless small children are present
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3.Teach the melody precisely, correcting any errors in the words or melody immediately
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4.Avoid chaos
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5.Sing by rows
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a.Sing by groups, classes, boys, girls, etc.
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b.Have those with green school uniforms sing, those with blue uniforms, etc.
REVIEW: Review the songs. The children will remember the song if it is sung dynamically and frequently.
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IV.Song Leading
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A.Be enthusiastic
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B.Plan the song time
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C.Guide the children’s thoughts toward the message of the song by using questions or short interesting
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illustrations
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D.Allow the children to participate by singing solos, duets, etc…
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E.Lead the songs with your hands
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V.Planning the Song Time
You must prepare beforehand!
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A.Choose the songs according to:
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1.The theme
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2.Your objectives
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B.Decide the order and the time you will sing each song
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C.Songs should be spread out
Example: An exciting song before a game or a slow song before
the lesson
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D.Think through the following:
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1.How you will introduce each song
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2.How you will make a link between the song and the next schedule event
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E.Decide how the children will participate
Example: hand motions, standing or sitting, making noises, etc…